Logistics

Logistics is the end-to-end process from point of order through manufacture to storage and distribution. Within this process is a myriad of pressures, constraints and demands that all require effective management. Logistics within the retail environment can put great pressure on people and processes, especially during periods of high demand such as Christmas and summer when the supply chain is stretched.

One of the key attractions of the distribution industry is that it’s all about people. You could be dealing with warehousemen, clerks, supervisors, managers, drivers and customers all within the same day.

Hours can be long but the rewards are great in terms of job satisfaction and career progression for those who excel. During a training scheme you can expect to work for long periods away from home. You may also be expected to work on different shifts, especially when learning and experiencing the processes involved in warehousing.

Starting out in retail logistics

Most graduates enter the industry via a retailer's management training scheme. At the end of your training you will be given the opportunity to express your preferred area of work – this may be in warehouse or transport management or within a support function. However, there is no ‘magic wand’ that will guarantee you a management role straight away – it very much depends on how you have performed during your training period and whether the right opportunities arise. Of course, your career progression will be enhanced if you remain as flexible as possible, particularly with regards to working location.

'The distribution industry is all about people. You could be dealing with warehousemen, clerks, supervisors, managers, drivers and customers all within the same day.'

Once on the management ladder then it is all about hard work and gaining as much experience as possible. After my training I gained the position of chilled food warehouse manager. Within three years I was running a distribution centre with over 200 staff. Three years later I was promoted to regional operations manager and was responsible for 2,000 people. Today I am leading a major change programme involving a total review of our physical distribution network, servicing over 3,500 retail stores.

Skills for graduate logistics jobs in the retail sector

If you are willing to work hard, can get on with people at all levels and can be as flexible as possible then a career in any part of logistics could be extremely rewarding.

Mark Leonard is head of logistics network development at Co-operative Retail Logistics (The Co-operative Group).