Why choose a career in logistics and supply chain management?

Vital for keeping the wheels of industry turning, especially in the retail sector, logistics and supply chain management professionals are in high demand. Learn more about the skills and qualifications you'll need to succeed

Why choose logistics and supply chain management?

Delivering products and services at the right time, right place, right cost, and at the right quantity and quality is at the heart of logistics and supply chain management and in the retail sector, perfect order deliveries, customer responsiveness and cost efficiency are key competitive priorities.

Every retail organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there are multiple opportunities for employment.

'In a recent Forbes article, it was estimated that 37% of all jobs are situated within the supply chain,' explains Scott Parfitt, senior lecturer on the BSc Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management course at the University of South Wales. 'Moreover, a survey from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals stated that approximately 64% of companies are experiencing a supply chain talent gap.'

'Supply chains design, manufacture and deliver every product we consume, from the mobile phone in your pocket, to the clothes you're wearing and food on your plate. If it's not on the shelves, it cannot be sold.'

Do I need a logistics degree?

Logistics and distribution/supply chain manager jobs are open to all graduates although you'll find that more employers are seeking graduates with a specific degree in logistics, transport or supply chain management.

'Being qualified within the discipline will help accelerate your career, a degree that is professionally accredited by a professional body such as The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is very desirable for employers,' says Scott.

For example, the three-year (four if you incorporate an industrial/sandwich placement) BSc Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the University of South Wales is accredited by CIPS. Core modules include People, Work and Society, Principles of Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Retail and Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, Logistics and Material Management, Strategic Procurement and Commercial Relationships and Supply Chain Management Risk and Sustainability. You'll need three C's at A-level for entry onto the course. In 2024/25 tuition fees for full-time UK students are £9,000.

'We encourage a sandwich year in industry,' says Scott. 'We are lucky to have established fantastic industry partners such as the Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, NHS Shared Services and Crown Commercial Services. Most sandwich year students go on to work part time at these organisations during their final year and most secure full-time employment prior to graduation.'

With the demand for highly skilled graduates rising there are a variety of Masters courses on offer to meet this need. Whether your first degree is in an unrelated subject, or you'd just like to further your knowledge, qualifications of this nature could give you the edge when trying to secure a logistics or supply chain job.

The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Cranfield University School of Management takes one year to study full time. The course is accredited by both CIPS and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and requires a good first or second class (2:1) honours degree in a relevant discipline for entry. Compulsory modules include:

• Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainability
• Principles of Strategic Procurement
• Inventory and Operations Management
• Freight Transport
• Information Systems and eBusiness
• Warehousing.

You'll also choose three elective modules from a set list, one of the options including Retail Logistics, which aims to provide an overview of the breadth of retail logistics operations in modern retail organisations.

In 2024/25 the tuition fee for UK students is £15,475, for international students its considerably more at £31,150.

You can study similar Masters degrees at a range of institutions. Search for postgraduate courses in logistics and supply chain management.

If you're looking for an alternative to university you can study for a logistics or supply chain apprenticeship. Logistics operations apprenticeships are available at intermediate (Level 2) and advanced (Level 3) and lead to careers as logistics operatives and logistics operation leaders/supervisors.

Supply chain management schemes are available at advanced and higher level and result in careers in supply chain management, supply chain control and international procurement management. To find out which employers offer such schemes, see retail apprenticeships.

What skills do I need?

People with inquisitiveness and a desire to understand patterns and trends within data are particularly employable. You'll also need:

• commercial awareness
• skills in simulation, modelling and forecasting
• technical skills in mathematics, statistics, and operational research
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to think on your feet when under pressure
• the capacity to respond to new situations in a calm and considered way
• negotiation skills.

Scott also highlights that skills in relationship management, communication, influencing and leadership are needed.

Successful candidates need to understand the increasingly complex technical aspects of supply chains and be able to communicate these to non-technical colleagues and customers in a clear and succinct way. Discover how to get a job in online retail.

Additionally, language skills may be an advantage when working in global networks. For an idea of in-demand soft skills, see what skills do employers want?

For a career in logistics or supply chain management you'll also need to be committed to continuing professional development (CPD). Throughout your career you'll be expected to develop your knowledge and skills by participating in training courses, presenting at conferences, and attending networking events.

Membership of a professional organisation such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or the CILT is advantageous and demonstrates a commitment to the profession. Membership also provides access to several professional qualifications and training courses, which can contribute to your CPD.

What careers are on offer?

'Simply put, there's a supply and demand problem when it comes to talent,' says Scott. 'Employment levels are currently at their lowest since the 1970s, and recent economic volatility is creating nervousness in the market around moving or changing roles. This is creating a bidding war for talent.'

With this in mind jobs upon graduation are plentiful. It's likely that you'll gain an overview of the profession before specialising - and then progress to more senior positions.

Employers include third party logistics companies, organisations that sell directly to consumers (retailers and supermarkets) and logistics consultancies.

Graduates can also pursue a career in:

• supply chain design and planning
• procurement and supply management
• freight transportation
• warehouse design and management
• distribution network design and planning
• inventory management and control.

For example graduates of Cranfield have gone on to careers as buyers, supply chain analysts, logistics managers and supply chain operations managers at companies such as Airbus, Adidas, Lidl, BMW Group, HelloFresh, Heineken and Unilever.

Can I do a logistics graduate scheme?

Within the retail sector a number of big-name companies offer graduate schemes in logistics, supply chain and distribution.

Department store Harrods provides a 12-month distribution scheme for those with a passion for retail logistics. You'll gain an insight into shop floor functions and supply chain operations. You'll also complete a management training programme.

Morrisons accept graduates with a 2:2 onto its two-year logistics programme, where participants get to explore every aspect of international supply chains from forecasting, distribution planning and working in distribution sites, to merchandising and space planning for products.

Find out more about retail graduate schemes.

To catch the attention of employers you'll need to show some experience of logistics and supply chains, either through previous or part-time work in the retail sector, industrial placements on your course, or through internships and work experience. Demonstrating strong commercial awareness and knowledge of the company will also stand you in good stead. Enthusiasm and attention to detail will also set you apart from the competition.

Find out more

• Gain an insight into the retail sector.
• Find out more about the transport and logistics sector.