Operations managers manage supply chains on a day to day basis, ensuring they are operating effectively. The role of an operations manager is to manage the logistics process and ensure that warehouses and transport are managed effectively. Their role involves managing a team of staff and managing a budget. The key to delivering customer service is managing customer expectations.
This difference is very important in the environment of a logistics operation, where even a slight delay, increase in costs or disruption can have a very negative effect on the performance of the operation.
Strong Organisational Skills
Organisation is key to a good manager in the operations of logistics. There are many shipments, teams, suppliers and deadlines that need to be managed. Any mistake could have serious consequences.
These skills will enable the manager of logistics operations to manage various tasks, and link all the parts of a logistics operation together. This will enable the manager of logistics operations to ensure that the correct resources are used to complete any task, and to set realistic time scales for completion. A manager of logistics operations must also have the ability to recognise any problems before they become major problems.
A logistics operations manager will monitor the operational activities of a department or function, ensure that they are working efficiently, effectively and in line with established processes and that they are achieving targets and objectives.
The Ability to Solve Problems Quickly
Things can go wrong at the last minute, a vehicle can break down on the way to a delivery, shipments can be delayed. Effective logistics operations managers don’t get involved in problems as they arise. Instead, they assess the impact that the problem is having and come up with solutions to get things back to normal. This could involve introducing processes to deal with problems on a long term basis.
It’s not just to deal with the problems as they occur. Many problems are recurring problems within an operation. A great manager is able to recognise these problems and solve the root cause of them in order to improve his operation in the long run.
Excellent Communication
Communication between all parties is crucial. As the logistics operations manager you will deal with warehouse employees, drivers, freight forwarders, customers, senior management and with suppliers and services providers.
In terms of communication, logistics operations managers have to communicate a lot of information regarding tasks and instructions to achieve goals and objectives, and are involved with a lot of people and organisations, as there are a lot of parties involved in the process of a shipment.
Not only is the ability to communicate effectively vital to the role of a manager but also the ability to listen to employees and to understand their concerns and suggestions. This will enable the manager to identify areas of the operation that can be improved and to put into place measures to tackle any problems.
Effective Leadership
As well as coordinating the shipments of a number of customers and checking numbers, the operations manager of logistics will also manage a number of staff and aim to create an environment in which they can work effectively.
They set clear expectations and support their staff where necessary, and also ensure that everyone in the operation is held accountable for their actions. Decisions will often need to be taken quickly, possibly with limited information. Occasional difficult decisions will also need to be taken.
Commercial Awareness
Understanding the costs of transport, a warehouse, staff and inventory is crucial to any changes to the operations and how they will impact on the company’s overall profitability. These are the key performance indicators for the manager of logistics operations and therefore need to be understood in full.
Commercial awareness of the costs of running a logistics operation and of the key performance indicators that measure how effective that operation is key to great logistics managers. They understand that the cheapest option is not always the best, as it may compromise on service quality.
Confidence Using Data and Technology
The volumes of data produced within modern logistics are processed by transport management systems, warehouse management systems and reporting tools. In turn, successful managers are able to use information in order to support their respective decisions.
This does not mean that they have to be experts in all of the different systems but they need to have sufficient knowledge to be able to use the reporting tools and understand the trends in performance. Additionally, they need to have sufficient knowledge and understanding to be able to see how technology can be used to improve processes.
As more automation and digital platforms are introduced into the industry of logistics, future managers of logistics operations will require greater technical knowledge and the ability to adapt to changes in processes and systems.
Adaptability and Resilience
Supply chains are constantly changing due to a variety of factors, such as economic change, fluctuating customer demand, staffing issues and international disruption.
Some supply chains can change rapidly and the best way to deal with these changes is to be able to adapt to them. The role of a logistics operations manager can be demanding at times, however, a great manager is able to think clearly and make decisions at times when there are several problems occurring at the same time.
Finding the Right Logistics Leadership Talent
With few individuals having the full range of skills to operate effectively as a logistics operations manager, typically experienced logistics practitioners are promoted into management roles.
Logistics leaders are needed to manage staff and improve the performance of an operation. If you are looking for recruitment support, please contact Alchemy GTS today.
