How to Hire a Logistics Manager in FMCG

Logistics Managers in FMCG are responsible for the physical movement of products — from production site or co-manufacturer to distribution centre, and from DC to retailer. They manage 3PL relationships, transport costs, warehouse operations, and ensure customer service levels are met at the lowest possible cost.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day 3PL and carrier relationships, monitoring KPIs and resolving service failures
• Own transport cost budget, identifying and delivering efficiency savings through route optimisation and carrier tendering
• Oversee warehouse operations — stock accuracy, pick & pack efficiency, and returns management
• Ensure OTIF targets are met, root-causing failures and implementing corrective actions
• Manage import and export documentation, customs compliance, and duty drawback processes
• Conduct logistics tenders and supplier selection for distribution contracts
• Ensure health, safety, and food safety standards are maintained across all logistics operations
• Support supply chain projects — new DC onboarding, international expansion, system migrations

Logistics roles near large distribution hubs (Northampton, Milton Keynes, Coventry) are in high demand. Shift patterns and on-call duties are common and often reflected in enhanced packages.

• Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Operations Management
• CPC National Certificate for transport management (beneficial)
• IOSH Managing Safely
• WMS experience (Manhattan, SAP EWM)

Prioritise these signals when reviewing applications for Logistics Manager roles:

• ✓ 3PL/4PL contract management experience
• ✓ OTIF performance ownership with quantified track record
• ✓ Transport management system (TMS) proficiency
• ✓ Budget ownership — cost-per-case or total logistics cost management
• ✓ Experience managing a significant service failure or retailer escalation

• ✗ Only managed inbound logistics without outbound customer delivery responsibility
• ✗ Can't discuss OTIF metrics or has never owned them
• ✗ 3PL experience limited to monitoring rather than managing performance
• ✗ No experience handling a major service failure or retailer penalty situation