How to write an effective logistics manager CV (with sample)

Updated 30 January 2023

A logistics manager plans, coordinates and monitors a company's transport and storage operations. They require specific supply chain qualifications, skills and experience to execute their duties efficiently and support the company's production and delivery operations. Learning how to write a compelling CV can help you communicate your qualifications for the position effectively and improve your chances of getting a job. In this article, we discuss how to write an effective logistics manager CV and provide a template and an example to guide you.

How to write an effective logistics manager CV

Here are steps to help you write an effective logistics manager CV:

1. Use the job description as a guide

Review the job description and use it as a reference when writing your CV to address the employer's specific requirements. Doing this may also show the employer you're an ideal candidate. Employers may receive many CVs and use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to help them scan the CVs to save time.

The ATS uses specific keywords in the job description to scan the CVs. It recommends those with a high keyword match to the employer. Identify keywords and use them in your document. For example, if the job description mentions inventory management skills and you have these, add them to the skills section and mention them in your responsibilities list.

2. Consider formatting tips for your CV

Consider the format of your CV, as it determines its readability. Use reverse chronological when listing previous roles and degrees. Reverse chronological order arranges this information from the current or latest item to the earliest. For example, when writing about your experience, start with your current or latest job and conclude with the earliest one. Other formatting tips to consider include:

Limit your CV's length. Write a CV that's about one to two pages long. Make sure every sentence communicates new information to add value.
Divide the CV into sections. Create sections and consider using large and bold fonts for the section titles to improve their readability. The sections may include contact information, a professional summary, work experience, skills and your educational background.
Consider the fonts and spacing. Use a 12pt font size and add a paragraph space between each section to improve the document's readability.

3. Include your personal information

Write your contact information at the top of your CV to help hiring managers identify it and contact you to provide updates or ask questions. Include your full name and your professional title, degree or certification. Consider using a large, bold font for your name and degree to attract the reader's attention. Write your contact information below your name and title, including your phone number, email address and location.

4. Write a professional summary

Add your professional summary below your contact details to give the reader a summary of your CV and qualifications. Make it unique and communicate some of your achievements, skills and experience as a logistics expert. Consider using numbers to quantify your accomplishments and make the summary more effective.

A professional summary invites the employer to read the rest of your CV. They also use it to review your qualifications. If you have little logistical experience, consider highlighting your skills, educational achievements and goals. Keep your professional summary short by writing two or three sentences.

5. Outline your experience

Outline your work experience by listing your previous roles and responsibilities. Arrange them in reverse chronological order. Include your job title, employment dates, employer's name and location for each role. List positions relevant to a logistics manager's job. Some examples of roles relevant to a logistics manager include:

logistics coordinator
transport analyst
warehouse manager
supply chain manager
logistics specialist
inventory manager
inventory analyst
fleet manager
transportation manager
logistics analyst
purchasing manager
demand planner
facilities manager
distribution centre manager
operations analyst
landsman
procurement manager
commodity manager
sourcing manager

6. Describe your responsibilities for each experience entry

Outline your responsibilities for each role in the experience section. Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and improve the CV's readability. List five logistics manager responsibilities for your current or last role and three for other positions. Review the job description to identify keywords to use in your experience section and improve the effectiveness of your CV. Some responsibilities of a logistics manager include:

managing logistics processes, such as transportation, warehouse and inventory
managing and monitoring budgets
monitoring shipping routes, carriers and rates to identify changes
selecting transportation carriers and negotiating contracts and rates with them
responding to any issues in the logistics department
collaborating with other departments to integrate logistics into other company operations and procedures
updating and evaluating metrics to monitor performance
ensuring all operations comply with laws and company guidelines

7. Outline your skills

Add a skills section to highlight your skills as a logistics manager. Categorise your skills into hard and soft skills to make the section more effective. Some hard skills include industry knowledge, data analysis, compliance, project management, inventory management, vendor management, customer service, continuous improvement invoicing, logistics management, software and scheduling. Examples of soft skills include communication, collaboration, attention to detail, innovation, problem-solving, organisation, accountability, interpersonal skills and time management. Review the skills in the job description to discover which ones the employer wants and include the ones you have in your CV.

8. Include your education

Add your educational background relevant to a logistics manager's job. Start with your current or most recent programme and conclude with the earliest one. For example, if you have a master's and bachelor's degree, start with your master's degree. When adding your education, write the degree name, subject and name of the university or school. Employers usually look for candidates with an educational background in logistics or fields relevant to it, such as procurement, supply chain management, negotiation, distribution and transportation management. Consider mentioning certifications relevant to a logistics manager job, such as a Six Sigma certification.

CV template

Here's a CV template to guide you when writing yours:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [Location]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [Location]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [Location]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and subject], [Name of school or university]

Example CV

Here's a CV example that you can use for reference:

Noah Jones, BSc in Supply Chain Management
7913 131377 | noahjones@email.com | Liverpool

Professional Summary
Detail-oriented logistics manager with over five years of experience in logistics, transportation, warehousing and inventory management. Managed a team to maintain a 98% success rate in distribution operations at The Express Company. Looking to apply analytical leadership, customer service and organisational skills.

Experience
Logistics Coordinator | January 2019–Current
The Express Company | Liverpool

monitor import and export of goods while observing compliance standards
plan and schedule fleet inspections, regular warehouse maintenance and equipment testing
resolve concerns from customers, carriers, import and export agents and freight forwarders
lead a team of logistics personnel to manage distribution with a 98% success rate to date
analyse financial information, such as expenditures, to help develop budget policies and plans to improve services and save on costs

Logistics Analyst | May 2016–December 2018
Cargo Drop | Birmingham

managed the company's logistical operations to meet compliance and budgetary goals
oversaw the demand forecasting process and reduced bottlenecks, which improved efficiency by 25%
managed timing, routing and securing of shipments from the warehouse facility

Education
BSc in Supply Chain Management, Daisy Business School

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

How to write an effective logistics manager CV (with sample)