Logistics and Distribution

Careers

The transition from military to civilian life presents numerous opportunities, particularly in logistics and distribution. With their unmatched precision, organizational skills, and experience in complex logistical operations, veterans are perfectly suited for roles in this crucial sector. If you're looking for a career where discipline, strategy, and efficiency are valued, the logistics and distribution field could offer the fulfilling next chapter you seek.

What’s involved?

In a career in logistics and distribution, the focus is on the efficient movement and supply of goods from production to end consumers, encompassing raw materials delivery, production processes, and final product distribution. This sector, crucial to the economy, involves planning, routing, and managing freight across various transport modes, alongside warehousing, storage, and other related activities. It's a comprehensive field that integrates diverse industries and transportation methods, playing a vital yet often behind-the-scenes role in supporting commerce and trade.

GETTING THINGS MOVING

The logistics/supply chain industry can be broken down into:

• freight transportation
• maritime and port operations
• postal and courier activities
• warehousing, storage and handling.

Freight logistics companies fall into two groups:

1. those that manage their own logistics system, known as ‘own account operators’, and
2. those that manage logistics on behalf of another company.

The latter organisations are often referred to as hauliers or third-party logistics providers (3PL – see box).

WHAT IS 3PL?

Many companies now outsource their logistics, or elements of this, to third-party logistics (3PL) providers. These subcontracted services can include:

• primary and secondary transport and distribution
• inbound logistics and consolidation
• inventory management
• order processing and case/unit picking
• invoice and management reporting.

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The rise in online shopping, accelerated by recent global events, has significantly expanded the logistics and supply chain management sector. Amazon, as a major player, has developed its delivery network across the UK, becoming a key employer for veterans and military spouses, highlighted by its partnership with RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity. This shift demonstrates the growing importance and opportunities within the logistics and distribution fields, especially for those transitioning from military to civilian roles.

Major retailers like Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Tesco, and Aldi are increasingly relying on specialized logistics companies to manage their supply chains, reflecting the sector's growth. The UK's significant maritime industry also opens up roles for engineers and other technical professionals, providing diverse career paths for those leaving the Royal Navy.

Although this article doesn’t deal with transport – for more on that, see our feature here – it is almost impossible to separate it from other parts of the supply chain. For an operation to be successful, it has to be integrated – a principle that will be familiar to you if you have spent any time in Services logistics. Many qualifications (see below) include all parts of the supply chain.

In modern logistics, digital management of supply chains is essential, with information technology and digital communication being critical for logistics managers. The evolution towards e-commerce emphasizes the importance of efficient supply chain operations. Smart warehousing, which aims to minimize inventory while meeting consumer demands, is a key component of this shift.

The logistics and distribution industry currently faces skill shortages, notably among HGV drivers and managerial positions. This gap presents an opportunity for significant training and development, offered by major employers to enhance staff qualifications and meet the evolving demands of supply chain management.

Skill up while serving

If you are a service member looking to transition into a career in logistics and distribution, it's crucial to recognize the valuable experience and skills you've gained while serving. Your time in the Armed Forces has likely equipped you with a solid foundation in supply chain management, transportation, inventory control, and operations management. These skills are highly sought after in the civilian logistics sector.

As you consider your future career, begin by documenting your military responsibilities and projects. This will be essential when you create your civilian resume and during job interviews. Many of the leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills you have honed in the military are transferable and will serve you well in logistics roles.

To further enhance your employability, explore opportunities to gain vocational qualifications and professional certifications while still serving. Certifications from recognized bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILTUK), can signal to potential employers that you possess up-to-date, industry-standard skills.

By leveraging your military experience, pursuing relevant qualifications, staying updated on industry trends, networking, and utilizing available resources, you can successfully transition to a fulfilling career in logistics and distribution. The key is to begin the transition process early and approach your career development proactively.

Get qualified!

Entering the logistics industry after military service offers several pathways, each tailored to different educational backgrounds and experiences. As you look to transition, it's important to consider which route aligns best with your qualifications and career aspirations. The information below reflects the current state of qualification pathways as of my last update, with necessary adjustments made for accuracy and relevance.

1. Graduate Training: Graduate training programs are a common entry point for individuals with undergraduate degrees. Many large logistics companies offer management training programs that integrate on-the-job learning with formal training. Participants in these programs often work towards obtaining professional qualifications from relevant institutes, enhancing their knowledge and credentials within the industry. Military service members with leadership experience may find these programs particularly beneficial as they adapt their skills to a corporate environment.

2. Postgraduate Entry: For those interested in furthering their education, postgraduate courses such as an MSc in Logistics or an MBA with a focus on Supply Chain Management can provide a comprehensive understanding of the field. Service members without a bachelor's degree but with significant professional experience can sometimes be admitted to these programs if they can meet the academic requirements, potentially through demonstrating their leadership and practical experience gained in the military.

3. Management Experience: Veterans with management experience may find transitioning into logistics a natural fit. The logistics industry values the kind of organizational, strategic, and leadership skills often developed in military service. Gaining additional knowledge specific to logistics can be achieved through short courses, certifications, or on-the-job training, depending on the individual's needs and previous experience.

4. School or Young Service Leavers: Individuals without higher education degrees, including young service leavers, can enter the logistics field through entry-level positions. These roles can provide foundational knowledge and on-the-job experience. Ambitious candidates may pursue further qualifications while working, often supported by their employer through apprenticeships or sponsored study programs.

5. Professional Qualifications: Professional qualifications continue to be crucial for demonstrating expertise in logistics and distribution. Institutes such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) offer a range of certifications that reflect the competencies required by the industry. These qualifications are frequently reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and uphold industry standards. Service members can often receive exemptions or credits for certain levels of these qualifications based on their military experience and prior learning.

For those leaving the armed forces, it's important to explore the equivalencies between military logistics experience and civilian qualifications. Institutes like CILT and CIPS recognize the depth of experience service members can bring and may offer pathways to translate service skills into civilian credentials. Additionally, these institutes often provide networking opportunities, resources, and guidance to assist veterans in navigating their career transition.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the UK

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the UK remains an independent professional body dedicated to supporting individuals involved in logistics, supply chains, and all modes of transport throughout their careers. CILT offers a range of qualifications, many of which can be pursued as individual units, allowing for a flexible approach to professional development. These qualifications cater to various levels of expertise, from entry-level to advanced professional knowledge. For the most accurate and current information regarding qualification frameworks, course details, and career progression opportunities, it is recommended that individuals visit the CILT website, as the institute continually updates its offerings to reflect the evolving demands of the logistics and transport industry.

Logistics and transport jobs
Visit the CILT jobs board

Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is indeed the largest global organization for procurement and supply professionals. It's recognized as a leader in promoting excellence in procurement and supply management, offering a range of professional qualifications to enhance skills in this field. For more detailed information on their qualifications, visiting the CIPS website is recommended.

Vocational qualifications

For individuals pursuing a career in logistics, exploring vocational qualifications offered by the Services can provide a solid foundation. These programs often include logistics-relevant units, and there are opportunities to earn Higher National and National Certificates and Diplomas through part-time study. To access the most current information and guidance on these educational pathways, visiting an education centre or local college is recommended. These institutions can provide details on available courses, enrolment procedures, and how these qualifications can support a career in logistics.

LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION APPRENTICESHIPS
With automation technology and other changes transforming the logistics and distribution sector, this is an area where skilled recruits are very much in demand. To this end, many major firms are looking to recruit supply chain apprentices. Maybe you’ve even already taken a logistics-related apprenticeship while serving? If so, that should really give you a head start when looking to move into a career in this industry. If you’d like to find out more, the ‘Logistics apprenticeships’ section of this page of the Prospects website is a great place to start. Alternatively, use your favourite search engine to discover more options. Or browse the government’s apprenticeship website or Find Apprenticeships, both of which allow you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by area of interest and location.

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website

ADAPTABLE LOGISTICS LEARNING

To help its student members continue their studies wherever they are located, CILTUK has in many cases been able to switch to online lessons. It has also developed more flexible solutions to assessment, establishing a Distance Learning Centre offering qualifications at levels 1–7 and converting some of the most popular modules within its Diploma syllabus to an e-learning format.

Other training providers have followed suit, but before you sign do check the measures they have in place to enable you to continue your studies uninterrupted.

Finding employment

As of 2024, the logistics and supply chain industry continues to evolve, influenced by technology, global events, and changing consumer behaviors. Here’s how the employment landscape has been updated in some key areas:

• Manufacturing: The implementation of JIT (Just-In-Time) management is now increasingly complemented by advanced technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and robotics. These technologies help to optimize production schedules and materials management even further. Additionally, there is a growing focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing, which can also create new job opportunities related to green logistics and supply chain practices.

• Retailing: E-commerce has continued to expand, and with it, the demand for efficient logistics and supply chain management has grown. Retailers are now using advanced data analytics to predict consumer demand and manage inventory more effectively. With the rise of omnichannel retailing, there is a greater need for professionals who can integrate online and offline logistics strategies to provide a seamless customer experience.

• Logistics Service Provision: The trend of outsourcing logistics services has accelerated, with companies seeking specialized partners to handle complex supply chain challenges. This has led to a proliferation of third-party logistics (3PL) and fourth-party logistics (4PL) providers. There is a high demand for professionals who can manage relationships, understand the intricacies of global supply chains, and leverage technology to improve service delivery.

• Consultancy: Experienced logisticians now have more opportunities to work as consultants, given the increasing complexity of global supply chains. Consultants are not only expected to advise on efficiency and cost reduction but also to guide companies on issues like risk management, compliance, sustainability, and digital transformation within the supply chain.

• Technology Integration: With the advancement of AI, machine learning, and blockchain within logistics, there are growing opportunities for IT professionals specializing in these areas to contribute to the efficiency and transparency of supply chains.

• Last-Mile Delivery Innovations: As consumer expectations for rapid delivery times increase, there is a growing focus on last-mile logistics innovation. Employment opportunities are emerging in areas such as drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, and urban logistics hubs.

• Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: The need for logistics expertise in humanitarian contexts and disaster relief operations has been highlighted by recent global events. This has generated additional demand for logistics professionals who can orchestrate complex supply chains under challenging conditions.

When considering a career in logistics, it’s essential to stay informed about these evolving trends and the impact of technology, as well as the growing importance of sustainability and resilience in supply chains. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to finding employment and succeeding in this dynamic field.

VETERANS INTO LOGISTICS

With a mission to reduce unemployment and homelessness among the ex-military community by creating a pathway for veterans into the transport and logistics industry, Veterans into Logistics is a non-profit organisation that aims to support ex-military personnel into meaningful employment.

Its dedicated team of mentors support individual candidates on every step of their journey to gaining the qualifications they need for a successful career in the transport and logistics industries.

Click here to find out more.

For information about related careers in road transport driving, take a look at our feature here

To view a full list of logistics and distribution-related training courses, click here