Thinking about a career as a Head of Logistics? This senior leadership role is essential in creating a smooth, efficient, and resilient logistics network across warehousing, transport, distribution, and fulfilment. Here, we’ll walk through what a Head of Logistics does day-to-day, how to become one, what to include on your CV, and some similar roles worth considering if you're progressing into senior operations and logistics leadership.
To become a Head of Logistics, most professionals progress from senior roles such as Logistics Manager, Distribution Manager, Transport Manager, Warehouse Manager, or Supply Chain Manager. Extensive experience managing large teams, multisite operations, and end‑to‑end logistics performance is essential. Building skills in strategic leadership, WMS and TMS systems, budgeting, compliance, and continuous improvement will significantly strengthen your prospects.
A strong Head of Logistics CV should highlight senior leadership capability, operational impact, and strategic delivery across logistics networks. Include skills such as multisite management, cost‑to‑serve optimisation, WMS/TMS and ERP systems, transport and warehouse performance, compliance leadership, and continuous improvement. Show examples of how you’ve improved OTIF, reduced logistics costs, increased efficiency, led large teams, or delivered major transformation programmes at scale.
Senior logistics roles often overlap with supply chain, operations, and transport leadership. Some similar jobs to Head of Logistics include Logistics Managers, Director of Logistics, and Service Delivery Managers. Each role focuses on the strategic delivery of goods, maintaining compliance and quality, as well as playing a key role in leading teams across the business.
If you're exploring alternatives or progression routes, there are a variety of roles you can apply for in the logistics and supply chain sector. These include many managerial and senior positions including Logistics Manager, Demand Planning Manager, Distribution Centre Manager, Supply Chain Manager, or even Operations Manager. Each role requires a strong understanding of the sector, experience leading teams within logistics and supply chains, as well as analytical thinking and communication to ensure reporting and compliance is maintained.
With further experience, you may progress into executivelevel positions such as Operations Director, Supply Chain Director, or even Chief Operating Officer (COO), depending on the organisation’s structure. This career progression offers stability for experienced professionals looking to use their experience in a strategic, decision-making capacity.
These roles exist across retail, ecommerce, FMCG, manufacturing, wholesale, logistics providers, and third-party logistics (3PL) networks.
Head of Logistics roles are available across the UK, especially in large distribution centres, retail networks, manufacturing operations, ecommerce fulfilment hubs, and 3PL providers. Many positions are hybrid, combining onsite leadership with remote strategic work.
Whether your strengths lie in managing high-volume warehouse operations, optimising transport fleets, or improving logistics processes across large networks, there are opportunities at regional, national, and global levels. Locations that regularly hire Head of Logistics positions include, but aren’t limited to, London, Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Northampton.
Yes, it’s an excellent choice if you enjoy leading large teams, shaping logistics strategy, and improving service and efficiency across complex networks. It also offers strong progression opportunities and competitive salaries.
As a Head of Logistics, you’ll need strong leadership, communication, and data analysis skills, along with a solid understanding of warehousing, transport, stock, and supply chain processes. Commercial awareness, strategic thinking, and problem-solving are essential.
Common challenges include managing peak volumes, dealing with supply chain disruptions, overseeing multisite operations, balancing cost vs. service, and leading teams through change or growth periods.
Great Heads of Logistics are proactive, calm under pressure, people focused, and commercially minded. They make confident decisions, communicate clearly, and have a continuous improvement mindset.
