Description

Vice Presidents (VP) of logistics oversee the logistics departments at one or more locations of a company. They are responsible for overseeing the operation of these departments, as well as setting their policies, strategies, and goals. To develop vision for the company, it's important to work well with managers and stakeholders, as well as gather input from other employees.Strong communication skills are important in this position, as logistics vice presidents work with a variety of people on a daily basis, including third parties. They may work directly with customers in some situations, so customer service skills are important while maintaining focus on the goals of the company. They must also ensure that logistics goals are met for both customer satisfaction and the growth of the company, as well as figure out answers to problems regarding fulfillment, operational efficiency, and generating profits.Vice presidents of logistics must also solve efficiency issues relating to transportation contractors and routes in order to maximize efficiency and profits. Some may need to determine which modes of transportation will be best for certain jobs, such as air, ground, or sea. Negotiation skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure will help in many situations in order to lower costs from carriers and other third party providers and obtain optimal payments from customers. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is generally required for this position, and many years of experience in the field of logistics may also be required.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Vice President VP, Logistics with 9+ years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring efficient transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. You are responsible for managing and optimizing the entire supply chain process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products, to ensure smooth operations.
  • Develop and implement strategic logistics plans to improve cost efficiency and customer satisfaction. You analyze market trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and create strategic plans to enhance logistics operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.
  • Lead a team of logistics professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. You are responsible for managing and developing a team of logistics professionals, providing leadership, training, and performance evaluations to ensure a high-performing and cohesive team.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to establish strong partnerships and optimize logistics processes.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Vice President (VP), Logistics, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience in logistics management, including supply chain, transportation, and warehousing, to oversee and optimize operational efficiency.
  • Strong leadership and strategic planning skills to develop and execute logistics strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities to address complex logistics challenges, such as route optimization, inventory management, and cost reduction.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, external vendors, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination and delivery of goods and services.

Essential Skills For Vice President (VP), Logistics

1

Organisation Management

2

Leadership Management

3

Decision Making

4

Time Management

5

Problem Solving

Career Prospects

The role of Vice President VP, Logistics is crucial in overseeing and optimizing the logistics operations of an organization. With 9+ years of experience in Canada, professionals in this field have various alternative career paths to consider. Here are four alternative roles to explore:

  • Director of Supply Chain: A leadership position that involves strategic planning, coordinating the end-to-end supply chain, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Operations Manager: A role focused on managing the day-to-day operations of logistics, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management, to ensure smooth and timely delivery of goods.
  • International Trade Manager: A position that involves managing import/export activities, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, and optimizing customs processes to facilitate global trade.
  • Distribution Center Manager: A role that entails overseeing the operations of distribution centers, including managing inventory, optimizing storage space, and ensuring accurate order fulfillment.

How to Learn

The Vice President (VP) of Logistics role in Canada is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been an increasing demand for professionals in this position due to the growth of e-commerce and globalization. According to Google data, the logistics industry is expected to grow by 5.1% annually in Canada. With the industry's expansion, the job role is anticipated to offer numerous employment opportunities in the future, suggesting a positive outlook for professionals seeking VP positions in logistics.