Operations

Logistics Manager Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

A Logistics Manager owns the transportation and fulfillment network — managing carrier relationships, freight costs, and delivery performance to keep goods moving efficiently and reliably. This template helps you attract operationally sharp candidates who deliver on OTIF while driving cost reduction.

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Job Title: Logistics Manager Department: Logistics / Supply Chain / Operations Location: [City, State] — On-site / Hybrid Reports To: Director of Supply Chain / VP of Operations Employment Type: Full-Time About [Company] [Company] ships [X] orders/units per [day/week/month] across [domestic / international / both] markets using a mix of [parcel / LTL / FTL / ocean freight / air freight — specify]. Our logistics network is a critical competitive differentiator and we are investing in the management capability to reduce cost while improving speed and reliability. About the Role As a Logistics Manager, you will own all aspects of our freight and transportation operations — managing carrier relationships, negotiating rates, overseeing day-to-day shipment execution, and driving continuous improvement in OTIF performance and freight cost. You are equally comfortable analyzing shipment data and walking a dock, and you hold your carrier partners to rigorous performance standards. Key Responsibilities • Manage all inbound and outbound freight operations across [parcel / LTL / FTL / ocean / air — specify]; ensure on-time, in-full delivery performance against committed SLAs. • Develop and maintain a carrier network — source, qualify, onboard, and manage [X] carriers; negotiate annual rate agreements and spot rates. • Track and report logistics KPIs: OTIF, freight cost per unit/shipment, claims rate, transit time, and carrier scorecard performance. • Oversee TMS utilization — ensure shipments are routed optimally and TMS data is maintained accurately for reporting and billing. • Manage freight claims process — file claims promptly, escalate disputes, and track recovery rates. • Identify and implement freight cost reduction opportunities: mode optimization, consolidation, carrier routing guide compliance, and network redesign. • Partner with warehouse and inventory teams to align outbound planning with fulfillment capacity and cut-off schedules. • Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, customs requirements (for international freight), and internal shipping policy. • Manage the logistics budget; report actuals vs. forecast and recommend corrective actions for variances. • Lead or support logistics improvement projects: TMS upgrades, new carrier onboarding, or transportation network redesign. Required Qualifications • 5+ years of logistics management experience, including carrier management and freight negotiation. • Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) — MercuryGate, Oracle TMS, SAP TM, or equivalent. • Strong analytical skills — able to analyze freight data, build cost models, and present findings to operations leadership. • Experience managing multi-modal carrier relationships (parcel, LTL, FTL, and/or international freight). • Knowledge of DOT compliance requirements for freight operations. • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field; APICS CSCP or CTL certification preferred. Nice to Have • International freight experience including ocean, air, and customs brokerage management. • Experience with carrier RFP processes and multi-year rate negotiations. • Familiarity with reverse logistics and returns management. What We Offer • Base salary: $70,000 – $125,000 depending on experience • Annual performance bonus tied to freight cost and OTIF targets • APICS / logistics certification sponsorship • Full benefits: health, dental, vision • 401(k) with company match • Opportunity to shape the logistics network of a growing operation

How to customize this Logistics Manager job description

1. Specify the freight modes in scope

Parcel, LTL, FTL, ocean, and air freight each require different expertise and carrier relationship skills. A manager who excels at parcel optimization is not automatically skilled in international ocean freight. Name your primary modes in the first paragraph to filter for the right background.

2. State the freight cost budget and OTIF baseline

Logistics managers are financially accountable. Stating "annual freight spend of $8M" and "current OTIF of 87% against a target of 96%" immediately communicates scale and challenge to qualified candidates. It also enables candidates to form an opinion on what quick wins look like before the first interview.

3. Name the TMS in use

TMS platforms (MercuryGate, Oracle TM, SAP TM, project44, Samsara) have different architectures and user interfaces. Managers who already know your TMS contribute significantly faster and generate more reliable reporting outputs from day one. List it alongside proficiency level expected.

4. Clarify the improvement mandate

Whether this manager is expected to reduce freight cost, improve carrier SLA performance, build a new carrier network, or migrate to a new TMS — state it. Logistics managers who are results-oriented will apply based on the problem to be solved, not just the job responsibilities list.

Logistics Manager salary benchmarks (US, 2026)

LevelExperienceSalary Range
Logistics Coordinator1–3 years$50,000 – $70,000
Logistics Manager4–8 years$70,000 – $100,000
Senior Logistics Manager8–13 years$100,000 – $125,000
Director of Logistics13+ years$125,000 – $165,000

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, LinkedIn Salary, Glassdoor 2026 data. Ranges reflect US national median; adjust +20–30% for San Francisco/NYC markets.

Frequently asked questions

What should a Logistics Manager job description include?

Include freight modes managed, shipment volume, TMS and WMS systems, freight budget, OTIF targets, carrier portfolio size, and whether international logistics experience is required. Operational details make the difference between generic and high-quality applicants.

What is a Logistics Manager's salary in 2026?

US base salaries range from $70,000 to $125,000. International freight managers and those with TMS optimization experience at e-commerce or manufacturing companies typically earn at the higher end. Performance bonuses tied to freight cost and OTIF are common.

How do you attract experienced Logistics Managers?

State the freight spend and improvement target upfront. The best logistics managers are commercially motivated — they want to negotiate better rates, improve OTIF, and build a more resilient carrier network. Give them a real mandate backed by data access and carrier relationship authority.

How does an ATS help with Logistics Manager hiring?

Treegarden enables structured screening for freight mode expertise and TMS proficiency, coordinates interviews across supply chain, warehouse, and operations stakeholders, and tracks candidate progress without the email chaos that typical logistics searches descend into.

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