Head of Logistics

Learn more about the Head of Logistics Job Description.

Heads of Logistics require a broad and advanced skillset that combines strategic vision with deep operational expertise and strong leadership capability. Core technical skills include logistics management, supply chain oversight, warehousing strategy, transport operations, and inventory optimisation. At this level, you are expected to confidently interpret Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), manage large budgets and use data to guide strategic decision making across complex operations. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transport Management Systems (TMS) is typically essential. 

Leadership skills are critical to success. As a senior leader, you are responsible for setting direction, building high-performing management teams, and creating a culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Strong communication and influencing skills are required to engage effectively with executive stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and external partners. The ability to lead through change is particularly important, as many Heads of Logistics are appointed to deliver transformation, integration, or large-scale operational improvement programmes. 

Commercial awareness is another key requirement. Many roles involve contract negotiation, cost modelling, service-level management and balancing operational performance with financial targets. You may be accountable for identifying efficiencies, delivering cost savings and improving service outcomes without compromising safety or quality. Strategic thinking, sound judgement and measured decision-making are essential when responding to disruption, supply chain risk, or operational pressure. 

Transferable skills from roles such as Logistics Manager, Operations Director, Supply Chain Manager, or Transport Director are highly relevant. Experience managing complexity, leading large teams and aligning logistics strategy with wider business goals is what distinguishes successful Heads of Logistics. 

Head of Logistics roles are relatively specialist positions, reflecting their seniority and strategic scope. Opportunities exist across the UK, with the majority located in England, particularly in regions with strong logistics, retail, manufacturing, or infrastructure activity. Organisations across retail, FMCG, manufacturing, utilities, wholesale, and 3PLs continue to seek experienced leaders who can oversee complex operations and deliver performance at scale. 

You are more likely to encounter Head of Logistics opportunities in major commercial and logistics hubs such as London, Birmingham, Northampton, Portsmouth, Leeds, and Belfast. These locations often support national distribution networks, large warehousing estates or multi-site operations, creating demand for senior leadership capable of managing scale and complexity. 

Market demand is shaped by several factors, including business growth, network expansion, system modernization, and the need for greater resilience across supply chains. Many organisations are investing in efficiency, sustainability, and digital capability, increasing the importance of logistics leaders who can balance operational delivery with long-term strategic planning. 

While the overall volume of roles is lower than at manager level, competition for experienced candidates remains strong. Employers increasingly value leaders who combine operational depth with commercial insight, strong people leadership and the ability to influence at executive level, particularly during periods of change. 

Head of Logistics salaries reflect the seniority, responsibility and strategic influence associated with the role.

Some average salary ranges include:

Early career Head of Logistics 

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000

Mid-level Head of Logistics 

Salary: £70,000 - £85,000

Senior Head of Logistics 

Salary: £85,000 - £100,000

These ranges provide a realistic guide to what you can expect to earn, depending on your experience, the scale of the logistics operation, and the level of commercial accountability involved. Roles with national remits, large multi-site networks, or significant transformation responsibilities tend to sit at the higher end of these ranges. 

Location can influence salary levels. Positions based in London or major logistics hubs often command higher base pay, reflecting both cost of living and operational complexity. Sector also plays a role, with retail, FMCG, infrastructure and complex supply chain environments typically offering more competitive packages. 

In addition to base salary, many Heads of Logistics receive enhanced benefits. These can include performance-related bonuses, car allowances or company vehicles, pension contributions and executive-level benefits, which together can significantly increase overall remuneration. 

In practice, total reward may also reflect the maturity of the logistics network and the scale of change underway. Heads of Logistics leading technology migrations, sustainability programmes or post-acquisition integration may see packages structured to recognise delivery milestones and long-term impact. 

The Head of Logistics role is typically reached after extensive experience in senior logistics, transport, or supply chain management. Many professionals progress into this position after working as Logistics Managers, Operations Managers, Supply Chain Managers, or Transport Managers. Experience managing scale, complexity, and senior stakeholders is usually essential before stepping into this level of responsibility. 

From Head of Logistics, several progression routes are available. Some individuals move into executive roles such as Operations Director, Supply Chain Director, or Chief Operating Officer, where logistics becomes part of a wider organisational remit. Others progress into general management or managing director positions, particularly within logistics-led or distribution-heavy businesses. 

Some Heads of Logistics choose to specialise further, focusing on transformation, network design, sustainability, or international operations. Others move into consultancy, interim leadership or advisory roles, supporting organisations through periods of growth, restructuring, or system implementation. 

The skills developed at this level are highly transferable. Strategic planning, leadership, commercial decision making, and stakeholder management are valued across many industries beyond logistics, supporting long-term career flexibility. 

Find out how to become a Head of Logistics.

While practical experience is the primary requirement for Head of Logistics roles, professional development and qualifications can strengthen credibility and support long-term progression. Many leaders at this level combine hands-on operational experience with advanced training in leadership, strategy, or finance. 

Useful qualifications and training options include Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) qualifications, Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), NEBOSH or IOSH Managing Safely, and Lean or Six Sigma training. 

System-related training remains valuable, particularly in ERP, WMS, TMS, and data analytics tools such as Power BI. Many Heads of Logistics are expected to champion digital transformation, data-driven decision making, and performance transparency across operations. 

Leadership development programmes, executive coaching, and change-management training can also support effectiveness in this role, particularly for those aspiring to board-level or group-wide leadership positions. 

A Head of Logistics CV should clearly demonstrate strategic leadership, operational impact and commercial awareness. Begin with a concise personal profile summarising your senior leadership experience, sector background, and key achievements. This section should immediately communicate the scale and scope of your responsibility. 

Your skills section should include logistics strategy, supply chain leadership, operational management, budget ownership, KPI management, stakeholder engagement, and people leadership. Experience with ERP, WMS, TMS, or data analytics platforms should be highlighted where relevant. By ensuring that you mention these capabilities on your CV, you will stand out to hiring managers. Using key words from the job description such as “operational efficiency”, “ERP management”, “data analysis and reporting”, and “people leadership” can help your CV stand out and match the skills demand for Head of Logistics roles.  

When outlining your experience, focus on outcomes rather than day-to-day tasks. Examples may include leading large multi-site operations, delivering cost savings, improving service levels, managing transformation programmes, integrating acquisitions, or scaling logistics networks. 

Include relevant qualifications, leadership programmes or professional memberships. A strong Head of Logistics CV should show that you can think strategically, lead people effectively, and deliver measurable results in complex, high-pressure environments. 

Explore our CV writing tips for more advice.

Interview preparation for a Head of Logistics role should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capability, and commercial understanding. Start by researching the organisation’s logistics network, sector challenges, and business objectives so you can align your experience with their priorities. This not only ensures that you can demonstrate your experience in a highly relevant way, but it can also give you the confidence and knowledge to show initiative about the company you’re applying for, making you stand out among other professionals.  

Interviewers are likely to explore your approach to strategy, transformation, and performance management. Be prepared to discuss examples where you have improved efficiency, led large-scale change, managed risk or delivered measurable results. You may also be asked about budget ownership, supplier negotiation, governance or managing large, diverse teams across multiple locations.  

Use structured examples to explain how you approached complex challenges. Leadership style is often a key focus, so be ready to discuss how you engage teams, influence senior stakeholders, and maintain accountability during periods of change or pressure. You can use the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your experience and examples. This helps ensure that you’re not only discussing specific moments and challenges but also providing the actions you took and the measurable outcomes, demonstrating the impact you have through your work.  

You should also prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation’s long-term strategy, logistics priorities, investment plans and expectations of the role. 

Explore our job interview tips for more guidance.

At Blue Arrow, we understand the level of responsibility and influence that comes with Head of Logistics roles. Our specialist advisors work closely with senior logistics leaders who are looking to move up in your career, grow into broader strategic positions, or find opportunities that align with their experience and ambitions. 

We support Heads of Logistics across retail, manufacturing, infrastructure, FMCG, and third-party logistics environments. From interim and fixed-term leadership roles to long-term permanent positions, we take time to understand your background, leadership style, and the type of challenge you are seeking. This includes considering organisational scale, cultural fit, and long-term progression. 

Our advisors can support you with senior-level CV positioning and interview preparation, helping you clearly communicate your strategic impact, leadership capability, and commercial value. Where helpful, we can also offer guidance on market positioning, role scope, and career development pathways. 

Heads of Logistics supported by Blue Arrow benefit from our industry insight, personalised support, and commitment to building long-term relationships. We work closely with you to help you find roles that reflect your experience and allow you to make a meaningful impact. With Blue Arrow, you are not just another candidate. We are here to support your career with confidence and clarity.