Construction logistics management

Overview

What is construction logistics management?

Different roles and skills are required to deliver a successful build project; one that is constructed safely, on time, in budget and meets the project brief.

Although job titles are not always used consistently, the key aspects of any role will be:

Scope of responsibility
Level of authority
Focus of activities

Broadly, we can divide construction and site management roles into three categories:

Project Management roles
Safety, Health, Environment and Quality
Site and Construction Management

Construction Logistics managers are responsible for all aspects of the logistics supply chain, stores management, development and optimisation of site logistics solutions to meet the needs of the project. The logistics manager will be required to manage the movement of people, goods and equipment at the construction site and control site facilities management.

Skills

What’s required for the role?

Excellent communication skills
Ability to build relationships and engage and influence individuals at all levels
The intellectual capacity to deal with complex logistics issues along with analytical, problem solving and organisational skills
Strong planning skills with the ability to handle multiple projects through to completion and to manage competing priorities
A commitment to quality improvement and the ability promote key messages
IT skills such as PowerPoint, Visio, Word, Excel
Excellent people management skills
A creative, flexible “can-do” mindset, open to change and new ideas
Customer focused and commercially aware

The details

Learn more about the role

What's the role like in practice?

A construction logistic manager’s role is a busy and varied one which requires the ability to manage a complex workload with multiple stakeholders.

Activities could include:

Planning/programming site set up plans to move labour, plant (such as cranes) and materials around site efficiently for each phase of the construction project
Working out how to keep the site secure and safe for workers and visitors
Creating policies and procedures
Attending site meetings and keep records of meetings and staff training
Managing the supply chain
Understanding procurement arrangements and control materials in and out of site
Planning how the different specialists and contractors can access and work on site to maximise efficiency and achieve the best cost and time management.
Ensuring the site works safely, creating a site-specific safety manual and emergency plans, and ensuring first aid cover and equipment is present
Creating a system to communicate information around the site, for example noticeboards, email distribution lists, monitor displays and web pages

What's the work environment like?

Your time will be split between working on site and working from an office, which may be in temporary premises on the site. The role requires working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

What qualifications are required?

A relevant degree may be required in areas such as construction or logistics
Other specialist qualifications include CSCS and SMSTS/SSSTS and traffic management qualifications
Current full UK driving licence
Health and safety
Traffic management qualifications

Construction managers may work towards accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Building.

Is it for you?

Other useful skills to have:

Using visual intelligence and perceptual skills to use plan, charts and diagrams
Project management
People management

Sustainability

How are construction logistics managers responding to the need for sustainability?

Construction logistics can offer useful solutions to improve both the productivity and sustainability of the construction industry.

Accidents, pollution and other negative side effects of construction projects and construction transport have become an issue particularly in urban areas and construction logistics managers have responded by to new legislation and stricter tender policies by reducing the number of vehicles needed to deliver goods and transport workers and improvements to the supply chain.

There is also innovative logistics planning software and methods of handling and string hardware and equipment which can lead to reduced environmental impact.

Employment opportunities

Where will it take you?

Applicants often have experience in other construction roles alongside relevant qualifications. Firms do advertise graduate entry level roles, supporting other experienced logistics managers.

Logistics managers are in demand by construction firms on both residential and commercial sites in the UK and globally.