Logistics and distribution roles have never been more in demand. At the end of September, there were 52,000 vacancies within the industry, so there’s no better time to try your hand at a rewarding and lucrative new role in this sector. Packaging retailer RAJA UK has pulled together everything you need to know about the qualifications and skills required of you to land a role in logistics in 2022.

Seven roles within the Logistics and Distribution industry that you may want to go into:

HGV drivers:

• Daily tasks may include planning schedules and routes, vehicle checks, ensuring items are safely loaded and paperwork.
• Requirements include having a full car licence, being over 18 and passing all parts of a CPC test.
• Starting pay is usually £19,000 and can go up to £36,000 for more experienced drivers.
• Manchester is currently looking to hire the most HGV drivers, followed by Warrington in Cheshire.

Warehouse operative:

• Job role includes packaging items, loading and unloading stock and other general warehouse duties.
• Head to Leicester if you’re looking for a warehouse operative role as this city has the most vacancies.
• Requirements include having good physical strength, computer literacy for software systems and competence with hand tools.

Supply chain manager:

• This role includes overseeing and managing every stage of the production flow.
• Entry-level salary starts at £24,337 and goes up to £46,998.
• Requirements include a degree in a relevant subject or you can work your way up with qualifications from the CIPS or the Chartered Institute of Logistics (CIL).
• Behind HGV drivers, this role has the most vacancies in the sector.

Transportation planner:

• Transportation planners develop transportation strategies that meet the needs of all transport users.
• Bristol currently has the most vacancies, with an average pay of £42,500.
• To qualify for this role, you’ll need a degree in a relevant subject such as civil engineering, economics or mathematics.

Purchasing manager:

• This role oversees the purchase of products, equipment and services for their employer. They develop and implement purchasing strategies to get the best deals.
• Daily tasks include looking at levels of demand for services and products, negotiating contracts and building relationships with suppliers.
• Of the jobs listed, this one is the third most in-demand with 3,400 job listings available.

Sourcing specialist:

• Sourcing Specialists streamline the sourcing process to be more efficient. They use sourcing strategies to negotiate with suppliers to get the best price on goods, services and materials.
• London has the most sourcing specialist job postings, with salaries starting at £37,500 and venturing up to £62,500 per year.
• Depending on the role, travel both in the UK and abroad and a full driving licence is required.