What is a Logistics Team Leader?

In brief

As Logistics Team Leader You are the captain of the warehouse. You manage your team of warehouse workers, drivers and order pickers and make sure everything runs smoothly. You have an overview, know how to motivate and keep the whole logistics machine running.

Logistics employee with tablet

What does a Logistics Team Leader do?

As a Logistics Team Leader, you make sure the logistics process runs smoothly. You divide tasks, monitor progress and make sure everyone on the team knows what needs to be done. Your duties include:

  • Preparing and distributing work in the warehouse
  • Managing warehouse workers, order pickers and drivers
  • Control the quality and speed of work
  • Maintaining inventory and incoming/outgoing goods
  • Consult with fellow team leaders on process improvements
  • Motivate, coach and develop your team

 

In short, you are the lynchpin between the floor and management.

What should you have in the house?

You can recognize a good Logistics Team Leader by these traits:

Leadership qualities
Communicatively strong and clear in feedback
Structured and results-oriented
Flexible and stress resistant
Motivating and coaching your team
Affinity with logistics processes

What does your workday look like?

You start your day by going through the planning and divide the work among your team. Then you are visible on the work floor: you make adjustments, answer questions and monitor progress. In between you check the stock and make sure that incoming and outgoing goods are correctly registered. You regularly consult with colleagues to implement improvements in processes. At the end of the day you know: everything went smoothly and your team went home motivated.

How do you become a Logistics Team Leader?

Most team leaders advance from a role in warehouse or transportation. In addition, this helps:

  • Mbo training in Logistics Supervisor (level 4)
  • Experience in logistics (e.g. order picker, forklift driver or coordinator)
  • Courses in leadership and safety (such as VCA)
  • Strong motivation to coach people and improve processes

Salary

As a starter, you will earn an average of €2,700 to €3,000 gross per month (21+). With a few years of experience, this often grows to €3,100 - €3,500 gross per month. Surcharges for shifts or evenings are in addition.

Diploma

A mbo-level 4 diploma in Logistics Supervisor is often the standard, but you can also advance to team leader with work experience and additional courses.

Number of hours

Most Logistics Team Leaders work full-time (36-40 hours per week).

Working Hours

Depending on the company, you work day shifts or shifts. Irregular working hours often involve an extra allowance.

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Your next step

Logistics Team Leader

Are you ready to manage the warehouse, motivate your team and make processes even smarter? Time to take the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have experience to become a Logistics Team Leader?

Yes, you usually do. Often you start in an executive role (such as order picker or forklift driver) and grow into leadership.

It varies from company to company. Sometimes you manage a small team of 5 people, sometimes 20 or more.

Sure. You can advance to positions such as logistics coordinator, warehouse manager or supply chain planner.

You combine human leadership with process optimization. Your job is to make both people and processes flourish.

Because you get a lot of responsibility, see immediate results and build a team that celebrates successes together.