Logistics Jobs

In South Africa, logistics is a critical pillar of the economy – supporting trade and commerce both locally, and internationally. The country’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure (across ports, rail, road, and airports) make it a gateway for goods moving in and out of Africa.

The industry supports manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and retail – all of which are sectors that have proved vital for economic growth. Without effective logistics, supply chains break down, resulting in shortages, increased costs, and inefficiencies.

The logistics sector offers diverse or varied career paths, including that of:

• a supply chain manager, who oversees end-to-end supply chain operations;
• a logistics manager, who handles transportation, warehousing, and inventory;
• a fleet manager, who manages trucking operations and vehicle maintenance;
• a heavy-duty, long-haul driver, who is responsible for goods delivery;
• a warehouse manager, who supervises storage operations and inventory accuracy;
• an inventory controller, who tracks and manages stock levels;
• a procurement officer, who sources goods and services cost effectively;
• a buyer who handles purchasing from suppliers;
• a freight forwarder, who manages goods transportation across borders;
• a customs broker who ensures compliance with import/export regulations;
• a logistics analyst, who uses data to improve supply chain efficiency;
• a transport planner, who optimises routes and delivery schedules.

As you’ll see from the abovementioned roles, logistics encompasses everything from supply chain and fleet, to warehousing, freight, and analytical or planning roles.

Also see for interest, transport jobs and manager jobs.

Logistics is embedded in multiple sectors, such as retail and ecommerce, which involves managing stock and deliveries; manufacturing, in which raw materials and finished goods are moved from one place to another; mining and energy, a sector in which heavy equipment and minerals are transported; agriculture and food processing, which involves the handling of perishable goods; pharmaceuticals, in which sensitive medical supplies are managed; and third-party logistics providers (3PLs), which involves a range of outsourced services.

For more on the shifting patterns of logistics, be sure to read this PwC Future In Sight paper.

The qualifications you will need depend on the role you take on, and your level of responsibility. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• For an entry-level role, you will need a matric (Grade 12), which is a basic requirement for warehouse staff and drivers; and to have completed a variety of short courses, such as Introduction to Logistics, Inventory Control, and Basic Supply Chain Management.
• For a mid-level role, ensure that you have completed a national diploma or degree in Logistics Management, Supply-Chain Management, or Transport and Logistics. Institutions offering these programmes include the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
• For a job role that has a vast degree of responsibility, you’ll ideally need to have completed a Postgraduate Diploma or MBA with a specialisation in Supply Chain; or to have taken on a Professional Certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), or the Professional Body for Supply Chain Management in Southern Africa (SAPICS).

20Cube advises that transport, or transportation, focuses on the movement of goods from one place to another; while logistics is a broad term and includes freight management, i.e. the integration of storage, handling, sorting, packing, and also the transportation of goods.

You’ll need to display analytical thinking for the purposes of route optimisation and inventory control; attention to detail to avoid costly mistakes; communication skills to coordinate between suppliers, transporters, and customers; problem-solving to manage disruptions such as delays or strikes; and technical proficiency i.e. familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (e.g. SAP), global positioning systems (GPS), and warehouse management software.

Read up on the top five logistics ERP software systems, here. To find out more about the best GPS trackers, i.e. those that offer real-time location tracking, durability, a long battery life, and incredible features such as geofencing and two-way communication, click here.

As with any professional career line, your expected salary will vary according to the role, the experience required, and your level of seniority, the size and sector of the company, demand, and where you are going to be based. The main cities in South Africa, i.e. Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, pay higher salaries than smaller town and outlying areas.

A guide is provided below, of the average annual salary range of five key logistics jobs:

• Warehouse clerk: R90 000 to R150 000
• Logistics coordinator: R180 000 to R280 000
• Transport manager: R300 000 to R450 000
• Supply chain manager: R500 000 to R850 000
• Freight forwarder: R250 000 to R400 000

For more on the upwards trajectory of logistics salaries, click here.

Check out your favoured job portal, together with specialist industry platforms such as Freight News Jobs, and recruitment agencies that specialise in the freight and logistics niche, such as Tiger Recruitment and Lee Botti & Associates.

When you hit the demanding and rewarding logistics niche, be prepared to face a range of challenges – including:

• fuel price volatility leading to increased transport costs;
• load shedding, which could affect warehouse operations and cold storage (energy supply in SA has been stable for a while now, but preparation is key);
• road infrastructure issues, from issues such as potholes, to delivery delays due to congestion;
• crime and theft, which can make road transport high risk;
• port congestion, which leads to slow import/export processes;
• regulatory compliance issues, when your company’s customs clearance can prove tricky and complex.

When the going gets tough, remember to log into a range of helpful logistics-related podcasts, such as this one from Pargo.

Digital transformation is completely reshaping the industry in the following five ways:

• GPS and telematics are improving visibility in real-time tracking;
• robotics and AI are enabling faster picking in warehouses;
• blockchain is enhancing supply chain transparency, while e-commerce integration is making the case for efficient last-mile delivery solutions;
• data analytics is optimising routes and predicting customer demands, while streamlining not just the manufacturing proces, but the manner in which to get stock to the end buyer.

Read up on how tech is changing up product shipping, here.

The sector is expected to grow steadily, driven by:

• eCommerce expansion, leading to more delivery jobs;
• intra-African trade, under initiatives that include the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
• green logistics, a niche in which sustainability initiatives are creating vibrant new roles;
• technological advancements, in which only the most tech-savvy professionals are likely to survive amidst the increasing marketplace competition.

Job opportunities will rise, and so will the need for specialised skills in supply chain analytics, IT systems, and sustainability.

Historically male-dominated, logistics is now actively promoting gender diversity – as it should be. Women can thrive in any professional area, from procurement and purchasing, or warehouse management, to supply chain strategy. Programmes, such as Women in Transport, support increased female participation in the logistics industry.

Women are increasingly thriving due to a combination of factors – including a shift towards more inclusive practices, the recognition of women's unique skills, and the industry's need for diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Initiatives promoting gender diversity and mentorship programmes are also playing a crucial role in empowering women to take on leadership roles and to advance within the field.

Here's a closer look at why women are succeeding within the logistics niche:

The logistics industry is becoming more reliant on technology and data analysis, which are not inherently gender-based skills – thereby creating more opportunities for the fairer sex.

Roles in logistics are increasingly requiring strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, which are often female strengths. And companies are recognising that diverse teams, that include women and people from different walks of life, lead to better decision-making, innovation, and overall organisational performance.

Further, initiatives such as mentorship programmes and leadership development opportunities are helping women to gain the skills and confidence to advance in their careers. And, women often excel in planning, organisation, and time management, which are essential for efficient logistics operations.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial for collaborating with clients, suppliers, and team members, while the dynamic nature of the logistics industry requires adaptability and resilience – qualities that many women demonstrate.

Then, women bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to problem-solving, thereby contributing to a more dynamic and efficient industry. And, studies show that a growing percentage of women in management positions within logistics and supply chain have been highlighting their leadership capabilities, by taking on a wider range of roles – from forklift operators to warehouse managers, and by excelling in leadership positions across a diverse range of departments.

Lastly, women are actively involved in adopting new technologies and shaping the future of logistics, through their expertise and contributions. This is showcasing a positive trend driven by a combination of industry evolution, the recognition of women's unique strengths, and a commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces.

Read more about Women Leading in Logistics, here.

You can do so, but it very much depends on the job spec. Roles in planning, procurement, and analysis can be done completed remotely, but positions requiring a physical presence (such as warehousing, and driving) cannot. Post-pandemic, many companies offer hybrid models for their administrative roles, where this is possible and to provide maximum flexibility for those with family responsibilities. For more on the remote logistics opportunities to be had around the globe, click here.

You can gain certifications via institutions such as CIPS or SAPICS; build advancing technical expertise in ERP and WMS software; develop leadership skills for management roles, or take a management course to assist you in this regard; and network up a storm via professional bodies such SAPICS and CILTSA.

Green logistics is creating demand for three new types of jobs. These are sustainability officers, who can implement eco-friendly practices; fleet managers for electric vehicles and other categories of new-energy vehicle, to help manage their adoption within government, the private sector, and beyond; and carbon auditors, whose role it is to monitor emissions in supply chains, and keep these as low as possible in the run up to the United Nations’ 2030 SDGs.

Several notable logistics and supply chain conferences take place in South Africa, from the DigiTrans Conference which focuses on digital transformation in logistics, to the Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo which examines the future of Africa's transport and logistics industry.

You are also advised to consider attending the CILT South Africa: Women in Logistics, Transport, and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference, which celebrates and advances the role of women in these industries by offering networking and strategic dialogue opportunities; and the African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM), which brings together academics to discuss logistics, supply chain, and transportation across the continent.

SAPICS also hosts webinars throughout the year, covering a range of topics related to the supply chain and logistics niche.

Several films can inspire a career in transport and logistics, by showcasing different facets of the field.

The Martian highlights the critical role of logistics in survival, demonstrating how resource management and problem-solving are essential in challenging situations; while The Aviator and Pushing Tin, on the other hand, delve into the exciting world of aviation – showcasing careers as pilots and air traffic controllers, respectively.

Additionally, documentaries such as the one entitled Logistics of the Future, by Free Documentary, explore the innovative technologies shaping the future of the industry – including the application of autonomous vehicles and staff-less stores.

Further, a LinkedIn profile called Alpha Express is clear on the need for wannabe logistics professionals to take in the following five films:

• The Martian (2015), as mentioned above, because it serves as a reminder that even in the most extreme circumstances, proper planning and resource management can save the day;
• The Transporter (2002), a high-octane action film about a driver who specialises in transporting packages without asking questions. It’s all about secure and efficient delivery, even when things go off-track;
• Moneyball (2011), a film about employing data-driven decision-making, even if you don’t work in the logistics game (but instead are imbedded in a sport like baseball, for example);
• Wall-E (2008), a futuristic animated film that shows how logistics and waste management could evolve. Although it’s a work of fiction, it offers a creative vision of how supply chain management might change in the future;
• Trucks (1997), which imagines a world where trucks go rogue. Based on Stephen King’s short story, this film looks at the importance of managing your transportation network to avoid anomalies of the weird and wonderful variety.

For logistics professionals seeking both insightful and engaging reads, these five books stand out: The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M Goldratt, The New Supply Chain Agenda by Reuben Slone, J Paul Dittmann, and John T Mentzer, The Supply Chain Revolution by Suman Sarkar, Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive by Rob Handfield and Tom Linton, and Supply Chain Management for Dummies by Daniel Stanton. These books blend practical knowledge with engaging narratives, offering valuable lessons for professionals at all experience levels in the logistics industry.

Here's a closer look at why they're recommended:

• The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement (2004) is a management classic that has been written as a gripping novel. It uses the story of a struggling factory to illustrate the Theory of Constraints (TOC), a management philosophy focused on identifying and eliminating constraints that hinder a system's ability to achieve its goals – and offering insights into process improvement and operational excellence;
• The New Supply Chain Agenda: 5 Steps That Drive Real Value (2010) focuses on the critical steps needed to drive real value in the supply chain. It provides a roadmap for professionals looking to create a more efficient and effective supply chain, with the call to action: “Is your company delivering products to customers at the right time, place, and price – with the best possible availability, and lowest possible cost and working capital? If not, you're probably alienating your customers and suppliers, eroding shareholder value, and losing control of your fixed costs. These dangerous mistakes can put you out of business…” Read this dynamically written book to turn your supply chain into a competitive weapon that will produce unprecedented economic profit for your organisation”;
• The Supply Chain Revolution (2024) explores how innovative sourcing and logistics initiatives can give businesses a competitive edge. It highlights the importance of supply chain and sourcing as strategic tools for outperforming your marketplace competition, and is apparently the ultimate playbook for CEOs, COOs, and CFOs to help revolutionise supply chains and convert them from cost centres to profit and value drivers;
• Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive (2022) describes the concept of flow, evoking the physical properties that exist in nature – such as the flow of electricity, the flow of materials, and the flow of time. In terms of process optimisation, flow encompasses the integration of end-to-end supply chains, and the movement towards a relocation of global supply bases to nearshore/onshore geographies. Achieving flow is essential for organisations seeking to improve their supply chain performance in a time of increasing disruption. This is your tome to help do just that;
• Supply Chain Management for Dummies (2023) is a comprehensive overview of the field, covering functions such as human resources, IT, metrics, purchasing, and operations. It also introduces the SCOR model for aligning the supply chain with the needs of all stakeholders, which is generally organised around the six primary management processes of “plan, source, make, deliver, return, and enable”. Read it to gain a foundational knowledge of the main issues afoot in supply chain management, to learn about how today’s global supply chains function optimally, to wrap your mind around how an organisation’s moving parts can be coordinated in today’s high-tech world, and to discover clever strategies for dealing with the inevitable industry disruptions.

Remember to start small, and build you career in increments – entry-level roles are sure to provide you with a solid foundation for your future career. Because the field evolves fairly rapidly, it is also important to study continuously to remain up to speed with the latest trends and technological advances; those in the know believe that tech is the backbone of modern logistics. And, lastly, network and gain mentorship opportunities as these present themselves – assimilating a wealthy of industry contacts will stand in your favour.