Reverse Logistics Manager jobs
Delivery of goods is the reason for the logistics industry’s existence, but the drive for efficiency in the way companies operate is always throwing up new possibilities – and roles. Reverse logistics is the act of bringing reusable items, be it packaging, transportation aids or the products themselves back to their point of origin of reuse, repair or reconditioning.
Most of the time, a particular delivery will not result in reverse logistics of the goods or parts of them straight away, as they will usually have a period at the destination where they cannot be returned (e.g. when awaiting unpacking). But where it is possible to collect the items and bring them back to base, the savings can far outweigh the transportation costs, which will be borne by the company that supplies the goods. It is up to the reverse logistics manager to liaise with the supplied companies to arrange the optimum times to pick up and return reusables. If well organised with regular clients, this can simply be a case of loading up the lorry with last week’s reusables and bringing them back, but not all clients are regular, so it is worth the supplier’s while to work out an optimum way to pick up items, thus reducing costs.
The reverse logistics manager will be in charge of this entire operation, which can become complex in busy logistics firms. They could be working alongside other delivery managers to arrange optimum times, but everything they do will be geared towards making savings for the employer.
The skills required
Planning and analytical skills will be required for this job, as it is the key to working out the most efficient way to collect items from customers. Reverse logistics does not directly make profits for the company; it is a cost-saving operation, as the alternative would be for the items to go to waste. The reverse logistics manager will be in charge of the database of items and clients and will be expected to drive savings and seek out new efficiencies wherever possible.
The reverse logistics manager will be judged on the efficiency they bring to the company and the regularity with which they hit targets, so an ability to deal with pressure is an important trait.
Reverse Logistics Manager Jobs in Widnes
At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.
The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.
Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!
Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, Reverse Logistics Manager jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.
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Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
As Cast UK’s founders and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, we know exactly what employers and candidates alike are looking for. We deal with these sectors exclusively, sp employers trust us to create candidate shortlists because they know we’ll help them find the best people for the jobs.
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To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Reverse Logistics Manager for your business or find you a job as a Reverse Logistics Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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