Reverse Logistics Manager - South West

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 the South West

A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Reverse Logistics Manager positions.

As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.

Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.

Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.

In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.

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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.

Are you moving home to a new town or city? Take a look at the positions available in the region; we’re a nationwide consultancy with jobs in every county. Or perhaps you’re just looking for a career change; why not have a look around the site or get in touch with us direct to start your job search. If we have your details, we’re in the best possible position to find you the ideal job.

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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