Finding a job in transport and logistics

Roles in this sector are numerous and varied: from transport planners and transport managers, to management roles in operations, HR, finance and IT. Employer sectors include logistics companies who supply or distribute on behalf of clients such as supermarkets or hospitals and are sometimes referred to as third-party logistics companies; supply chain companies who are selling directly to consumers, these are predominantly retailers; logistics consultants who advise clients on how to improve business logistics efficiency; engineering companies; architect/design practices and consultants; local government; and transport providers.

Employers who recruit in these areas

• DHL – International postal and logistics group Deutsche Post DHL. Graduates can be fast-tracked into a logistics management position after completing its 24-month operations programme. The programme consists of two 12-month placements in different areas of the business.
• Morrisons – Food and grocery retailer, offers two-year graduate scheme. Applications for the 2016 programmes open in September for graduates with a 2.1 in any degree discipline and 280 UCAS points.
• Damco (Maersk) – Freight forwarding and supply chain management provider. It runs an international graduate programme that lasts two years.
• Network Rail – Operates and own Britain’s rail infrastructure. It runs, develops and maintains rail tracks, signalling, bridges, tunnels, level crossings and viaducts.
• Unilever –  Consumer goods company behind brands such as Persil, Dove, Magnum and Flora. Its two-year supply chain management programme includes four rotations and offers graduates the opportunity to work internationally. The application process includes an online application form, online test, telephone interview and selection day.
• Tesco – Grocery and general merchandise retailer, runs a distribution graduate programme that lasts 1–2 years and has a 2.1 entry requirement.
• Kerry Group – Provides ingredients and solutions for the food, drink and pharmaceuticals industries. It runs a two-year graduate programme in supply-chain.
• Mott Macdonald – Management, engineering and development consultancy, runs a transport graduate programme. They typically recruit graduates with a 2.1 or above in geography, mathematics, transport planning, town planning and some other related disciplines.
• Arup – Firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists with 15 offices throughout the UK. It recruits graduates with relevant degrees for transport or town planning roles.
• MSC - Offers career opportunities around the world in shipping and logistics. 

Tips for finding a job

• Keep up to date with transport and logistics news and trends by following the professional bodies on twitter, this information might help you identify opportunities to network and tap into the hidden job market.
• Keep your online job search flexible as some employers might use different titles to describe the same job role.
• If you are keen to focus on a specific sector within the environment check out the specialist websites for these areas for current vacancies.
• Most companies have a Twitter and/or Facebook account, register with them as this is often a place where new opportunities are posted, and where you can keep in touch with their current activities.

Further information

If you need more information why not check out some of the resources below to help you to research a sector in more depth.

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply – global professional body working for the purchasing and supply professions; providing support and training.
• Department for Transport – Works on all areas of transport and delivers up-to-date information on policies and legislation.
• Logistics UK – Represents the transport interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air. This website contains the latest news, key issues and careers information.
• NATS – Give you an idea of what it’s like to work for NATS including the working environment, where you will fit in, career paths and vacancies.
• Transport Planning Society – Here you can find out more about what the Transport Planning Society do, read the latest transport planning news, find details of upcoming events and discover which professional qualifications and training are available to you.