Forwarding manager to specialised goods distribution manager

• already held analyse supply chain trends skill
• already held communicate with shipment forwarders skill
• already held freight transport methods knowledge
• already held manage contracts skill
• already held manage freight payment methods skill
• already held plan transport operations skill
• already held supply chain management knowledge
• already held negotiate price skill

• optional, not held e-commerce systems optional
• optional, not held hazardous freight regulations optional
• optional, not held initiate contact with buyers optional
• optional, not held international commercial transactions rules optional
• optional, not held international import export regulations optional
• optional, not held monitor security procedures in warehouse operations optional
• optional, not held monitor stock level optional
• optional, not held oversee freight-related financial documentation optional
• optional, not held supplier management optional
• optional, not held employment law optional
• optional, not held handle customer complaints optional
• optional, not held manage health and safety standards optional
• optional, not held manage resources optional
• optional, not held minimise shipping cost optional
• optional, not held negotiate buying conditions optional
• optional, not held negotiate terms with suppliers optional
• optional, not held present reports optional
• optional, not held train employees optional
• optional, not held transportation software related to an ERP system optional
• optional, not held use a warehouse management system optional
• optional, not held write work-related reports optional

• not needed by the target role adapt to changing situations skill
• not needed by the target role administer multi-modal logistics skill
• not needed by the target role analyse shipping rates skill
• not needed by the target role analyse work-related written reports skill
• not needed by the target role apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations skill
• not needed by the target role assess carriers skill
• not needed by the target role book cargo skill
• not needed by the target role communicate commercial and technical issues in foreign languages skill
• not needed by the target role control trade commercial documentation skill
• not needed by the target role coordinate export transportation activities skill
• not needed by the target role coordinate import transportation activities skill
• not needed by the target role create a work atmosphere of continuous improvement skill
• not needed by the target role create import-export commercial documentation skill
• not needed by the target role develop efficiency plans for logistics operations skill
• not needed by the target role develop transportation cost metrics skill
• not needed by the target role ensure legal accreditation for forwarding agent operations skill
• not needed by the target role foster relationships with various types of carrier skill
• not needed by the target role handle shipment paperwork skill
• not needed by the target role implement cost-effective cargo handling strategies on ships skill
• not needed by the target role implement short term objectives skill
• not needed by the target role inspect carrier documents skill
• not needed by the target role keep up-to-date to current customs regulations skill
• not needed by the target role liaise with transportation services skill
• not needed by the target role make bids in forward auctions skill
• not needed by the target role manage carriers skill
• not needed by the target role manage medium term objectives skill
• not needed by the target role negotiate logistics services skill
• not needed by the target role negotiate service with providers skill
• not needed by the target role non vessel operating common carrier regulations skill
• not needed by the target role oversee cargo storage requirements skill
• not needed by the target role oversee shipment routing skill
• not needed by the target role plan medium to long term objectives skill
• not needed by the target role prepare bills of lading skill
• not needed by the target role prepare documentation for international shipping skill
• not needed by the target role principles of cargo stowage knowledge
• not needed by the target role provide advice to clients in terms of export restrictions skill
• not needed by the target role provide advice to clients in terms of import restrictions skill
• not needed by the target role set import export strategies skill
• not needed by the target role use different communication channels skill
• not needed by the target role work in a logistics team skill

Knowledge gaps usually close through study. Practical skill gaps usually need something you can point at.

• still to learn cost management required
• optional, not held e-commerce systems optional
• optional, not held hazardous freight regulations optional
• optional, not held international commercial transactions rules optional
• optional, not held international import export regulations optional
• optional, not held supplier management optional
• optional, not held employment law optional
• optional, not held transportation software related to an ERP system optional

Yes, and it is a career change move. A forwarding manager already covers 25% of what a specialised goods distribution manager is expected to do: 8 skills carry over, 7 of which the specialised goods distribution manager role treats as required.

15 required skills are missing, plus 21 optional ones. They fall into 8 areas of the ESCO skill hierarchy, led by information skills. The single most important is carry out inventory control accuracy.

Its learning distance is 76.7 out of 100, which is the career change band. That accounts for both how much is missing and how specialised those skills are.