Expeditor Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an expeditor. Feel free to use our expeditor job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an expeditor.
Who is an Expeditor?
The movement of materials within an organization is coordinated by expeditors. This is done by creating schedules that track production, workers’ progress, deadlines, and other information. They are responsible for keeping track of inventory and placing orders when necessary. Quality inspection is also a big part of their job.
Although expeditors are usually full-time employees, they might be required to work on weekends, nights, holidays, or handle special orders.
Expeditors ensure that all items required for manufacturing and servicing products are delivered to the company within the agreed timeframe. Without expeditors, shipping could be delayed, missed, or not done properly. This could be very costly for the company. Expeditors are skilled at managing shipping timelines and maintaining contact with vendors. A high school diploma is required for most expeditor positions.
Material expeditors are responsible for maintaining the shipment of production materials. A company making leather purses might use pieces of leather, metal and plastic fasteners, zippers, and packaging. To determine when new materials should arrive, the material expeditor checks in with supervisors. The material expeditor then contacts material vendors to make sure that the materials are shipped on time. The expeditor must report any problems to the supervisor. They will help locate materials and get them shipped on the deadline.
Industrial expeditor jobs can be found in areas that require experience with chemicals and petroleum. A minimum of four years of college education in an industrial field is required for many industrial expeditor jobs. Refineries around the world are some of the work environments available to industrial expeditors. This expeditor is responsible for the movement of materials to the refinery. He is responsible for developing tracking systems and reports.
Expeditor jobs are also available in purchasing departments. A purchasing expeditor, like the industrial expeditors and materials expeditors, is responsible for tracking and ensuring the timely shipment of required materials.
No matter what field they work in, every expeditor is responsible to track all shipments. There are differences in the job descriptions depending on the industry or department where the expeditor is working. All positions require excellent computer and telephone skills.
Sometimes, travel is required for expeditor jobs. The work environment can range from an office to a shipyard. An expeditor employee reports to purchasing directors and procurement managers.
Other than tracking regular materials, expeditors will also need to track other shipments. Shipments of new office furniture, company vehicles, or building signs must be made.
Expeditor Job Description
Below are the expeditor job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an expeditor job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an expeditor include the following:
- Establishing professional relationships with different stakeholders, both internal and externe.
- Collaborating with project management in preparation for project review meetings.
- Receiving materials and inspecting them to verify accuracy, quality, and specifications.
- Facilitating the flow of materials among different departments and parties
- Examining job cost reports to find inconsistencies such as mischarges.
- Assuring cleanliness and orderliness in the warehouse
- Collaborating with management to evaluate the reliability of vendors and suppliers, and to find solutions to ongoing problems.
- Performing clerical duties and maintaining accurate records and files about activities.
- Following established guidelines, policies, procedures, and instructions.
- Assuring timely processing and distributing all material, supplies, equipment, and equipment that are received for departmental or project purposes.
- Inspecting shipments records any damage or defects, and notifies the supervisor and/or purchasing staff.
- Assisting in the maintenance of equipment and parts; initiates paperwork for purchasing additional quantities as necessary.
- Receiving all incoming materials, supplies, and equipment. To verify shipment accuracy, compare information on the packing slip and purchase order.
- Preparing purchasing and accounting paperwork, such as small purchase orders or requisitions. Also reconciles invoices and purchase orders to prepare for payment processing.
- Corresponding with suppliers to obtain quotations. Keeps in touch with vendors about the status of current purchase orders.
- Transporting materials, supplies, and equipment from the receiving location to the job site using hand trucks, push, roll, or carry.
- Maintaining inventory databases.
The following are other important tasks:
- Inventory management
Expeditors communicate with management to evaluate different supply vendors and inspect the quality of delivered supplies. This could include communicating with vendors to resolve ongoing or perceived problems.
- Supply Management
As needed, expeditors can place orders to confirm that they have ordered the right supplies. They ensure optimal inventory levels and manage supply requisitions for multiple projects simultaneously. They will inform project managers about expected delivery dates and possible delays and communicate with suppliers to confirm shipping and delivery times. The expeditor inspects the delivery contents to ensure accuracy and quality after delivery.
- Coordination with subcontractors
An expeditor is a person who works for a general contractor. They may need to coordinate with labor providers to assign the required crews for services like drywall, and plumbing. The expeditor assigns the jobs to subcontractors, gives directions to the job site and an estimated arrival time. Finally, he confirms that each crew completed their work on time.
- Communication coordination
Interdepartmental communication is also streamlined by expeditors, who often act as liaisons between department heads and the administrator.
- Generating progress reports
An expeditor can monitor the job’s progress against the projected timelines, spot-check the quality of work and safety at the worksite, and report on the progress to management.
- Prepare for the project review meetings
Project managers and expeditors work together to collect relevant information about job statuses, create a cohesive presentation, and add the meeting details to the attendees’ calendars. Typically, attendees include senior management, project managers, and other key stakeholders.
- Establishing Schedules
Sometimes, master schedulers are called expeditors. It is crucial to a company’s success that they can see production through all its stages and make sure everyone has what they need. A company requires enough workers to manage the tasks, but not too many to cause increased costs. Expeditors determine who is needed when and adjust the human capital accordingly. They may also schedule incoming shipments so that they arrive within sufficient time.
- Keeping record
It is essential to keep accurate records that are up-to-date and current to track shipments, material movements, deadlines, and other relevant information.
- Contacting Vendors
Employees cannot perform their job if they don’t have the right materials. To ensure that supplies and equipment are accurate and on time, expeditors keep in touch with third parties. They will work to meet any special or new needs so that production can continue.
- Coordinating Efforts
One department’s actions can have an impact on another. The project flow is a key consideration for expeditors. They ensure that every sector has the resources it needs to finish its work on time and stay on track.
- Status Reporting
To understand the current situation in every direction, Expeditors often speak with department supervisors. This information allows expeditors and department supervisors to keep track of current affairs and alert them to possible problems. Expeditors can also keep track of costs and estimate them. All such information about workflow may be summarized in written updates.
Qualifications
Education
An entry-level diploma or equivalent is required for expeditors. While some companies prefer associate degrees, others might require a bachelor’s.
Individuals can get degrees in relevant areas such as finance, business management, or hospitality management to become expeditors. You may also be interested in accounting, and inventory management. Sometimes, it may be possible to combine education with relevant work experience.
You can take technical courses to acquire the skills you need to become an expeditor. These include keyboarding, data management, and bookkeeping.
Training
Experienced expeditors will need to have previous experience in the field. This experience can be gained by working as an order clerk, server, or other entry-level jobs. It will teach candidates the basics of what expeditors need to know and do. Some higher-level expeditor positions require certifications in addition to on-the-job training.
Certificates
Earned certifications are not required by all employers but can give expeditors a better understanding of the processes and greater professional skills. These are some of the most popular certifications:
- Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).
The American Purchasing Society created the CPP certification. It requires at least two years of purchasing experience, references from suppliers, and completion of the Preparation to Certified Purchasing Professional Exam. This three-week online course culminates with the CPP exam.
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
CPSM certification was created by the Institute for Supply Management. It requires 3-5 years of relevant work experience and passing all required examinations.
- Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).
The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council, (UPPCC) issues the CPPB. It requires that applicants complete two years of formal education, three years of work experience, and 72 hours of on-the-job training.
These certifications require that you pass an oral or written exam, as well as certain education requirements and on-the-job training. Each certificate is valid for a specified time, usually three to five years. Renewing your certification requires you to complete continuing education courses or attend purchasing-related conferences.
Essential Skills
To succeed in their role, expeditors must have a broad range of skills. Some essential skills include:
- Organizational skills
Expeditors are organized and use their skills to manage inventory levels, file shipping, and receipt documents, coordinate subcontractors, and set up processes for daily responsibilities.
- Time management
The job of an expeditor involves ensuring that workplace processes run smoothly. The expeditor can manage time efficiently and keep work moving on schedule.
- Written and oral communication
Expeditors communicate with suppliers to coordinate deliveries and meetings, coordinate subcontractors, and arrange for meetings and deliveries. When generating reports or other important documentation, written communication is crucial. They use verbal communication for active listening to convey important messages, hold meetings, and present information.
- Technical skills
Software and digital apps are used by expeditors to manage inventory, order supplies, and keep track of calendars. Word and data processing, digital finance management, and inventory tracking software are just a few of the technical skills that can be acquired.
How to Become an Expeditor
It’s a smart idea to gain as much experience with product delivery and material handling as you can to be an expeditor. Understanding the business processes, including food, transportation, and construction, as well as shipping options, is essential. You can gain the knowledge and skills you need to be an expeditor by combining your business or technical education.
It is possible to build a career as an expeditor by taking courses in accounting and computer software. Whatever industry you work in, the main goal of an expeditor is to ensure that a company has what it needs. Many companies and industries don’t have the storage capacity they need. It is, therefore, crucial to get materials on time for a project. It is essential to have experience in the software. The more advanced technology is, the lower the demand for expeditors. Being a technical expert in software is a great way to be an expeditor and stay in demand.
You should consider the sectors that have the highest job prospects for you, and those that are most interesting to you. Combining online and in-person classes with work experience can help you become an expeditor. This type of expediting can be aided by working in construction as a laborer and learning what materials are required at each stage. It is important to understand how materials can be safely shipped to job sites and how to protect them from theft.
Although smaller companies may offer more expeditor jobs than large ones, you might also have other duties. If you want to pursue a career as an expeditor, it is important to be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. It is possible to coordinate materials deliveries for multiple projects at once and be expected to deliver everything on time. You will also need to be able to think critically and pay attention to the smallest details for you to become an expeditor. An expeditor job may not suit you if you’re not organized and like to keep detailed lists.
Where to Work
Many industries can benefit from the skills, experience, and qualities of expeditors. These professionals might work in the following industries:
- Construction industries
- Manufacturing companies
- Foodservice industries
- Supply Chain Management
Expeditor Salary Scale
While most expeditor positions are full-time, some may be part-time or interns. The exact salary depends on many factors, including job performance, attitude, and experience, as well as the economy in your area.
The average annual salary of an expeditor in the United States is $38,227.