Logistics Specialist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a logistics specialist. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a logistics specialist.
Who is a Logistics Specialist?
A logistics specialist is an expert who is in charge of managing the company’s product supply chain from manufacturing to storage and product orders.
They work closely with the sales team and logisticians to process customer orders and ensure timely delivery of goods to retail store locations or private addresses.
They are in charge of receiving, storing, and shipping goods and services on behalf of organizations.
Logistics Specialist Job Description
Below are the logistics specialist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. The employer can use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of logistics specialists include:
- Collaborating with an internal sales team to improve customer order handling.
- Supervising the work of the other members of the logistics team.
- Managing the process of planning and repairing the organization’s product-transporting vehicles.
- Keeping track of cargo transportation procedures.
- Maintaining the financial constraints of logistical operations without sacrificing effectiveness.
- Coordinating the use of storage facilities such as warehouses to maximize available space.
- Using computers to track product shipments through various channels.
- Interacting with suppliers and clients to ensure the accuracy of shipping records.
- Ensuring that external business relationships with clients are established and maintained.
- Preparing the export and shipping documentation.
- Negotiating shipping and logistics costs with suppliers and clients to strengthen the supply chain.
- Performing administrative tasks such as data entry, answering phones, and filing important documents.
- Assessing the logistics department’s performance with clients in relation to established goals, contracts, or terms and conditions.
- Ensuring the upkeep of the organization’s storage facilities.
- Supervising the loading and unloading of cargo from trains or trucks to ensure safety.
- Following the rules and regulations that govern logistics.
- Approving pickup and delivery timesheets.
- Staying up to date on new research and developments concerning the company’s product (s).
- Identifying and resolving logistics and transportation system issues.
- Making significant contributions to top management in order to improve products
- Performing any other duty assigned to you by the management.
Qualifications
Logistics specialists have the following qualifications.
- A bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.
- A minimum of two years of experience managing logistics in a related field.
- Professional logistics certification and knowledge of logistical software, such as Infoplus WMS or the Army Record Information Management System (ARIMS).
- The ability to respond to customer requests or complaints on your own.
- Excellent IT and math skills.
- Outstanding coordination and planning abilities.
- Knowledge of the various equipment used for product storage and shipping.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Familiarity with logistics laws, regulations, and ISO specifications.
- Practical experience with ERP software.
- Reasonable decision-making abilities.
- Ability to drive positive results with minimal supervision.
- Excellent time management, and record-keeping skills.
Essential Skills
Logistics specialists must possess the following skills in order to be successful:
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Communication skills are so important in the logistics industry, therefore logistics specialists must have them. More so, you’ll be interacting closely with clients, and your ability to communicate effectively can help you build relationships and trust that lead to more business deals and opportunities.
You may also need to interact with other departments or organizations, such as sales or customer service, to ensure that all aspects of the supply chain are operating efficiently, which necessitates effective communication skills.
- Capability to Organize:
As a logistics professional, you may be required to organize shipments, inventories, or other work-related data. Strong organizational skills can help you be more productive at work and reduce your chances of making mistakes due to a lack of access to critical information.
- Settlement of Claims:
Logistics experts can assess customer and supplier needs by applying their knowledge of claims resolution. A logistics expert can help determine whether or not a client who filed a claim against a supplier was at fault. Understanding how insurance companies work and what documentation they require to accept a claim is required.
- Transportation:
Transportation specialists in logistics can better understand how to develop and implement transportation strategies for their companies. Transportation skills include knowledge of various modes of transportation, such as air, rail, and ground travel. Logistics specialists can use transportation skills, such as knowledge of transportation laws and regulations, to plan and carry out transportation strategies that adhere to regulations.
- Data Analysis:
Logistics specialists have the ability to interpret and comprehend data. This skill can be useful in logistics because it allows you to assess your company’s supply chain operations and make adjustments as needed. Another aspect of data is the use of software to track inventory, sales, and other business data.
- Microsoft Office application knowledge:
A logistics specialist must be familiar with Microsoft Office applications. You can use these programs to create spreadsheets, presentations, and other documents that will improve the clarity and effectiveness of your information exchanges. In addition, you can use Microsoft programs to create business plans or conduct market research.
- Problem-solving skill:
As a logistics specialist, you may be required to address logistical issues that arise during the shipping process. You would also be in charge of determining the problem and developing solutions, such as if an order is incomplete or damaged when it arrives at its destination. This could include dealing with customer damage claims or collaborating with suppliers to determine why shipments are incomplete.
- Detail observation:
As a logistics specialist, you need to pay close attention to details while confirming accuracy. Detail observation is important in logistics because it allows you to provide customers with the right products at the right time by ensuring the accuracy of your records. Furthermore, it ensures that shipments are properly packed in order to deliver goods on time and safely.
- Inventory management:
Logistics specialists are shouldered with the responsibility of keeping track of company assets which include Products, suppliers, and material storage, tracking, and supervision are a few examples. A logistics specialist may use inventory management skills to ensure that a company has the resources it needs to fulfill customer orders.
- Analytical Thinking Skills:
Logistics Specialists examine data and draw logical conclusions. As a result of this, logistics specialists must be proficient in analytical thinking because they frequently use it when developing supply chain management plans, assessing inventory levels, or determining how to best satisfy customer demands. A logistics expert, for example, might examine sales data from previous years to determine what types of products customers typically buy together in order to properly plan their inventory.
- Industry Expertise:
Logistics specialists knowing about the latest industry trends, technologies, and advancements give them a competitive advantage at work or during the hiring process. Industry knowledge ensures that a company’s operations are competitive and efficient, and provide the best value to customers.
- Customer Service:
Logistics professionals can use their customer service skills to build relationships with clients and customers. Customers may contact you by phone or in person, so having good customer service skills can assist you in providing excellent service and maintaining successful relationships.
- Project planning:
Logistics specialists require strong project management skills because they frequently oversee all of a company’s logistical operations. This includes supervising teams, finances, and timetables to ensure that all aspects of a project run smoothly. Logistics specialists with strong organizational skills can plan their projects more effectively and efficiently.
- Teamwork
Most logistics companies are goal-oriented, and as a result of this, they recruit logistics specialist who has the ability to achieve goals and yield positive results. Logistics specialists need to collaborate with a wide range of people to achieve these objectives. Therefore, strong teamwork ability should be possessed by logistic specialists.
- Decision-Making Skills:
As a logistics specialist, your team members may look to you for leadership and rely on you to make critical manufacturing decisions. To make the best decisions for the client, team, and business, decision-making techniques and strategies must be used. In the event of a supply chain emergency, decision-making techniques can also be used to make quick decisions.
- Adaptability:
The supply chain is becoming increasingly complex, with recent trends reflecting significant shifts in the previous century. To be effective in today’s workforce, logistics specialists must be able to adapt as their organization and its procedures change over time.
- Leadership Skill:
Logistics specialists usually lead a team of supply chain professionals in manufacturing or distribution. As a logistics specialist, you must have effective leadership qualities and techniques to guide you in leading your team members and providing valuable support.
How to Become a Logistics Specialist
Anyone interested in this career path should take the following steps to get started:
- Obtain a Higher Education Degree
The first step is to take in the journey of becoming a logistics specialist is to obtain a postsecondary degree. Although a bachelor’s degree is preferred, most companies who intend to fill this job position, hire a logistics specialist with at least an associate’s degree. The degrees you can pursue this career path include degrees in logistics, supply chain management, or transportation.
- Obtain Relevant Work Experience
The next step is to include some relevant experience on your resume. Look for an entry-level job in a warehouse or another environment where you can gain logistics experience. The shipping or receiving clerk position is a good one to gain the required experience for this career path.
- Get a certification.
While professional certification in the field is not required for employment, it can demonstrate to employers your dedication to continuing your education and honing your skills. If you have these qualifications, you may find it easier to outbid other qualified applicants for a position. The following certifications are available to logistics specialists:
- Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)
- Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)
- Certified Master Logistician (CML)
- Demonstrated Logistician (DL)
- Understand the Basics of Supply Chain Management.
As a logistics specialist. You should have an in-depth understanding of the process of planning, implementing, and controlling all aspects of a company’s supply chain. More so, you should understand how your role fits into the larger picture of the supply chain. Logistics professionals should be familiar with concepts such as Vendor management, just-in-time inventory, and lean manufacturing.
Understanding these concepts will help you identify areas for supply chain improvement within your organization. You can read logistics journals, attend seminars, and observe your superiors to understand this.
- Learn about Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Learning about the transportation management system (TMS) is a great way to enter into the logistics and supply chain industry. Getting acquainted with this software allows businesses to manage their shipping and delivery processes. TMSs are widely used in today’s businesses, so a logistics specialist should be acquainted with them. Knowing how to use the features of these programs can assist you in locating the best shipping and delivery offers and ensuring that your company’s shipments run smoothly.
- Create and Send your Application Materials
You can highlight your relevant degrees, work experience, and certifications in your application materials, such as a resume and cover letter. By emphasizing your qualifications, you can emphasize why you are the best candidate for the position and demonstrate that you are prepared to handle your potential responsibilities as a logistics specialist. You can also include job responsibilities from your entry-level roles in the logistics sector to demonstrate your abilities and the transferrable skills you can bring to the position.
- Keep up with Developments in the Logistics Industry
Because the logistics industry is constantly changing, senior logistics specialists must stay up to date on new developments. You can stay up to date on industry trends and advancements by reading trade journals on a regular basis and attending industry events. You can further your education as a senior logistics specialist by attending training courses or workshops.
Where to Work as a Logistics Specialist
A logistics specialist’s work environment may include offices, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. Many logistics specialists work for transportation companies, planning the movement of goods by truck, rail, or ship. Others manage the public sector’s supply of food, medicine, and other supplies to disaster areas. Logistics specialists frequently work full-time schedules and occasionally on weekends to meet deadlines. They may also travel to conferences or to suppliers’ facilities, warehouses, or distribution hubs.
Logistics Specialist Salary Scale
The average salary for logistics specialists in the United States is $51,234, but the typical salary range is $45,488 to $56,815. Logistics Specialist salary ranges can vary significantly depending on a number of significant factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and length of time in your field.