Logistics Specialist

1 virtual internships

Description

Logistics Specialists organise the storage and distribution of goods. They ensure the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost. They may be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods.

Working as a Logistics Specialist is a very varied and rewarding career with tasks ranging from the development of timely, cost-effective import and export schemes to the handling of the technicalities of international transportation. There could be a very significant international focus within the job where knowledge of international commerce, finance and import/export laws are essential and fluency in a foreign language is recommended.

Tasks:

1. Planning routes and load scheduling for multi-drop deliveries
2. Booking in deliveries and liaising with customers
3. Allocating and recording resources and movements on the transport planning system
4. Ensuring all partners in the supply chain are working effectively and efficiently to ensure smooth operations
5. Communicating effectively with clients and responding to their requirements
6. Booking sub-contractors and ensuring they deliver within agreed terms
7. Using IT systems to manage stock levels, delivery times and transport costs
8. Using associated information systems to coordinate and control the order cycle
9. Allocating and managing staff resources according to changing needs
10. Developing business by gaining new contracts, analysing logistical problems and producing new solutions
11. Understanding, working with and possibly helping to develop e-commerce
12. Continually trying to improve and develop business performance within the constraints of legislation, fuel costs and rising environmental pressures

Key skills for Logistics Specialist:

The ability to work logically and systematically
Good time management
The ability to solve problems and make decisions, as well as think laterally and offer creative solutions
Commercial awareness and some numeracy
IT literacy and the ability to handle electronic data
Flexibility and the ability to manage change
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team, as well as manage people
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
The ability to negotiate and use analytical skills

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £ 30,616 per year
United States of America: $ 76,330 per year
Australia: AU$ 74,687 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Although many logistics companies are flexible about subjects of study, for some employers, a degree in logistics and/or transport/distribution management is an essential requirement.

Many employers may prefer graduates, while others will consider experience and personal qualities in addition to qualifications. Entry without a degree has until now been fairly common, but it is likely that a higher education qualification will increasingly be required as the sector develops its strategic business function and competition for positions may increase.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but there are a growing number of Masters degrees in logistics and supply chain management. These may improve chances of entry and progression.