Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Global Logistics Analyst

🎯 Role Definition

The Global Logistics Analyst is the strategic navigator of the company's international supply chain. This role isn't just about tracking shipments; it's about being a data-driven storyteller who deciphers the complexities of global trade. By analyzing performance metrics, costs, and carrier efficiency, the Analyst identifies critical trends and opportunities for improvement. They are the crucial link between raw data and actionable business intelligence, empowering leadership to make informed decisions that optimize our network, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. In essence, this position ensures our products are in the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost, on a global scale.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator
Supply Chain Analyst (Domestic)
Import/Export Specialist

Advancement To:

Senior Global Logistics Analyst
Logistics Manager
Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

Demand Planner
Procurement Analyst
Trade Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Analyze and meticulously monitor global freight movements, covering ocean, air, and ground transportation, to guarantee the timely and cost-effective delivery of all goods.
Develop, maintain, and distribute comprehensive key performance indicator (KPI) reports and dashboards to transparently track carrier performance, on-time delivery, and total logistics costs.
Conduct in-depth root cause analysis on service failures, shipment delays, and cost overruns, presenting detailed findings and recommending robust corrective actions to management.
Manage the complete lifecycle of freight invoice auditing for accuracy, diligently resolving discrepancies with carriers and freight payment providers to ensure strict compliance with negotiated rates.
Collaborate proactively with a network of international carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to troubleshoot complex shipment issues and streamline cross-border logistics processes.
Provide critical analytical support for global supply chain projects by gathering extensive data, performing complex modeling, and assessing the potential impact of network changes.
Identify and spearhead process improvement initiatives within the global logistics network aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, driving down costs, and elevating service levels.
Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to expertly manage shipment data, track orders in real-time, and generate insightful reports.
Perform regular, data-intensive network analysis to optimize transportation routes, refine carrier selection strategies, and identify freight consolidation opportunities across diverse geographic regions.
Assist in the preparation and execution of carrier Requests for Proposal (RFPs), which includes comprehensive data collection, rigorous bid analysis, and sophisticated scenario modeling.
Monitor evolving global trade compliance regulations and partner with the compliance team to ensure every shipment adheres to all import/export laws and documentation requirements.
Serve as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders, including procurement, warehousing, and customer service teams, providing clear updates on shipment status, ETAs, and logistics inquiries.
Evaluate and report on the financial performance of all logistics operations, which includes conducting budget variance analysis and forecasting future transportation expenditures.
Leverage advanced data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI to build and maintain interactive dashboards that provide actionable insights for logistics leadership.
Liaise directly with customs brokers to ensure the accurate and timely clearance of goods, actively working to minimize delays at international borders and ports of entry.
Maintain and analyze a repository of carrier rates and contracts, ensuring the system reflects the most current pricing and service terms for accurate cost projections.

Secondary Functions

Support sustainability initiatives by analyzing the carbon footprint of various transportation activities and identifying opportunities for a greener supply chain.
Conduct ongoing market research on emerging logistics technologies, digitalization trends, and global shipping capacity to inform strategic planning.
Assist in managing the end-to-end claims process with carriers for lost or damaged freight, ensuring timely filing and resolution to mitigate financial losses.
Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key logistics functions to ensure operational consistency and facilitate team training.
Actively participate in Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with strategic logistics partners by preparing performance data and contributing to forward-looking discussions.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis for various business stakeholders to answer specific questions and uncover hidden trends.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High proficiency in enterprise-level Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Advanced mastery of Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, complex formulas, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, index/match, and macro development for data automation.
Hands-on experience with major ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Proven ability in data visualization using modern BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense to create compelling reports and dashboards.
Functional knowledge of SQL for querying relational databases to extract, manipulate, and analyze large datasets.
Deep understanding of all global freight modes, including Ocean (FCL/LCL), Air Freight, Rail, Truckload (TL), and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL).
Strong familiarity with international trade compliance, customs regulations, and the practical application of Incoterms.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills, with a talent for turning complex data into a clear narrative.
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex logistical details to a diverse, global audience.
A meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy in data analysis, reporting, and financial auditing.
Proven ability to manage multiple competing projects and deadlines effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced international environment.
A proactive, self-starter mentality coupled with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for outcomes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics
Business Analytics
International Business
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct experience in a logistics, supply chain, or data analysis role.

Preferred:

Experience working within a global or multi-national corporate environment is highly valued and often a key differentiator.