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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Incoming Logistics Coordinator

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Incoming Logistics Coordinator coordinates and executes all inbound transportation and receiving activities to maintain inventory accuracy, minimize receiving delays, and ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. This role acts as the primary liaison between suppliers, carriers, customs brokers, warehouse operations, and internal production/planning teams, using WMS/ERP tools, EDI/ASN data, and standard operating procedures to manage dock operations, claims, and supplier performance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Receiving Clerk
  • Transportation Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Intern

Advancement To:

  • Inbound Logistics Supervisor / Lead
  • Logistics Manager / Shipping & Receiving Manager
  • Supply Chain Planner or Inventory Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Carrier/3PL Coordinator
  • Procurement Assistant
  • Quality Control Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and manage inbound receiving schedules, appointment slots, and dock assignments to optimize throughput, reduce detention, and ensure on-time unloading for incoming shipments.
  • Review and verify incoming shipment documentation (Bill of Lading, packing lists, ASNs, commercial invoices) against purchase orders and ERP/WMS records to ensure accuracy at SKU and pallet level.
  • Receive, inspect, and QA-check inbound product for quantity, damage, labeling, expiration dates, correct lot/batch codes, and special handling requirements; document non-conformances and initiate supplier return or quarantine processes.
  • Process and post receipts in WMS/ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan) including ASN reconciliation, GRN (Goods Received Note) creation, and location put-away directives to maintain real-time inventory accuracy.
  • Manage EDI/ASN exceptions and discrepancies with suppliers and carriers, researching root causes, correcting master data errors, and ensuring proper electronic data exchange for future shipments.
  • Schedule inbound carriers (FTL/LTL/parcel) and coordinate with 3PL partners and carrier dispatch to secure on-time pickups and deliveries while optimizing cost and transit times.
  • Lead daily inbound operations huddles with warehouse supervisors, production planners, and quality teams to prioritize urgent receipts and align resources with production demand.
  • Investigate and process freight claims, damaged goods claims, and supplier chargebacks — gathering evidence, photos, and documentation to recover costs and update supplier scorecards.
  • Maintain and improve inbound KPIs including on-time-in-full (OTIF), receiving accuracy, dock-to-stock cycle time, ASN match rate, and supplier on-time performance.
  • Manage cross-dock and direct-to-line inbound flows for just-in-time (JIT) and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) shipments to minimize handling and speed replenishment to production.
  • Implement FIFO/FEFO procedures, pallet labeling, and SKU binning standards to reduce spoilage, expired product movement, and inventory mis-picks.
  • Coordinate customs brokerage, import documentation, and compliance requirements for international inbound shipments, including HS codes, duties, and customs holds.
  • Work with procurement and suppliers to improve packing standards, palletization, and communication of special handling (hazmat, cold chain) to reduce claims and expedite receiving.
  • Execute and support cycle counts, physical inventory, and reconciliation activities for inbound SKUs, correcting inventory adjustments and investigating root-cause discrepancies.
  • Maintain compliance with safety and regulatory requirements (OSHA, DOT, IATA for air, IMDG for ocean) during inbound handling, secure storage of hazardous materials, and dock operations.
  • Operate and manage inbound technologies including RF scanners, mobile devices, barcode printers, and label templates; train receiving staff on WMS transactions and best practices.
  • Create and maintain inbound process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials; support onboarding of new logistics hires.
  • Analyze inbound trends and carrier performance using Excel, Power BI, or other reporting tools to identify cost-saving opportunities and present improvement plans to management.
  • Collaborate with production planning, inventory control, and materials management to prioritize receipts for high-priority production orders and minimize stockouts.
  • Coordinate special projects such as vendor consolidation, packaging redesign, dock layout changes, and implementation of cross-docking or staging lanes to improve inbound efficiency.
  • Manage supplier performance programs for inbound delivery accuracy, ASN compliance, on-time delivery, and packaging quality; report metrics and drive corrective action plans.
  • Lead root cause analysis for repeated inbound issues (shortages, overages, mislabels) and implement permanent corrective actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Ensure accurate disposition of held or quarantined inbound materials, working with Quality Assurance and Procurement to disposition returns, rework, or scrap.
  • Support audit readiness by maintaining inbound documentation, traceability records, and compliance logs for internal and external audits.
  • Coordinate inbound returns and repairable part flows, ensuring proper RMA processing, return shipping, and credit issuance with suppliers.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis related to inbound logistics performance, cost-to-serve, and carrier routing.
  • Contribute to the organization's inbound logistics strategy, process standardization, and continuous improvement roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate inbound operational needs into WMS configuration and ERP transactions.
  • Participate in cross-functional improvement projects and agile ceremonies focused on logistics automation, EDI enhancements, and reporting automation.
  • Provide backup support to Transportation and Outbound teams during peak periods or staff shortages.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) experience — knowledge of SAP EWM/WM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan, JDA or similar.
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) transactions and PO/GRN processes (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) processing and troubleshooting.
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data cleaning) and experience with Power BI/Tableau or other reporting tools.
  • Familiarity with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and carrier booking portals.
  • RF/mobile scanning device operation and barcode labeling standards (GS1, SSCC, pallet labels).
  • Knowledge of customs/import documentation, harmonized system (HS) codes, and working with customs brokers for international inbound shipments.
  • Experience handling hazardous materials and compliance with DOT/IATA/IMDG regulations where applicable.
  • Forklift or material handling equipment knowledge and certification coordination (if required).
  • Experience with cycle counts, physical inventory processes, and inventory reconciliation techniques.
  • Ability to process freight claims, returns, and supplier chargeback documentation.
  • Basic SQL or data query skills (preferred) to access transaction-level WMS/ERP data for analysis.
  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies (preferred).

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication — able to liaise with suppliers, carriers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Detail-oriented with high accuracy in documentation and inventory reconciliation.
  • Analytical thinker with problem-solving orientation and root cause analysis capability.
  • Time management and prioritization skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Customer service mindset: balancing supplier/carrier relationships while protecting company interests.
  • Adaptability and resilience during peak season, disruptions, or change initiatives.
  • Team player who can lead cross-functional coordination and influence without direct authority.
  • Negotiation skills for coordinating carrier rates, accessorials, and appointment windows.
  • Proactive planner with a continuous improvement and cost-conscious mindset.
  • Strong organizational skills and bias for action to close open discrepancies and exceptions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; equivalent combination of education and logistics experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years of inbound logistics, receiving, or transportation coordination experience.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years’ experience in inbound logistics or warehouse operations with documented accomplishment improving inbound KPIs.
  • Experience working with WMS/ERP implementations, EDI/ASN processes, and international inbound shipments.
  • Prior supervisory or cross-functional project leadership experience is a plus.
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