Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistic Analyst

🎯 Role Definition

As a Logistic Analyst, you are the analytical engine of our supply chain. You will be instrumental in dissecting complex logistics data to uncover actionable insights that drive strategic decisions. This role involves a deep dive into our transportation, warehousing, and inventory management processes to identify opportunities for improvement, ensure compliance, and enhance the performance of our logistics network. You will collaborate closely with internal departments and external partners to streamline operations, making a direct impact on our company's bottom line and our ability to deliver for our customers.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator
Supply Chain Intern
Junior Data Analyst

Advancement To:

Senior Logistics Analyst
Logistics Manager
Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

Procurement Analyst
Supply Chain Planner
Operations Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Analyze and interpret complex logistics data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement and significant cost reduction.
Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, freight cost per unit, inventory turnover, and carrier performance to senior leadership.
Manage and optimize transportation routes and carrier selection to ensure the most cost-effective and timely delivery of goods, balancing service levels and expenses.
Conduct detailed freight cost analysis, audit freight invoices for accuracy, and diligently resolve billing discrepancies with carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
Maintain and enhance logistics information systems, including Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), to ensure high data integrity and functionality.
Collaborate proactively with procurement, warehousing, manufacturing, and customer service teams to streamline the end-to-end supply chain process and resolve any logistical challenges.
Create and present detailed reports, compelling dashboards, and data visualizations to management, providing actionable insights and recommendations for strategic decisions.
Evaluate, select, and negotiate with new and existing carriers, 3PLs, and other logistics service providers to secure favorable terms and improve service quality.
Lead or participate in critical cross-functional projects aimed at optimizing supply chain operations, such as network redesign, warehouse layout improvements, or new system implementations.
Forecast future logistics needs, including transportation capacity and warehousing space, by analyzing sales projections, historical data, and market trends.
Ensure full compliance with all domestic and international shipping regulations, including customs documentation, tariffs, and trade laws, to mitigate risk.
Investigate and resolve shipment exceptions, delays, damages, and claims by performing root cause analysis and implementing robust corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Perform deep-dive root cause analysis on logistical failures and develop sustainable, long-term solutions to improve operational reliability and customer satisfaction.
Support inventory control by analyzing stock levels across the network, identifying slow-moving or obsolete inventory, and recommending strategies for optimization and reduction.
Develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key logistics processes to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all operations.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in logistics and supply chain management to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
Manage relationships with key logistics partners, conducting regular business reviews to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and foster collaboration.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for various business stakeholders.
Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and long-term planning initiatives.
Collaborate with business units and IT to translate data and operational needs into technical engineering requirements for logistics systems.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and analytics teams to drive project completion.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, and Power Query.
Hands-on experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Strong data analysis capabilities with demonstrable experience using SQL to query and manipulate large datasets.
Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense to create insightful reports and dashboards.
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
In-depth knowledge of supply chain principles, including inventory management, freight forwarding, and logistics network design.
Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and demand forecasting models.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for presenting complex information clearly to non-technical audiences.
Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational and project management skills.
A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments.
Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
Proactive, intellectually curious, and self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a relevant field

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management / Logistics
Business Administration / Data Analytics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of progressive experience in a logistics, supply chain, or data analysis role.

Preferred: Experience in a high-volume distribution, e-commerce, or manufacturing environment. Professional certifications such as APICS (ASCM) CSCP or CLTD are highly regarded.