Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Analyst

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

LogisticsSupply ChainData AnalysisOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Analyst is the analytical backbone of our supply chain and operations team. This role is pivotal in scrutinizing our logistics processes, from transportation and warehousing to inventory management and final delivery. By transforming raw data into actionable intelligence, the Logistics Analyst identifies opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and enhanced service quality. You are a problem-solver at heart, constantly seeking to optimize the complex network that moves our products, ensuring we operate in the most effective and streamlined manner possible. This position bridges the gap between on-the-ground operations and strategic decision-making, directly impacting our bottom line and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Intern / Co-op
  • Data Analyst (with a business or operations focus)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Logistics Analyst
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Demand Planner
  • Procurement Analyst
  • Operations Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Analyze and interpret complex logistics data to identify inefficiencies, cost-saving opportunities, and performance gaps within the transportation and distribution network.
  • Develop, track, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and detailed reporting dashboards related to freight costs, on-time delivery, carrier performance, and warehouse efficiency.
  • Conduct comprehensive root cause analysis for service failures, shipping delays, and customer complaints, implementing corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
  • Optimize transportation routes and shipping modes (LTL, FTL, parcel, intermodal) to balance cost, speed, and reliability, providing data-driven recommendations to leadership.
  • Serve as a key liaison for our 3PL partners and transportation carriers, managing relationships and holding them accountable to service level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics.
  • Perform regular audits of freight invoices and accessorial charges to ensure accuracy, resolve billing discrepancies, and recover costs from incorrect charges.
  • Monitor and analyze inventory levels across multiple distribution centers, collaborating with planning teams to optimize stock placement and minimize carrying costs.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track shipments, manage orders, and extract data for analysis.
  • Prepare and present compelling monthly and quarterly business reviews to management, summarizing logistics performance, trends, and strategic project updates.
  • Lead and support process improvement projects aimed at enhancing supply chain visibility, reducing transit times, and improving the overall customer delivery experience.
  • Develop sophisticated data models and forecasting tools to predict future transportation capacity needs, freight spend, and potential network bottlenecks based on sales forecasts and market trends.
  • Manage the freight claims process from initiation to resolution, working with carriers and insurance providers to minimize financial losses from damaged or lost goods.
  • Support contract negotiations with logistics service providers by providing analytical insights on pricing, performance history, and market benchmarks.
  • Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key logistics functions to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
  • Analyze the financial impact of proposed changes to the supply chain network, such as adding a new distribution center or changing a primary carrier.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain the integrity of master data within logistics systems, including carrier rates, transit times, customer addresses, and product specifications.
  • Collaborate with IT and a cross-functional business team to test and implement system enhancements or new logistics technologies.
  • Provide ad-hoc analytical support and reporting to various internal stakeholders, including Sales, Customer Service, and Finance.
  • Stay current with industry trends, market conditions, and regulations affecting transportation and logistics to identify potential risks and opportunities.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving the end-to-end supply chain, from procurement to final-mile delivery.
  • Assist in the development of the annual logistics budget and provide ongoing variance analysis throughout the year.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Mastery of pivot tables, complex formulas, VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, and data modeling is essential.
  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Proven ability to work with large datasets and use tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio to create insightful dashboards.
  • SQL: Proficiency in writing queries to extract and manipulate data from relational databases.
  • ERP Systems: Hands-on experience with enterprise resource planning software, such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
  • Logistics Software: Deep familiarity with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
  • Supply Chain Principles: Strong foundational knowledge of supply chain management, inventory control, and transportation logistics.
  • Financial Acumen: Ability to conduct cost-benefit analysis and understand the financial implications of logistics operations.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Critical Thinking: An innate ability to dissect problems, see the connections in data, and make logical, data-driven conclusions.
  • Problem-Solving: A proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving complex operational issues.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A natural ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, finance, and sales.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in analyzing data, auditing invoices, and managing processes to ensure accuracy.
  • Negotiation & Influence: The capacity to build strong relationships with external partners and influence outcomes through reasoned arguments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree in a relevant field or professional certifications such as APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration (with a concentration in Operations or Analytics)
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Data Analytics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in a logistics, supply chain, or data analysis role.

Preferred:

  • Proven experience in a role with a heavy focus on transportation analysis and cost reduction.
  • A demonstrated track record of successfully completing process improvement projects with measurable results.
  • Hands-on experience in a high-volume distribution or manufacturing environment.
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