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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Officer

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

As a Logistics Officer, you are the central nervous system of our supply chain. You will be responsible for orchestrating the complex movement of goods, information, and resources from origin to destination. This role is not just about moving boxes; it's about strategic planning, meticulous execution, and continuous optimization to ensure our products reach their destination on time, within budget, and in perfect condition. You will be a key player in driving operational excellence, mitigating risks, and directly contributing to the company's bottom line and customer satisfaction. This role requires a proactive, analytical, and highly organized individual to master the flow of our global and domestic logistics operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Junior Procurement Officer

Advancement To:

  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply chain Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Head of Logistics

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Manager
  • Inventory Manager
  • Freight Forwarding Specialist
  • Operations Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee and manage the end-to-end logistics and supply chain operations, including procurement, transportation, warehousing, and final distribution.
  • Plan, coordinate, and monitor the movement of goods, ensuring all operations meet cost, productivity, accuracy, and timeliness targets.
  • Develop and implement strategic logistics plans and procedures to optimize efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and improve service levels.
    aintain and track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, freight costs, and warehouse efficiency, providing regular reports to management.
  • Liaise and negotiate with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to build strong, effective partnerships.
  • Ensure full compliance with all domestic and international shipping regulations, including customs laws, import/export documentation, and trade compliance.
  • Manage and process all necessary shipping documentation, such as Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
  • Resolve any logistical issues, shipment delays, or customer complaints promptly and effectively, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Utilize logistics software, including ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), to track and manage shipments and inventory.
  • Direct, optimize, and coordinate the full order cycle from customer order placement to final delivery, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
  • Lead inventory management processes, including conducting cycle counts, performing stock reconciliations, and implementing strategies to minimize carrying costs and prevent stockouts.
  • Analyze logistical problems and produce innovative solutions, continuously seeking opportunities for process improvement and supply chain optimization.
  • Collaborate closely with sales, manufacturing, and procurement teams to align logistics activities with demand forecasts and production schedules.
  • Supervise and provide direction to warehouse and logistics staff, ensuring efficient and safe execution of daily tasks like receiving, picking, packing, and dispatching.
  • Evaluate and manage logistical risks by developing and maintaining robust contingency plans to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and audits of carriers and 3PL partners to ensure they adhere to service level agreements (SLAs) and quality standards.
  • Manage the reverse logistics process, efficiently handling the return of goods from customers for repairs, replacements, or disposal.
  • Prepare and control the logistics budget, monitoring expenditures and implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.
  • Stay current with logistics and supply chain trends, technologies, and regulations to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge.
  • Champion and enforce health and safety standards within the warehouse and throughout all transportation activities, ensuring a safe working environment.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover supply chain insights.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain and data strategy roadmap.
  • Collaborate with IT and business units to translate data needs into engineering and system requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the operations and data teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite).
  • Advanced knowledge of Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
  • Strong command of Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis functions.
  • In-depth understanding of international trade, customs regulations, and Incoterms.
  • Expertise in supply chain management principles, inventory control, and forecasting.
  • Proven experience in freight forwarding, carrier negotiation, and route optimization.
  • Ability to perform data analysis and generate reports on key logistics KPIs.
  • Knowledge of procurement processes and vendor relationship management.
  • Familiarity with health and safety (H&S) regulations in a logistics environment.
  • Experience with budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting for logistics operations.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  • Strong negotiation, influencing, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
  • Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Resilience and the ability to perform effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
  • A collaborative spirit and the ability to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to navigate changing priorities and unforeseen challenges.
  • Strategic thinking and a proactive approach to planning and execution.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of direct experience in a logistics or supply chain role.

Preferred: Experience within a specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, 3PL) is highly advantageous. A proven track record of successful cost reduction and process improvement projects is a strong plus.

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