A Detailed Guide to Careers in Logistics: 7 Types To Explore
Updated 8 March 2024
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What are careers in logistics?
Careers in logistics are jobs that relate to the process of planning, implementing and controlling the movement of products, services or information throughout the supply chain. Logistics companies handle some or all of these supply chain functions, depending on the logistical requirements of their clients. Businesses can also have internal systems to support their own supply chain. Logistics professionals help companies set production schedules and accomplish goals according to schedule.Related: What Is Logistics Management and How's the Work Environment7 types of jobs in logistics
There are several categories of jobs within the logistics industry, including:1. Transportation
Transportation jobs oversee the movement of goods and materials from the supplier to a company and from a company to its customers. Transportation jobs in logistics involve various activities such as the shipment, storage and distribution of parts or raw materials that are going to be used in production. They also include tracking inventory, sourcing the materials and optimising the movement of goods from the supplier to your warehouse, store or manufacturing plant.Here are several examples of logistics jobs in transportation:- Distribution manager
- Fleet manager
- Transportation specialist
- Outbound transportation coordinator
- Freight broker
- Supply chain manager
- Shipping coordinator
- Transportation analyst
2. Compliance and administration
Coordinating the logistics and movement of goods through a supply chain often requires extensive documentation and paperwork. This is especially important for businesses that ship products internationally or across state borders. Compliance and administrative professionals in the logistics field are responsible for managing the contracts and regulations involved with tracking goods through the supply chain. This involves ensuring that shipments comply with regulations at international ports and securing the proper paperwork for compliance with transportation industry rules.Here are some compliance and administrative positions in logistics:- Global trade compliance director
- Compliance officer
- Documentation manager
- Customs broker
- Logistics compliance administrator
- Risk analyst
- Supply chain contract manager
- Compliance auditor
3. Warehousing
Warehousing refers to the safe storage of goods, inventory or information within a specified area or building. It is a requirement for most companies that manufacture, export, import or transport goods. Warehouses safely and securely store products in an organised way to monitor where items are located, how long they've been there when they've arrived and what is the quantity available.These are a few logistic jobs in the warehouse category:- Warehouse logistics specialist
- Warehouse area manager
- Shipping and receiving operator
- Warehouse logistics coordinator
- Warehouse agent
- Warehouse solution architect
- Warehouse operations coordinator
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4. Order fulfilment
Order fulfilment refers to the process of storing goods, packing orders and delivering products to customers. This step in the logistics process involves activities that happen after a customer places an order up to the moment they receive that order. Companies may handle order fulfilment in-house or outsource it to fulfilment partners.Here are some example job titles for order fulfilment roles:- Distribution channel manager
- Fulfilment associate
- Channel sales director
- Account fulfilment specialist
- Web order specialist
- Regional fulfilment manager
- Fulfilment operations manager
- Speciality order logistics associate
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5. Inventory management
Inventory management, a critical component of the supply chain, refers to the tracking of goods and materials from a company's manufacturing plant to the warehouse and from these facilities to the point of sale. The main goal of inventory management is to have the right goods or materials in the right place at the right time. Inventory management professionals determine when to order products, how much to order and where to store the items.Here are some examples of inventory management logistics positions:- Procurement manager
- Inventory control specialist
- Inventory clerk
- Merchandise manager
- Purchasing manager
- Inventory analyst
- Supplier relations manager
- Inventory logistics specialist
- Account inventory
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6. Materials handling
Materials handling refers to the movement of goods or materials within short distances in a warehouse or storage area. It involves the use of manual, semi-automated and automated systems and equipment. It's important to consider the storage, protection and control of goods throughout their manufacturing, warehousing and distribution phases.These are some of the logistics roles in materials handling:- Receiving clerk
- Package sorter
- Productivity manager
- Equipment manager
- Material handling systems manager
- Asset manager
- Materials handler
- Production support manager
- Process design engineer
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7. Demand planning
Demand planning refers to the process of forecasting demand to ensure quick and reliable delivery of products. Effective demand planning can help improve the accuracy of a company's revenue forecasts, enhance profitability for a particular product or channel and align inventory based on demand. Demand planning professionals carefully examine the internal and external factors that can affect demand, such as news events, weather patterns, natural disasters and labour force issues.Here are a few jobs in demand planning:- Demand planner
- Supply planning manager
- Inventory planner
- Logistics consultant
- Business process engineer
- Workforce planner
- Operations analyst
- Director of demand planning
Characteristics of the logistics field
If you're considering working in logistics, it's important to understand what to expect from the industry. Here are several elements of logistics work to consider before starting your career:Logistics exist in every industry
All companies have some element of logistics in their business operations, making logistics a widespread field. Because logistics jobs focus on the delivery of products and services to customers, any organisation that sells something or provides a service relies on logistics professionals for efficient operations. If you're interested in a specific industry, you can specialise in logistics for that field. For example, you may learn the nuances of transporting healthcare supplies for hospitals and other medical providers as a healthcare logistics consultant. The variety of this field makes it ideal for anyone with varied interests.Related: What Does a Channel Manager Do? (With Salary and Skills)It's a reliable field
Logistics is a reliable field because having a supply chain is essential for a functioning society. If you want a consistent career, you may want to consider a job in the logistics industry. As companies seek to expand and gain new customers, their need for logistics professionals may also increase. Learning a variety of skills in logistics can help you become a strong and versatile candidate to increase your employment prospects in this industry.Related: Logistics Assistant Job Description (With Responsibilities)Jobs in logistics are fast-paced
Working in logistics requires constant problem-solving, making it a fast-paced industry. Because every aspect of the supply chain is interconnected, logistics positions often have a high level of pressure on each position to complete tasks correctly and on time. Having a job in logistics may be ideal for you if you thrive in an environment with external motivation and pressure to achieve goals. Before starting a job in logistics, it's important to assess your own ability to manage your priorities, track objectives and accomplish your duties according to a strict timeline.Related: Logistics Manager Job Description (With Responsibilities)Frequently asked questions about working in logistics
Here are a few frequently asked questions about jobs in the logistics field:Do logistics jobs pay well?
Logistics can be a lucrative field as you advance into leadership positions. Because a company's logistics management has a direct influence on its operational expenses, being able to find the most efficient way to coordinate an organisation's logistics can make you valuable to an employer and increase your earning potential. Gaining a formal education or certifications in supply chain management and logistics can also increase your earning opportunities. The highest-paying jobs in logistics are usually logistics executives, managers and directors.Related: 8 Supply Chain Certifications to Help You Find a JobWhat skills do you need for a logistics career?
To be successful in the logistics field, you can have a variety of professional and technical skills. This includes a thorough understanding of how the business supply chain works and the ability to think quickly to solve problems. Other important skills for logistics professionals include the following:- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Data analysis
- Organisation
- Sales forecasting
- Customer service
- Focus
- Work ethic
What is the work environment for logistics jobs?
Your work environment in a logistics job depends on your particular position. Some logistics professionals work in an office, but they often work on a job site such as a warehouse or transportation depot. Managers and consultants who work at a desk typically work close to job sites so they can observe how the supply chain functions and make adjustments to the system or solve problems if an issue occurs.Related: What Does a Logistics Analyst Do? (With Salary and Skills)
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