Logisticians
Logisticians analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. They are responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Logisticians manage and coordinate the supply chain of a product. They are responsible for the product’s movement from the supplier to the consumer. They analyse the existing supply chain and recommend areas of improvement to save time, space and cost. They propose strategies in the businesses’ best interests.
A logistics jobs include maintaining business relationships with suppliers and consumers, understanding consumers’ needs, managing transport and warehouse activities, allocating resources and products, leading operations teams, managing projects and supporting upper-level management.
A high school or associate’s degree may be sufficient for some logistics job roles, but most require a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration or systems engineering. Due to the complex nature of the industry, degree holders are in higher demand and continuous education and skills upgrades are valued. Technical knowledge of operations and database management is also important.
Logistics careers are present in almost every industry. Some work in logistics departments of companies and others work for specialist logistic and shipping companies. Manufacturing, government and wholesale/retail trade organizations hire more than others. A logistics manager's salary may vary based on experience and size and nature of the business.
To be successful as a logistician, important skills include customer service, critical thinking, problem-solving, organization, and communications.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MBA Supply Chain Management
- MBA Hotel Management
- BBA Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor's Any Subject
Tasks
- Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involved in, or directly relevant to, a logistics activity.
- Develop an understanding of customers' needs and take actions to ensure that such needs are met.
- Direct availability and allocation of materials, supplies, and finished products.
- Collaborate with other departments as necessary to meet customer requirements, to take advantage of sales opportunities or, in the case of shortages, to minimize negative impacts on a business.
- Protect and control proprietary materials.
- Review logistics performance with customers against targets, benchmarks, and service agreements.
- Develop and implement technical project management tools, such as plans, schedules, and responsibility and compliance matrices.
- Direct team activities, establishing task priorities, scheduling and tracking work assignments, providing guidance, and ensuring the availability of resources.
- Report project plans, progress, and results.
- Direct and support the compilation and analysis of technical source data necessary for product development.
Progression Routes
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