Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistical Support Specialist

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsCoordination

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistical Support Specialist acts as the central nervous system of our supply chain operations. You will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of all logistical activities, including transportation, inventory control, and order fulfillment. This position requires constant communication with suppliers, carriers, warehouse staff, and internal departments to ensure timely and cost-effective execution of all logistical processes. You will be instrumental in identifying and implementing process improvements, mitigating risks, and ensuring our operations are compliant and efficient.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Assistant
  • Warehouse Coordinator
  • Data Entry Clerk (with supply chain focus)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Logistics Coordinator / Logistics Lead
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Specialist
  • Inventory Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and monitor all inbound and outbound shipments, including domestic and international freight, to ensure on-time delivery.
  • Prepare, verify, and manage all necessary shipping and receiving documentation, such as Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, commercial invoices, and customs declarations.
  • Act as the primary point of contact and liaison between the company, freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and 3PL providers.
  • Diligently track and trace shipments from origin to final destination, proactively communicating status updates, delays, and potential issues to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Investigate and resolve any shipping discrepancies, including delays, damages, or lost goods, by filing claims and coordinating solutions with carriers and internal teams.
  • Utilize the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to process sales orders, manage inventory levels, and generate logistics reports.
  • Maintain meticulously accurate and organized records of all logistics activities, including shipment logs, transportation costs, and carrier performance metrics.
  • Assist in negotiating freight rates and service level agreements with transportation providers to optimize shipping costs while maintaining service quality.
  • Ensure all logistical activities and documentation are in full compliance with company policies and relevant local, domestic, and international trade regulations.
  • Audit freight and transportation invoices for accuracy against contracted rates, approve for payment, and dispute incorrect charges in a timely manner.
  • Collaborate closely with warehouse operations teams to schedule inbound and outbound truckloads, ensuring efficient dock utilization and labor planning.
  • Manage and oversee inventory accuracy by assisting with regular cycle counts, physical inventory audits, and reconciling system data with physical stock.
  • Communicate effectively with sales and customer service departments to provide accurate delivery estimates, manage customer expectations, and resolve fulfillment inquiries.
  • Support the procurement department by coordinating inbound shipments of raw materials and finished goods, tracking supplier deliveries against purchase orders.
  • Handle the complete reverse logistics process, including managing customer returns (RMAs), coordinating the inspection and disposition of returned products.

Secondary Functions

  • Analyze transportation and logistics data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and key opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction.
  • Generate and distribute regular logistics performance reports and dashboards with key performance indicators (KPIs) for management review.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer critical business questions related to the supply chain.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing insights on logistical data needs.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for system enhancements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering and operations teams.
  • Maintain positive and effective working relationships with all third-party logistics (3PL) providers, carriers, and supply chain vendors.
  • Provide essential logistical support for special projects, new product launches, or company events as required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP/WMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with systems like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or other major warehouse and enterprise management software.
  • MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas) for data analysis and reporting, as well as Word and Outlook.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Familiarity with TMS platforms for shipment booking, tracking, and carrier management.
  • Shipping & Customs Knowledge: Strong understanding of shipping documentation, freight classifications, and Incoterms. Basic knowledge of customs compliance and international trade regulations is a major plus.
  • Data Analysis: Ability to interpret logistical data, identify trends, and generate actionable insights and reports.
  • Freight Rate Negotiation: Experience or exposure to negotiating rates and service terms with carriers and freight forwarders.
  • Inventory Control Principles: Solid understanding of inventory management techniques, including cycle counting and stock reconciliation.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly and professionally interact with internal teams, external partners, and customers.
  • Problem-Solving Acumen: A proactive and resourceful approach to identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective solutions under pressure.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for accuracy in documentation, data entry, and invoice auditing to prevent costly errors.
  • Organizational & Time Management: Superb ability to multitask, prioritize a high-volume workload, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively across different departments, including sales, warehouse, and finance.
  • Customer-Centric Focus: A commitment to providing outstanding service and ensuring customer satisfaction through reliable and transparent logistics.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and evolving business needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent. An Associate's Degree is a strong asset.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in a logistics, shipping, transportation, or supply chain coordination role.

Preferred:

Experience within a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, or e-commerce environment. Direct exposure to international shipping (import/export) and customs procedures is highly desirable.

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