Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistics Executive

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Executive is a vital operational linchpin within the supply chain, responsible for overseeing and managing the end-to-end movement of goods. This role involves meticulous planning, execution, and coordination of all transportation, warehousing, and inventory activities. As the orchestrator of daily logistics, the Executive ensures that products are moved efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with all relevant regulations, directly impacting the organization's operational success and customer satisfaction. They are the go-to problem-solvers, navigating the complexities of freight, customs, and supplier relations to maintain a seamless flow of materials and finished products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator
Supply Chain Assistant
Warehouse Associate / Supervisor

Advancement To:

Logistics Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Procurement Specialist
Inventory Analyst
Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Plan, manage, and coordinate the entire logistics and transportation lifecycle, from sourcing and procurement to final-mile delivery, ensuring seamless operations.
Select, engage, and negotiate with freight forwarders, carriers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to secure optimal rates and service levels.
Prepare, review, and process all essential shipping and customs documentation, including Bills of Lading (B/L), commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, ensuring 100% accuracy.
Act as the central point of communication between suppliers, warehouse teams, transport providers, and customers to align schedules and resolve issues.
Diligently track and trace all inbound and outbound shipments, providing proactive status updates to internal and external stakeholders and anticipating potential delays.
Oversee inventory control procedures, including monitoring stock levels, performing cycle counts, and reconciling discrepancies to maintain inventory accuracy and prevent stockouts.
Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure efficient receipt, storage, order fulfillment, and dispatch of goods in line with operational priorities.
Investigate and resolve any logistical discrepancies, claims, or issues, such as shipment damages, delays, or customs holds, with a focus on root cause analysis and prevention.
Ensure strict adherence to all domestic and international shipping regulations, trade compliance laws, and customs procedures to mitigate risk and avoid penalties.
Generate and analyze key performance indicator (KPI) reports related to transportation costs, on-time delivery rates, carrier performance, and inventory turnover.
Liaise closely with sales, procurement, and production planning teams to ensure logistics activities are fully aligned with customer demand and manufacturing schedules.
Audit and process logistics-related invoices for freight, customs, and warehousing, verifying charges and ensuring timely payment to vendors.
Utilize and maintain the Transportation Management System (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to manage orders, track shipments, and report on activities.
Continuously identify and implement process improvements within the logistics workflow to drive cost reduction, enhance service quality, and boost overall supply chain efficiency.
Manage reverse logistics operations, coordinating the return of goods from customers for repairs, replacements, or credit, ensuring proper documentation and inventory updates.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and perform exploratory analysis on logistics data to uncover trends, inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.
Contribute valuable operational insights to the development of the organization's broader supply chain strategy and technology roadmap.
Collaborate with various business units, such as finance and IT, to translate operational needs into clear system and process requirements.
Participate actively in cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience, sustainability, or technology adoption.
Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key logistics, shipping, and warehouse functions to ensure consistency and quality.
Conduct periodic performance reviews and audits of 3PL providers and carriers to ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
Stay current with industry trends, emerging logistics technologies, and evolving transportation and trade regulations to ensure the company's practices remain competitive.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Logistics & ERP Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
International Trade Compliance: Deep understanding of import/export documentation, customs clearance processes, and international commerce terms (Incoterms).
Freight Management: Proven ability in carrier selection, rate negotiation, and route optimization for various modes of transport (sea, air, road).
Data Analysis & Reporting: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas) for analyzing logistics data and creating performance reports.
Inventory Control Principles: Solid knowledge of inventory management techniques, cycle counting, and stock reconciliation methods.
Supply Chain Principles: A firm grasp of end-to-end supply chain concepts, including procurement, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: An analytical and resourceful mindset to quickly diagnose and resolve complex logistical disruptions and challenges.
Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively liaising with and negotiating with global vendors, carriers, and internal teams.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough, with a keen eye for accuracy in documentation, data entry, and compliance-related tasks.
Time Management & Organization: Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and shipments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Collaboration: A team-oriented approach with the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and customers.
Adaptability & Proactiveness: The capacity to adapt to changing priorities and unforeseen circumstances, with a proactive attitude toward identifying and preventing potential issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A diploma in a relevant field or equivalent professional certification (e.g., in logistics or supply chain).

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Administration
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in a hands-on logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain coordination role.

Preferred:

Experience within a specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail, FMCG, technology) and a proven track record of handling international freight and customs procedures.