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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistics Lead

💰 $75,000 - $110,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsManagement

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Lead is a pivotal hands-on leadership role responsible for the day-to-day execution and oversight of an organization's logistics operations. This individual acts as the primary coordinator and problem-solver for the entire logistics lifecycle, from inventory receipt to final delivery. They guide a team of logistics professionals, ensuring that all processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. The Logistics Lead bridges the gap between strategic supply chain planning and tactical on-the-ground execution, driving performance, managing costs, and ensuring the seamless flow of goods through the supply chain network.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Logistics Coordinator
  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Freight Forwarder

Advancement To:

  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply chain Manager
  • Warehouse Operations Manager
  • Distribution Center Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Manager
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Supervise, mentor, and lead a team of logistics coordinators, warehouse associates, and drivers, providing daily guidance, training, and performance feedback.
  • Oversee the complete order fulfillment process, including picking, packing, shipping, and ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all outbound shipments.
  • Coordinate and manage domestic and international freight, selecting appropriate carriers, negotiating rates, and tracking shipments from origin to destination.
  • Direct and monitor daily warehouse activities, including receiving, put-away, inventory storage, and cycle counting to maintain inventory accuracy.
  • Act as the main point of contact for third-party logistics (3PL) providers and freight carriers, managing relationships and monitoring their performance against service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all logistics processes to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality control.
  • Analyze transportation costs, carrier performance, and delivery timelines to identify opportunities for cost reduction and service improvement.
  • Proactively resolve any shipping or inventory discrepancies, delays, or damages by investigating the root cause and implementing corrective actions.
  • Ensure all logistics activities comply with relevant local, national, and international regulations, including customs, hazardous materials (Hazmat), and transportation laws.
  • Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage and report on logistics activities.
  • Prepare and present regular performance reports and KPIs to management, covering key metrics such as on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, and cost-per-shipment.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics department, identifying process bottlenecks and implementing solutions to increase productivity.
  • Manage the allocation of resources, including personnel and equipment, to meet daily operational demands and fluctuating workloads effectively.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and promote a culture of safety within the warehouse and transportation functions, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, sales, and customer service, to ensure alignment and smooth operational flow.
  • Assist the Logistics Manager in developing and managing the departmental budget, tracking expenditures and identifying potential cost-saving measures.
  • Support the evaluation and implementation of new logistics technologies, software, or automation to drive efficiency and scalability.
  • Participate in the strategic planning of the logistics network, providing insights for warehouse layout optimization and distribution strategies.
  • Manage the returns process (reverse logistics), ensuring timely processing of returned goods and proper disposition.
  • Maintain meticulous records of all shipments, transactions, and compliance documentation for auditing purposes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Deep proficiency in using and managing WMS platforms for inventory control, order processing, and reporting.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Experience with TMS software for carrier selection, load planning, and freight tracking.
  • ERP Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with major ERP systems like SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for integrating logistics functions.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Ability to perform complex data analysis using pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and advanced formulas to track KPIs and costs.
  • Freight and Carrier Management: Strong knowledge of transportation modes (FTL, LTL, Ocean, Air) and experience in carrier negotiation and relationship management.
  • Inventory Control Techniques: Expertise in cycle counting, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation methods.
  • Supply Chain Principles: Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain concepts, including procurement, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of shipping regulations, customs documentation, and trade compliance (e.g., Incoterms, HTS codes).

Soft Skills

  • Leadership and Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team to achieve operational excellence.
  • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying issues, evaluating options, and implementing effective solutions under pressure.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members, management, and external partners.
  • Time Management and Prioritization: Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Negotiation and Influence: The ability to negotiate effectively with carriers and suppliers to secure favorable terms and build strong partnerships.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature to ensure accuracy in inventory records, shipping documents, and compliance reporting.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to unexpected changes in demand, shipping delays, or operational challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a relevant field. Professional certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP, CLTD) are a strong plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-8 years of progressive experience within a logistics, warehousing, or supply chain environment.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 2-3 years of direct experience in a team lead, supervisory, or senior coordinator role is highly preferred. Proven experience managing 3PL relationships and driving process improvement projects is a significant asset.
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