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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Material Logistics Agent

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouseOperationsManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

As a Material Logistics Agent, you are the central nervous system of our operations, orchestrating the precise and timely movement of all materials. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between our suppliers, our production floor, and our customers. Your primary mission is to ensure that the right components and goods are in the right place, at the right time, and in the right condition, directly impacting our operational efficiency, cost management, and ability to deliver on our promises. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is dedicated to optimizing every facet of the material lifecycle.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Assistant
  • Production Planner

Advancement To:

  • Senior Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Warehouse Supervisor or Manager
  • Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Purchasing Agent / Buyer
  • Transportation Coordinator
  • Production Scheduler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and meticulously monitor the end-to-end movement of materials, components, and finished products throughout the entire supply chain.
  • Manage and track all inbound and outbound shipments, proactively ensuring on-time delivery and swiftly resolving any transportation delays, damages, or exceptions.
  • Maintain exceptionally precise inventory records and data integrity within the company's ERP/MRP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to guarantee high levels of stock accuracy.
  • Execute regular cycle counts, physical inventory audits, and stock-taking procedures; investigate, document, and reconcile any discovered discrepancies.
  • Generate, process, and verify all necessary shipping and receiving documentation, including bills of lading, packing slips, commercial invoices, and customs paperwork.
  • Act as the primary liaison between suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal departments like procurement, production, and quality control to align material availability with operational needs.
  • Prepare, stage, and issue materials, components, and complete kits for production work orders, ensuring all parts are accurately accounted for and allocated.
  • Expedite critical parts and materials as required to support urgent production demands, machine-down situations, or high-priority customer orders.
  • Manage the complete process for returning materials to suppliers (RMA/RTV), and oversee the proper disposition of non-conforming, obsolete, or excess inventory.
  • Process material requisitions from internal teams, ensuring timely fulfillment and communication regarding material status.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all domestic and international shipping regulations, including DOT, IATA, and IMDG for hazardous materials handling and documentation.
  • Oversee warehouse organization, layout, and space utilization to foster a safe, orderly, and highly efficient working environment.
  • Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to accurately track inventory locations, bin movements, and picking/packing activities within the facility.
  • Coordinate directly with the Quality Assurance team to manage the quarantine, inspection, and release of incoming materials pending approval.
  • Resolve any receiving discrepancies, such as shortages, overages, or damaged goods, by communicating effectively with vendors and carriers to find a resolution.

Secondary Functions

  • Analyze material requirements based on production schedules and sales forecasts to prevent stockouts or costly overstock situations.
  • Monitor key logistics metrics and KPIs (e.g., on-time delivery, freight spend, inventory turnover) and prepare insightful performance reports for management.
  • Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements within warehouse and logistics operations to enhance efficiency, safety, and reduce operational costs.
  • Evaluate transportation carrier performance based on cost, service levels, and reliability, and assist in negotiating freight rates and contracts.
  • Participate actively in production planning meetings to provide critical input on material availability, lead times, and potential supply chain risks.
  • Manage the inventory of essential packaging and shipping supplies, creating reorder points to ensure constant availability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP/MRP Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning or Material Requirements Planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Epicor).
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Demonstrated ability to use pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, conditional formatting, and other functions for data analysis and reporting.
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proven experience using WMS software to manage inventory, locations, and order fulfillment.
  • Freight Coordination: Knowledge of coordinating with various freight carriers (LTL, FTL, Parcel, Air) and understanding transportation logistics.
  • Inventory Control Methodologies: Strong understanding of inventory techniques such as cycle counting, ABC analysis, and FIFO/LIFO principles.
  • Shipping & Receiving Documentation: Familiarity with creating and interpreting bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Working knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations (e.g., Incoterms, HTS codes, DOT, IATA).

Soft Skills

  • High Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all tasks to ensure accuracy in inventory, shipping, and data entry.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to effectively troubleshoot logistical issues, identify root causes, and implement lasting solutions.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and professional interaction with internal teams, suppliers, and carriers.
  • Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and resilient, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities and unexpected challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
  • Certification in Logistics, Transportation, or Supply Chain (e.g., APICS, CLTD) is a significant plus.

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 logistics, warehouse, material handling, or supply chain coordination role.

Preferred: Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing, distribution, or aerospace environment is highly desirable. A valid forklift operator certification is a strong asset.

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