Overview of the Logistics Coordinator Role
A Logistics Coordinator is someone who deals with the flow of goods within a supply chain. This includes the movement of goods from a supplier to a warehouse, and then to a customer.
In this role it is important to be able to communicate with all parties involved in the supply chain to make sure that deliveries are made in a timely manner. A Logistics Coordinator will need to problem-solve any issues that arise such as late deliveries or missing stock and come to logical conclusions to solve the problems.
It is essential to have knowledge of the supply chain to be able to move stock efficiently, and with experience in this role there are quite a few other manufacturing roles a Logistics Coordinator can advance to.
Dress Code
A Logistics Coordinator should dress in business casual attire such as collared shirts, dress pants and closed-toe shoes, though this can be relaxed for warehouse environments where PPE is appropriate.
Logistics Coordinator Responsibilities
A Logistics Coordinator is responsible for the flow of goods. Therefore, they are responsible for coordinating schedules for transport and monitoring and tracking inventory movement. They must use their problem-solving skills and knowledge of supply chain processes to achieve successful deliveries.
Logistics Coordinator Tips
Make sure you are capable of excellent time management. It is important for a Logistics Coordinator to make sure all deliveries are made on time and without running into issues that could have been prevented. Doing this will reduce stress and increase productivity.
Consider gaining certification in supply chain management to understand the supply chain processes better.
Qualifications and Skills of a Logistics Coordinator
A Logistics Coordinator will need to understand the supply chain processes to be successful in this role and use problem-solving skills to counter any issues that might occur when moving goods.
Problem-Solving Abilities
A Logistics Coordinator must quickly identify any issues within the supply chain. To do this, they must analyse data to identify patterns and pinpoint potential problems in the supply chain. They must then evaluate different options and consider the outcome of their decisions before making any final decisions.
It is important to communicate with external partners or other departments to find solutions that benefit the entire supply chain. In doing so the process will become much smoother and more efficient for all parties.
Knowledge of Supply Chain Processes
A Logistics Coordinator needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire supply chain process. This includes goods procurement, production, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, distribution and customer delivery.
Understanding these processes will help the coordinator streamline the process, finding more efficient ways of moving goods from point A to point B. Use your knowledge of supply chain processes to ensure timely and efficient deliveries while optimising costs.
Strong Communication
If there is a problem in the supply chain the Logistics Coordinator will need to find a solution. To do this, they will need to contact various departments or external suppliers to solve the problem. You must be able to clearly and concisely convey information to the relevant people, listen to their reasoning and explanation and understand their concerns.
Use strong communication skills to negotiate with other teams within the supply chain to increase productivity and make the flow of goods more streamlined.
Duties of a Logistics Coordinator
A Logistics Coordinator must manage the transport of goods from suppliers to customers. This includes organising delivery schedules and monitoring and tracking all inventory and shipments.
Managing the Transportation of Goods
The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for organising shipping and delivery routes, they must keep up to date with the movement of any goods into and out of any facility to ensure that products are delivered on time and to the correct destination.
Use the relevant software to plan transportation routes and see where shipments may be. The Logistics Coordinator will then manage shipping dates and ensure all documentation is correct before sending goods out for delivery.
Coordinating Schedules for Timely Deliveries
It is the job of a Logistics Coordinator to make sure all aspects of a delivery are managed efficiently from taking orders to distributing the goods. It is important to have reliable shipping schedules based on customer orders, inventory levels and transportation availability.
The delivery route must be optimal, and a Logistics Coordinator must factor in distance, traffic, and delivery windows to make sure all deliveries are made in a timely manner. Use and understand tracking systems to monitor deliveries and communicate with drivers if there are any issues on route.
Monitoring & Tracking Inventory & Shipments
The stock must be readily available for customer orders, use databases and keep in contact with warehouses and suppliers to make sure that stock is always available for shipping. It is important to use your knowledge of the supply chain to fix any issues such as missing stock or late deliveries if these problems arise.
It is also part of a Logistics Coordinator’s job to monitor the shipments, whether that is the delivery of goods from the supplier to the warehouse, or the delivery to the customer’s home, be vigilant when monitoring inventory, as missing stock or delivery delays will cause issues for the company.
Logistics Coordinator Career Progression and Advancement
With enough experience and skills, a Logistics Coordinator can advance into management roles or move into a Supply Chain Analytics position. There are also Procurement and Global Logistics opportunities available for skilled Logistics Coordinators.
Logistics Management or Supply Chain Analytics Roles
A Logisitics Manager will need advanced experience and skills obtained from being a Logistics Coordinator. This job expands on the previous role by utilising your knowledge to perform extra tasks such as negotiating shipping rates, optimising warehouse space utilisation and resolving logistics issues. You will need excellent communication and problem-solving skills to advance to this role.
A Supply Chain Analyst will deal with data to identify trends, optimise processes and make informed decisions across the entire supply chain.
The Supply Chain Analyst will use trends to identify which products will be in demand, develop data driven insight to improve the efficiency of the supply chain. This role requires high analytical skills and a deep understanding of the supply chain.
Procurement & Global Logistics Opportunities
To move into procurement and global logistics, the Logistics Coordinator will need to understand how to purchase goods using negotiation and communication skills to get the best prices. This job also deals with stock transportation across international borders.
If you’re interested in this role, it may be appropriate to gain qualifications in procurement and logistics for a deeper understanding of the job, as other elements include reverse logistics and legal considerations such as insurances.
FAQs on Becoming a Logistics Coordinator
What Software is Common in Logistics Coordination?
Commonly used software includes Warehouse Management Systems, Transportation Management Systems, Enterprise Resource Planning systems and Supply Chain Planning software.
Do You Need Qualifications to Be a Logistics Coordinator?
Yes, you usually need both experience in logistics and a degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field. It is also useful to look into courses that cover topics such as database management and system dynamics.
How Much Does a Logistics Coordinator Earn?
A Logisitics Coordinator can expect to earn in the range of £22,000 to £27,000 with an average salary or around £25,000 per year depending on location, experience and company size.
What Does a Logistics Coordinator Do?
It is the role of a Logistics Coordinator to manage the flow of goods from suppliers to customers. This includes inventory management, transportation and customer service.
