These are the 4 Best Logistics Careers

The logistics world is rapidly expanding year after year.

Spurred on by a strengthening global economy, supply chains are more resilient than ever. And with more staying power, supply chains are thriving. Of course, at the heart of every supply chain are the people who manage them and keep them running smoothly.

Resiliency-driven growth coupled with the need to fill supply chain careers with knowledgeable people. This has stimulated a massive push for many companies to fill growing logistics careers in the last quarter of 2019. 

Roughly 1.4 million jobs are filled every year in supply chains across the U.S. alone. It’s an industry that has a growth rate slated for well above 25% over the next few years. And while new automation technology is being tested to fill many positions, there is still a need for technical individuals to manage those same systems. 

Those who are looking to break into the logistics industry have ample careers to consider.

Today, we are going to talk a bit about four of the best logistics careers in 2019. 

Procurement 

The efficient movement of freight depends on multiple moving parts.

Leading the way is the process of ordering supplies or commodities needed for manufacturing, retail sales, or other supply functions. This is the job of procurement management professionals. They are responsible for placing orders for business supplies and creating purchase orders. Furthermore, they work closely with suppliers, carriers, and others involved in the movement of freight. 

Their primary task is ensuring that the businesses they represent maintain optimal inventory levels. However, they also help to negotiate contracts, with a focus on cost-savings and operational efficiency. 

Skills Needed for Success

• Exceptional interpersonal relationship building
• Strong communication (both written and verbal)
• Teamwork and self-management 
• Contract negotiation and creation

Distribution or Fulfillment Center Management

The e-commerce world continues to thrive.

In fact, among omnichannel operations, the online sales platform is the one that shows continued growth.

These online merchants depend on the efficient management of distribution or order fulfillment warehouses. They rely on these things to maintain inventory levels, pull orders, package them, and ship to consumers. 

A distribution or fulfillment center manager is responsible for all the daily operations of these huge facilities. They handle inbound and outbound logistics, facility maintenance, payroll, planning, and much more. 

Skills Needed for Success

• Leadership and Interpersonal Relationships
• Organization and Time Management
• A complete understanding of Logistics
• Decision making and problem-solving 
• Exceptional customer service

Operations Planning

The task of creating logistics programs is allocated to operations planners.

Whether it’s in a warehouse operation, for retailers, or manufacturers, operations professionals handle multiple critical tasks. These tasks include payroll, budgets, operational space, deadlines, and workforce to create plans that ensure smooth movement of freight.

Skills Needed for Success

• Strong understanding of the complete logistics process
• People management and problem-solving
• Technology and computer software skills
• Engineering and mathematics

Movement Scheduling

While the positions above are typically management positions, that will usually require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, there are several logistics positions that are blue-collar driven. Freight or transportation scheduling is another growing and needed profession in the logistics industry. They are responsible for communication with customers, suppliers, vendors, and carriers ranging from multimodal to parcel. They work with multiple departments, follow or create procedures, and often track the shipments from pick-up to delivery.

Skills Needed for Success

• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Strong IT and computer technology skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• A robust understanding of shipping and receiving procedures

Final Thoughts

Each of these logistics careers is crucial to maintaining the efficient flow of freight throughout the supply chain. As the industry continues to evolve and becomes more dependent on technology, successful candidates will need to roll with the changes as well and develop skills in understanding how these solutions work. 

If you’re interested in a career in logistics, do your due diligence to ensure you have a complete understanding of the skills required to retain the position. It’s also a good idea to contact logistics companies like 3PLs and inquire about entry-level positions.

Interested in working with a diverse, passionate team? Check out some of the open positions here at Redwood Logistics.