what is a logistics coordinator?
As a logistics coordinator, you help your employer maintain inventory levels and ensure they have enough raw materials for production activities. The responsibility for overseeing the purchase and distribution of items in a supply chain looks simple but involves complex processes. For instance, in a shoe production plant, you source the raw materials, including cloth, rubber and plastic. These come from various suppliers and should be ordered on precise schedules to avoid production delays. Apart from raw materials, you also source packaging items like boxes and labels.
what does a logistics coordinator do?
In logistics, you find a balance between costs and benefits. For instance, you incur warehouse costs if you order excess raw materials to minimize transportation expenses. Your role involves optimizing the supply chain to ensure your employer has what they need at the appropriate time while keeping costs low. You need exceptional multitasking skills to juggle various tasks and accomplish supply chain functions.
Would working as a logistics coordinator suit your organizational skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a logistics coordinator role.
logistics coordinator jobsaverage logistics coordinator salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a logistics coordinator in Canada is $55,000 per year or an hourly rate of $28.21. When starting in the role, you have minimal experience and qualifications. Hence, your salary is $43,239 per year. The most experienced logistics coordinators bring additional expertise to the role and earn up to $101,587 per year.
what factors influence the salary of a logistics coordinator?
Your earnings as a logistics coordinator depend on experience and qualifications. In an entry-level role, you require minimal experience and perform less complex tasks. Experienced logistics coordinators are in charge of complex operations and strategizing. Hence, they can negotiate higher salaries due to their expert knowledge.
The size of the company also influences your earnings. Small companies have low-level logistics operations and limited resources, thereby reducing your earning potential. Large companies are willing to pay more due to the complexity of their logistics operations. They also have more resources and can afford to pay higher salaries. Your location may also influence your earnings. For instance, regions like Alberta or British Columbia tend to pay higher wages for logistics coordinators.
types of logistics coordinators
The main types of logistics coordinators include:
- inbound logistics coordinators: as a logistics coordinator, your sole focus is on the incoming flow of resources needed to produce products or services. Your responsibilities include managing supplier inventories and preventing delays by ensuring transportation and production schedules are properly aligned.
- outbound logistics coordinators: as an outbound logistics coordinator, you focus on delivering products to consumers. For instance, ensure the finished products are packaged and dispatched on time to meet delivery schedules. You also maintain inventory in warehouses.
working as a logistics coordinator
Working as a logistics coordinator involves monitoring the supply chain to ensure it runs smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of the specific duties, work schedules and work environments of a logistics coordinator.
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what does a logistics coordinator do?
Some of the roles of a logistics coordinator include:
- managing the flow of incoming raw materials and outgoing products: as a logistics coordinator, you control the flow of incoming raw materials and the distribution of finished products. You optimize distribution channels and create plans to ensure delivery schedules align with production plans.
- budgeting and costing: logistics coordinators control supply chain costs. Your job is to negotiate favourable prices with suppliers and shipping costs. You create a budget for supply chain functions and minimize shipping expenses by building lasting working relationships with suppliers, retailers and carriers.
- supervising shipping operations: as a logistics coordinator, you work with delivery drivers and carriers to optimize shipping functions. You can focus on route optimization or review the performance metrics of each shipping method. You are also responsible for shipping equipment, such as forklifts and trucks. Hence, you adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and ensure that operational costs match the budget. It is also crucial to communicate emergencies and logistical concerns promptly to all relevant stakeholders.
- maintaining the inventory: as a logistics coordinator, your primary role revolves around inventory management. You keep records of inbound and outbound products or raw materials. You also track stock levels, delivery times, transport efficiency and budgets. When inventory and stock levels don't tally, you access shipping reports and audit the inventory accounts.
- supervising and training warehouse workers: as a logistics coordinator, your role also involves coaching and monitoring the performance of your workforce. For improved productivity, you train workers and address warehouse safety hazards. You also supervise the workers to ensure they adhere to safe industrial practices.
- introducing safety procedures: warehouse environments need safety procedures to minimize accidents and injuries. As a logistics coordinator, you ensure safety protocols are in place and that employees follow them. For example, you implement emergency procedures and train workers in handling hazardous materials.
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work environment of a logistics coordinator
A typical workday of a logistics coordinator revolves around solving transportation problems and dealing with customer concerns. You perform these functions in warehouses, on shop floors or within manufacturing settings. Warehouse work environments are climate-controlled and well-lit to keep the products or raw materials fresh and ready for shipping. In indoor office settings, you mainly prepare reports or update inventory management systems with your computer. You also visit clients or suppliers and negotiate shipping contracts.
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who are your colleagues?
As a logistics coordinator, you work in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. Your colleagues may include material handlers, cleaners, dispatchers, inventory managers, production supervisors and warehouse associates. You also work in close proximity to sales associates, HR managers and project managers. Other specialists you work with include product managers and operations managers.
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logistics coordinator work schedule
The work schedule of a logistics coordinator depends on your employment terms. For example, your work takes over 40 hours a week if you work on a full-time contract. Since logistics is a 24-hour operation, you work overtime — including weekends — to keep up with delivery schedules and shipping times. Companies that need an on-site logistics coordinator run schedules on shifts. Part-time logistics coordinator roles are rare, but you can find some vacancies. Remote work is also possible, but only if you do not have to physically check or inspect goods.
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career opportunities as a logistics coordinator
As a logistics coordinator, you have promising career prospects and opportunities for growth. If you want to scale upwards, a supply chain manager handles all aspects of supply chain processes, including logistics. You can also become an operations manager or product manager. Some logistics coordinators specialize in transportation or warehouse management.
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advantages of finding a job as a logistics coordinator through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
logistics coordinator skills and education
Some of the educational requirements for becoming a logistics coordinator in Canada include:
- educational qualifications: to work as a logistics coordinator, you require a bachelor's degree in a related field. You can complete a degree in business administration or procurement. If a company requires specialized materials or business services, you may need a specific diploma. For instance, in a logistics coordinator role for industrial products, a diploma in engineering gives you an added advantage.
- work experience and licensing: while a logistics coordinator is not a regulated career, some employers expect you to have the designation of Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP). You should register for an educational program with the supply chain management association.
competencies and characteristics of logistics coordinators
Logistics coordinators need the following valuable skills:
- problem-solving skills: as the head of the logistics team, you deal with multiple challenges, from daily delivery details to shipping restrictions and shortage of storage space. Exceptional problem-solving skills will help you balance time limitations and resolve problems before they affect the supply chain.
- organizational skills: as a logistics coordinator, you need organizational skills to keep up with delivery schedules and inventory records. Documenting warehouse activities with detailed records and reports makes your job manageable since you can use the documents as reference points.
- flexibility: sometimes logistics activities fall behind schedule, and your job is to ensure the delay doesn't affect other logistic events. Flexibility helps you adapt to changing situations and rework your plans.
- leadership skills: as a logistics coordinator, you are a leader and inspire and motivate your team. Understanding the value of each worker is crucial to ensure you utilize their skills appropriately.
- critical thinking skills: as a logistics coordinator, you require critical thinking and creativity to improve the efficiency of the systems and reduce costs. When unforeseen circumstances arise, critical thinking skills help you adjust your strategies, enabling you to resolve the issues and minimize their impact on the supply chain process.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a logistics coordinator.
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what is the role of a logistics coordinator?
As a logistics coordinator, you oversee all aspects of the supply chain process. For instance, you ensure the flow of raw materials and final products by organizing transport to suppliers and retailers. You also manage inventory levels and coordinate stock or equipment to ensure the organization's production schedule does not get interrupted.
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how much does a logistics coordinator make in Canada?
As a logistics coordinator, you make an average salary of $55,000 per year or an hourly rate of $28.21 per hour. Your earnings start at $43,039 annually in an entry-level position, while the most experienced workers earn over $101,583 yearly. The earnings usually depend on experience, qualifications and the company size.
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what qualifications does a logistics coordinator need?
To work as a logistics coordinator, complete a college diploma in business administration or supply chain management. You may also require additional qualifications in a specialized field, such as operations analysis or engineering. This is particularly the case if you handle specialized business services or supervise the movement of various products.
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what skills do logistics coordinators need?
As a logistics coordinator, it is important to have knowledge and expertise in supply chain management, warehouse operations and inventory management. You also require soft skills to excel in your role, including customer service management, problem-solving and the ability to work as a team.
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is being a logistics coordinator a good career?
Due to the growing opportunities in supply chain management, working as a logistics coordinator in Canada is a promising career. You will have numerous career growth opportunities and higher salary expectations.
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how do I find a job as a logistics coordinator?
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