Logistics Job descriptions

Logistics has to coordinate all activities connected to the goods circulation by interfering in the following fields: programming and forecasting, supply, production, material handling, packaging, stock control, warehousing, and distribution until the delivery to final customer through the best logistics scheme in terms of Cost, Lead-time & Quality.

Therefore, working in logistics or supply chain sector, means to have a position in each of this fields, whatever the qualification level, always having in mind the respect of processes, procedures, rules of hygiene and safety, with the concern of customer’s satisfaction and product’s quality.

As there is a big diversity in the proposed positions (inventory controller, logistic or exploitation manager, shop or warehouse manager), working conditions can be very different according to the type of job.

As an example, it is not unusual to see a warehouse inventory controller working outdoors or within a loading area. Always on his feet, he must not be afraid of walking miles in the warehouse, even if the logistics engineers are constantly optimizing these movements.

On the contrary, the logistics white collar, more procedures and methods optimization oriented, is going to have a very transversal role in the company, in constant relation with all other services such as product, marketing, purchasing, manufacturing, sales, finance…

Required qualities & abilities

Although job floor positions do not require particular conditions, it is necessary to know that according to the job, he can be necessary to have a good physical condition (heavy loads, "refrigerated" or "hot" atmospheres).

Ability to drive various handling machines represents an indisputable advantage (wagons, forklifts, stacking trucks).

In some cases, technical knowledge (construction, automotive…) as well as stocks management knowledge, can be appreciated

Regarding management positions, their scope is such wide that it requires real capacities of analysis, synthesis and management. At his level, the logistic manager will have to be particularly available and mobile. He will also have to possess serious legal and fiscal knowledge inherent to the transport & shipping activity.

The IS/IT tool is essential in its activity as well as the deep knowledge of at least one foreign language.

The various logistics & supply chain professions:

Supply Chain & Logistics