Logistics Jobs: A Comprehensive Career Guide

13th Jun 2022

Article Summary:

Logistics is an interesting career choice and its one that’s filled with opportunity. This article guides you through the different jobs that you are likely to find in the logistics industry, the likely employers, where to find jobs and how to write a tailored CV to make your application stand out. You will also be given some resources and further reading to research the industry in more detail. Read more.

Introduction

Transport and logistics is one of the biggest industries in the UK and it's growing all the time. Logistics is all about the movement of goods and materials from one place to another, and there are lots of different types of jobs in this sector.

Logistics jobs can involve working with freight, planning routes and schedules, loading and unloading vehicles and dealing with customer enquiries. There are also many administrative roles in logistics, such as coordinating orders and arranging deliveries. Logistics is a challenging sector and a fast paced one too with lots of moving parts, systems and processes that must run smoothly to get products to where they need to be on time.

Main Section

If logistics sounds of interest to you, here are some of job types that you may want to explore:

Freight forwarder: A freight forwarder is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods from one place to another. They work with manufacturers, retailers, and customers to ensure that goods are delivered on time and in good condition. They will work with customs, oversee the packaging process and deal with the movement of dangerous goods. It’s a complex and challenging role that requires strong problem-solving abilities and coordination skills.

Logistics coordinator: The work of a logistics coordinator involves processing orders and ensuring the seamless fulfilment of orders. They will oversee the movement of supplies, stock, packages, materials and products are processed on time and moved through to delivery as quickly as possible. They play an important role in the supply chain management process facilitating the movement of raw materials and products from suppliers to retailers to customers.

Delivery driver: A delivery driver plays an important role in the transportation process. They must load, unload, transport and deliver items to the client or business recipient in a timely manner ensuring the integrity of items being delivered. They will review orders to ensure they are complete and make sure the customer is satisfied with the order upon delivery.

Warehouse Operative: Warehouse workers are responsible for storing and distributing products. The work involved will vary depending on the type of operative and warehouse, but typically, it will involve loading and unloading deliveries, picking and packing orders and ensuring the smooth day to day operations of the warehouse, working within a team to ensure that orders are despatched promptly. They may work in a variety of settings, such as warehouses, distribution centres, and retailers.

There are many other types of logistics jobs, but these are just a few to get you started with your research. The career that you choose will depend on your interests, preferences and skills. Some jobs may be better suited to your skill set than others. Logistics is an excellent career choice if you are looking for a job that’s both rewarding and challenging.

Entry, Mid-Tier and Senior Logistics Jobs

As with many jobs, there are different tiers or levels of job in the logistics sector that you could explore.

For beginners, an entry level logistics job would include roles such as warehouse operative or a delivery driver. If you wish to pursue a career as a delivery driver and want to work with large shipments, you may have to obtain an HGV licence if you haven’t already obtained this.

Intermediate roles include Logistics Coordinator and Freight Forwarder. These jobs allow you to use more advanced skills to ensure that supply chains run as efficiently as possible.

For those with even more experience, senior positions are available such as manager or director. These types of roles often require extensive experience and knowledge of the logistics industry.

Where to Find Logistics Jobs

The best way to find out what types of jobs are available in the logistics sector is to use jobs boards and online searches. There are many job websites that list vacancies in the transport and logistics industry.

Job boards: Job boards like ours are a great way to search for vacancies in the logistics sector. You can use these specialist websites to search for roles by location, keyword, or job title.

Recruitment agencies: Look for a recruiter who specialise in the transport and logistics sector. These agencies have a vast network of contacts and connections so they can help you locate the right job in this industry.

LinkedIn: If you know how to use LinkedIn properly, it can be a useful tool to connect with employers in the logistics industry. You can use LinkedIn to search for jobs, and also to network with potential employers. If you create a profile which is tailored to transport and logistics it will also increase your chances of success.

Google: Use the search engine to research and find companies who are recruiting for your ideal role. It also allows you to explore the requirements of the job and skills needed to work in your chosen role. Explore well known logistics companies and see what jobs they have on offer on their career pages.

Recruiters and Logistics Jobs

In the UK, there are many recruitersand companies who specialise in logistics and are therefore looking for staff. Some of the top recruiters and organisations include:

DHL - A leading logistics company with over 285,000 employees in more than 220 countries. A trusted courier brand used by many, it is always looking to expand its pool of talented employees.

FedEx – A well-known brand in transportation and logistics with over 325,000 employees in more than 220 countries. As it is such a large business, it needs a constant influx of staff to fulfil its many operations.

UPS - UPS is a global leader in transportation and logistics with more than 400,000 employees in over 200 countries. It’s a huge organisation with many opportunities for employment.

As you visit each of the websites and view the different job types that are available, make some notes on the types of jobs that are advertised often, the skills and experience they look for and any other information that you feel would be important for your job search. You can then identify patterns and know what jobs require which skills when searching. Depending on the nature of the work, some jobs in the logistics sector may require you to have a valid driving licence, as you will be required to operate a vehicle. For other roles, such as office-based roles, it's important to have good communication and IT skills.

Freight Forwarder Duties

A freight forwarder is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods from one place to another. They work with manufacturers, retailers, and customers to ensure that goods are delivered on time and in good condition.

As a freight forwarder, your duties would include:

· Coordinating the shipment of goods which involves best packaging methods, mode of transport and most efficient route

· Participating in negotiations with carriers and organising carrier space

· Managing customs documentation and insurance paperwork

· Processing payments and managing freight charges for shipments

To be a successful freight forwarder, you must have good communication and negotiating skills. You must also be able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Requirements for a Freight Forwarder

· Strong organisational skills

· Effective communication abilities

· Coordination and teamwork

· Knowledge of geography

· Problem solving and attention to detail

Logistics Coordinator Duties

A logistics coordinator is responsible for coordinating the movement of goods within a company. They work closely with other departments, such as sales and marketing, to ensure that goods are delivered to customers on time. As a logistics coordinator, your duties would include:

· Overseeing the operations of the supply chain

· Facilitating the fulfilment, shipping and transportation cycle

· Researching shipping methods, testing transportation providers and monitoring costs

· Maximising efficiency of the supply chain

· Recruiting logistics staff

· Monitoring and maintaining quality control

· Ensuring that warehouses run at optimal capacity

To be a successful logistics coordinator, you must have good communication and negotiation skills. You should also be well organised and able to work well under pressure.

Logistics Coordinator Job Requirements

· Sound knowledge and understanding of data management

· Familiarity with quality control and management

· The ability to identify improvements in systems and processes

· Project management abilities with strong forward thinking and strategic planning skills

· Knowledge of transport and logistics with the ability to solve problems

· Resource management capabilities

Delivery Driver Duties

A delivery driver is responsible for transporting goods from one location to another. They must ensure that the goods are delivered on time and in good condition.

As a delivery driver, your duties would include:

· Loading and unloading goods

· Checking paperwork

· Delivering goods to customers

· Reviewing orders upon delivery to ensure they are complete

To be a successful delivery driver, you must have a valid driving license and be able to drive safely. You should also be polite and professional when dealing with customers.

Delivery Driver Job Requirements

The requirements for a delivery driver include:

· Excellent knowledge of the local or regional area

· Sound hearing and eyesight

· Strong timekeeping skills

· Excellent communicator

· Friendly and professional manner and the ability to work unsupervised

· Relevant licence with a minimum of a full, clean UK driving licence

The duties of a delivery driver will depend on the nature of the route and the type of vehicle but the above are just the minimum requirements that you would be expected to have.

Warehouse Operative Duties

A warehouse operative is responsible for picking and packing orders, loading and unloading vehicles, and maintaining the warehouse.

As a warehouse operative, your duties would include:

· Picking and packing orders

· Loading and unloading vehicles

· Moving goods around the warehouse

· Keeping the warehouse clean and tidy

· Rotating stock in accordance with stock rotation schedules

· Reporting damaged or missing goods

· Complying with health and safety regulations

· Assisting with the control of warehouse inventory

To be a successful warehouse operative, you must be physically fit as the role involves a lot of manual labour. You should also be able to follow instructions and work well as part of a team.

Warehouse Operative Job Requirements

The requirements of a warehouse operative will vary depending on the nature of the warehouse and the way in which it operates, but as a general rule, the following skills and attributes are required for most operatives:

· Physically strong with dexterity and good levels of fitness

· The ability to work as part of a team in a fast paced and challenging environment

· Knowledge of computer technology such as scanners and software

· Organisational skills

· Honesty and integrity

How to Apply for Logistics Jobs

When applying for a job in logistics, it's important to include a tailored and well-written CV. Your CV should highlight your relevant skills and experience, incorporating some of the qualities and requirements outlined above. It's also a good idea to include a cover letter. In your cover letter, you should explain why you're interested in the role and why you would be a good fit for the company. Where provided, use the job description and person specification as a guide for your writing.

When applying for jobs online, it's important to follow the instructions carefully. Many employers use automated systems to filter applications, so if you don't follow the instructions, your application may not be seen.

It's also a good idea to research the company before you apply. This will give you a better understanding of their business and what they're looking for in an employee. If you're invited to interview, it's important to prepare in advance. Research common interview questions and practice your answers. This will help you to feel more confident on the day of the interview.

Logistics is a growing industry with many different types of jobs available. Whether you're looking for a role in transportation, warehousing, or customer service, there's sure to be a job that's right for you. Jobs in logistics are often fast-paced and challenging. If you're looking for a role that will give you the opportunity to use your organisational and communication skills, then a job in logistics could be perfect for you.

Logistics Interview Questions

The logistics industry is challenging, and employees are expected to work in a high-pressure environment. Therefore, employers must be sure that they can trust the employees they recruit. In order to assess suitability, the following questions are asked as a way to determine whether the candidate is a good fit:

· What experience do you have in logistics?

· Why are you interested in working in logistics?

· What do you think are the most important skills for a job in logistics?

· What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by the logistics industry?

· How would you deal with a customer who was unhappy with the service they received?

· What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful logistics coordinator?

· What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful delivery driver?

· What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful warehouse operative?

· What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by the transportation industry?

· How would you deal with a situation where you had to transport hazardous materials?

What to Highlight in Your CV

When applying for jobs in logistics, it's important to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Your CV should include information about your education, work history, and any relevant qualifications or certifications. Also include industry specific examples relevant to the role. If you have experience in a particular area of logistics, such as transportation or warehousing, you should make sure to include this information on your CV.

It's also a good idea to include any special skills or knowledge that you have, such as experience in using logistics software, planning routes in a specific country or speaking a foreign language.

How to Develop a Career in Logistics

There are many different ways to develop a career in logistics. One option is to complete a qualificationin logistics, such as a diploma or degree. Another option is to gain experience in the industry by working in a related field, such as customer service or transportation. If you're already working in logistics, you can further your career by taking on additional responsibilities or completing a professional development program.

Continuing Professional Development

Once you've started working in logistics, it's important to continue developing your skills and knowledge. There are many ways to do this, such as attending conferences or taking online courses.

You can also join professional organizations, such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

By continuing to develop your skills, you'll be able to progress in your career and take on more responsibility. Whatever path you choose, it's important to keep up to date with the latest industry trends and developments. You can do this by attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, or networking with other professionals.

The Future of Logistics

The future of logistics is exciting, with new technologies and developments transforming the way that goods are transported around the world. One of the most exciting innovations in the logistics industry is the use of drones for delivery. This new technology is already being used by companies such as Amazon and UPS, and it's likely that other companies will soon follow suit.

Another area that is set to change the face of logistics is 3D printing. This technology can be used to create parts and products on-demand, which could revolutionize the way that goods are manufactured and distributed. The rise of e-commerce is also having a major impact on the logistics industry. As more and more people shop online, there is an increasing demand for efficient delivery services. This is leading to the development of new types of delivery methods, such as same-day delivery and drone delivery. All of these advances in technology are opening up new and exciting career opportunities for people at all stages of their career.

Conclusion

This guide has introduced you to the following:

· What the logistics sector is

· Some of the different job types that you can find in the industry

· The employers and recruiters that exist in logistics

· How to write a CV