Logistics Analyst Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

Logistics Analyst Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

Are you searching for the logistics analyst job description? If you are, then this article will help answer your question. You will discover here the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that people who work as logistics analyst are commonly assigned .

You will also learn from this post the major requirements you may be asked to meet to qualify to access the logistics analyst job with most organizations. Read on:

What Does a Logistics Analyst Do?

The logistics analyst job description involves utilizing analytical methods and a variety of tools to understand, predict, and/or control logistics operations and processes.

It also entails data management, analyzing performance, and identifying problems, and developing recommendations that support logistics management.

Logistics analysts work in a variety of industries (requiring end to end movement of goods, materials or people), including consumer goods companies, retailing companies, transportation, shipping, manufacturing, etc.

Their work description also entails providing comprehensive report and statistical information to support logistics functions and programs.

It also involves developing complex analytical reports based on statistical data.

Logistics analysts provide information to the logistics planning process based on knowledge and data, and are also responsible for analyzing performance trends and identifying issues and opportunities for improvements.

They are also responsible for the analysis of product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes, as well as to confer with logistics management teams to determine ways to maximize service levels, maintain supply-chain efficiency, or minimize cost.

Logistics analysts are also responsible for computing metrics such as on-time delivery rates, order fulfillment rates, or inventory turns.

They are also required to interpret data on logistics elements, including availability, maintainability, and reliability; supply chain management, strategic sourcing or distribution, as well as supplier management and transportation.

More on Logistics Analyst Job Description

It is also part of the logistics analyst’s duties to utilize web-based logistics information systems to closely monitor the flow of vehicles or inventory, and track vehicles or containers.

In cases of under optimization, they are responsible for reorganizing shipping schedules to consolidate loads, maximize vehicle usage, or limit the movement of empty vehicles or containers.

To become a logistics analyst requires a Bachelor’s degree, and they must have strong mathematics and business skills, particularly pertaining to statistical modeling of profits and business activities.

In addition, the logistics analyst must be a self starter, detail oriented, and able to support multiple projects and/or logistics business functions.

They must also be an excellent communicator and a team player with the ability to interact well with various levels and functions in a logistics organization.

It is also important that the logistics analyst be capable of managing vendor/business relationships.

Logistics Analyst Job Description Example/Sample/Template

Logistics analysts perform various functions utilizing statistical analyses and strategies to devise optimal logistics solutions in creating a more productive, cost-effective and profitable enterprise. They also aid organizations in implementing the solutions.

Shown below are major tasks, duties, and responsibility that commonly make up the logistics analyst job description:

• Responsible for managing route activities such as invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing
• Support vendor/business partner relationships
• Responsible for developing and maintaining cost estimates, forecasts, and cost models
• Execute day to day processes and perform data management applying a combination of data mining, data modeling, and data analysis; cost/benefit analysis and/or problem analysis
• Undertake ad-hoc queries and maintain reports from a variety of resources as specific to department or organizational needs to support the business
• Responsible for conducting analysis and creating reports of weekly and monthly KPIs and forecasts
• Actively participate in transportation alignment and tracking performance to awards and cost
• Responsible for auditing transportation accessorial charges by carrier and customer
• Correct freight settlement documents to ensure the proper accruing of freight on a daily basis
• Estimate distribution costs for new business opportunities-indirect/direct freight, DC Costs, etc.
• Responsible for performing cost comparisons of distribution center shipments versus plant direct opportunities
• Clearly communicate to senior leaders (both internal and external), vendors and customers.

Logistics Analyst Requirements – Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

If you are seeking to work as a logistics analyst, employers will want to be sure that you can achieve the objectives, purpose, and obligations of the role in your work performance by asking you to meet certain requirements.

The major employers’ requirements for the role of logistics analyst are shown below:

• Education: Applicants for the job of a logistics analyst require a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, or in a related field and 2+ years of experience in transportation, logistics or customer service; or equivalent combination of education and experience. However, Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Knowledge: They require strong financial acumen – the ability to utilize fundamental concepts of finance to manage budgets, forecast costs, and provide relevant information for decision-making. They may also require experience with Six Sigma or other process improvement methodology
• Computer skills: They require advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access). However, possessing advanced knowledge and experience with any of these: Sequel Data Base, Mini-Tab, Access, SQL, Visual Basic Skills for Data Acquisition and Analysis may be preferred
• Creative thinking ability: It is essential that they can demonstrate originality and imagination in thinking while developing a solution to a problem
• Communication skills: They must be able to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and present technical information clearly and succinctly across a variety of communication settings and audience
• Customer service skills: It is essential that they are customer focused – they must think and act from customer perspective
• Detail-orientation: They must factor in every detail in proffering holistic solutions

More Logistics Analyst Requirements

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills: They require this skill to be able to clarify and resolve complex business issues by breaking them down into meaningful components to determine root cause, and to redesign internal and external business processes where necessary. It is vital that they can approach problems systematically and develop scalable solutions
• Flexibility: They require the ability to function in a highly dynamic, fast paced environment
• Organizational skills: They must be highly organized and able to multi-task with a clear bias for action and a sense of urgency on priorities
• Stress management skills: They must be able to handle high pressure and adverse situations with composure. They must have resilience and perseverance in the face of constraints
• Team player: They must be able to work well with others in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

Conclusion

If you are an employer or recruiter hiring for the logistics analyst position in your organization, you can create a good description of the position by applying the sample job description above.

You will be able to attract and hire the best qualified logistics analyst for your company by publishing a detailed description of the vacant role.

This post will also be found helpful by people interested in the logistics analyst career. They will be able to learn more about what logistics analysts do and the qualities and qualifications to have to be hired.