Occupation · SOC 13-1081
Logisticians
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Median wage
$80,880
$49,260–$132,110
Projected growth
+16.7%
Faster than average
Annual openings
4,030
per year
Employed (US)
235,640
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,514 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingSpeakingCoordinationReading ComprehensionActive ListeningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
TransportationEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematics
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareBusiness intelligence and data analysis softwareEnterprise system management software
Representative tasks
Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involved in, or directly relevant to, a logistics activity.Develop an understanding of customers' needs and take actions to ensure that such needs are met.Manage subcontractor activities, reviewing proposals, developing performance specifications, and serving as liaisons between subcontractors and organizations.Develop proposals that include documentation for estimates.Review logistics performance with customers against targets, benchmarks, and service agreements.Direct availability and allocation of materials, supplies, and finished products.Explain proposed solutions to customers, management, or other interested parties through written proposals and oral presentations.Redesign the movement of goods to maximize value and minimize costs.Direct team activities, establishing task priorities, scheduling and tracking work assignments, providing guidance, and ensuring the availability of resources.Perform managerial duties such as hiring and training employees and overseeing facility needs or requirements.Collaborate with other departments as necessary to meet customer requirements, to take advantage of sales opportunities or, in the case of shortages, to minimize negative impacts on a business.Report project plans, progress, and results.Protect and control proprietary materials.Stay informed of logistics technology advances and apply appropriate technology to improve logistics processes.Develop and implement technical project management tools, such as plans, schedules, and responsibility and compliance matrices.Provide project management services, including the provision and analysis of technical data.Manage the logistical aspects of product life cycles, including coordination or provisioning of samples, and the minimization of obsolescence.Perform system lifecycle cost analysis and develop component studies.Plan, organize, and execute logistics support activities, such as maintenance planning, repair analysis, and test equipment recommendations.Participate in the assessment and review of design alternatives and design change proposal impacts.Direct and support the compilation and analysis of technical source data necessary for product development.Support the development of training materials and technical manuals.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Customer relationship records — maintain accurately using CRM software under supervisor guidance in a logistics support role.Customer needs documentation — gather and organize by reviewing service requests and intake forms within an established logistics operation.Subcontractor proposals — review and summarize key terms and performance specifications under the direction of a senior logistician.Cost estimate documentation — compile supporting data and format draft proposals following standard templates in a logistics department.Logistics performance data — collect and enter KPIs against service agreements into tracking spreadsheets for supervisor review.Materials and supply records — monitor inventory levels and flag allocation discrepancies using ERP software under direct oversight.Goods movement routes — identify inefficiencies in existing transportation plans by analyzing route data with guidance from experienced staff.Written summaries of logistics solutions — draft for internal review using standard office suite and email software in a professional business setting.Transportation and geography knowledge — apply foundational understanding to assist in scheduling freight movements across regional distribution networks.Business intelligence dashboards — navigate and interpret pre-built reports to support data needs of the logistics team under supervision.
developing
Customer key personnel relationships — develop and sustain through regular outreach and follow-up across assigned logistics accounts.Customer operational needs — analyze and translate into actionable logistics plans with moderate oversight in a supply chain environment.Subcontractor performance — monitor against defined specifications and serve as a liaison between subcontractors and internal stakeholders on routine engagements.Proposal documentation — prepare independently, including cost estimates and supporting data, for mid-size logistics projects.Logistics service agreement reviews — conduct on a scheduled basis, comparing performance benchmarks and communicating findings to customers.Material and supply allocation — direct across multiple inventory locations using ERP software to balance availability with operational demand.Goods movement redesign — evaluate and recommend process adjustments to reduce freight costs and improve delivery timelines in familiar operational contexts.Solution presentations — deliver to customers and internal management using prepared written proposals and structured oral briefings.Critical thinking and systems analysis — apply to diagnose recurring logistics bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions within established frameworks.Time management and coordination — exercise to balance multiple concurrent logistics assignments, meeting deadlines with limited supervisor direction.
proficient
Long-term customer relationships — cultivate autonomously with key client personnel by anticipating needs and proactively resolving logistics challenges across complex accounts.Customer needs assessment — conduct independently through active listening and social perceptiveness, designing tailored logistics solutions that exceed service expectations.Subcontractor oversight programs — design and manage end-to-end, reviewing bids, enforcing performance specifications, and resolving disputes across multi-party logistics contracts.Comprehensive logistics proposals — develop and finalize, integrating detailed cost models, risk assessments, and documentation for executive and client audiences.Logistics performance analysis — lead review cycles against targets and service agreements, applying systems evaluation to identify root causes and drive continuous improvement.Materials, supplies, and finished-goods flow — direct strategically across the full supply chain, optimizing allocation to meet shifting demand with minimal disruption.End-to-end goods movement redesign — execute by applying inductive and deductive reasoning to reconfigure distribution networks for maximum value and cost efficiency.Complex problem solving in non-routine logistics scenarios — apply independently, leveraging cross-functional data and judgment to implement durable solutions.Persuasive proposals and presentations — craft and deliver to diverse stakeholders including senior management and clients, driving alignment on logistics strategy.ERP and business intelligence platforms — utilize at an advanced level to model logistics scenarios, evaluate system performance, and inform strategic decisions.
advanced
Enterprise customer relationship strategy — set organizational direction for client engagement, establishing standards for how logistics teams build and sustain key customer partnerships.Customer-centric logistics culture — champion across the organization by embedding service standards and accountability into team practices and performance metrics.Subcontractor governance framework — establish and oversee at scale, defining selection criteria, performance standards, and escalation processes across the enterprise supply chain.Strategic proposal development capability — build within the logistics function by mentoring teams in documentation, cost modeling, and stakeholder communication best practices.Organizational logistics performance program — design and lead, defining benchmarks, service-level frameworks, and executive reporting cadences aligned to business objectives.Supply chain resource allocation policy — set and govern across the organization, directing materials, supplies, and finished goods flow to optimize enterprise-wide value.Network redesign initiatives — lead at the enterprise level, applying systems analysis and economics knowledge to restructure distribution models and achieve significant cost reduction.Executive and board-level communications — develop and present complex logistics strategies, investment proposals, and performance outcomes with clarity and persuasive authority.Logistics talent development — lead personnel resource programs by coaching logisticians across all levels, building organizational depth in critical thinking and systems evaluation.Technology and innovation roadmap — direct adoption of ERP, CRM, CAD, and business intelligence platforms across the logistics function to advance operational capability and competitive positioning.
Also known as
319 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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