Icon
Select
Icon
Customize
Icon
Download

Want a stronger resume? Use our extensive library of professional resume examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Resume Builder – simple click, customize, and download.

Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide.

Icon

Logistics Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Logistics planners are responsible for all the tasks related to moving goods from one place to another. We analyzed several logistics planner job descriptions to come up with the following list of duties and responsibilities:

Determine the Size and Scope of Projects Before any products go out or come in, logistics planners have to determine the size and scope of the project. They use their project management skills to determine the resources and labor necessary for a project, how much the project will cost, and how long it will take to complete.

Meet with Vendors to Work out Specifics Logistics planners meet with suppliers or clients, depending on the project, to work out the specifics for delivery, such as price, quantity, what products are being delivered, and the timeframe for delivery.

Analyze Distribution Process and Make Improvement Suggestions as Necessary Logistics planners help decision makers make better decisions through consistent analysis of the distribution process. This analysis is used to make strategic recommendations.

Prepare and Deliver Logistics Reports to Senior Decision Makers The analysis mentioned above is presented to decision makers in the form of hard reports and visual presentations. This requires some public speaking skills and proficiency with PowerPoint.

Assign Employees Tasks Based on Project Needs It is the responsibility of logistics planners to determine the specific labor needed, to assign employees tasks, and make sure they understand how their task fits into the overall project.

Icon

Logistics Planner Skills

Logistics planners need a unique blend of technical and soft skills to facilitate the shipping and receiving of supplies and projects. On the technical side, logistics planners must be experts in the principles of logistics to make efficient decisions. They must also be familiar with project management strategies and software. An analytical mind, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks characterize logistics planners. If you enjoy playing games of strategy, you'll do well in this position. Employers look for the following skills:
  • Planning out shipping and receiving projects using knowledge of project management and proficiency in project management software
  • Meeting with suppliers and vendors to negotiate specific logistics details
  • Analyzing distribution data and suggesting improvements based on key performance indicators
  • Preparing and presenting reports to senior management to help with decision-making
  • Overseeing supply chain employees to ensure they perform project tasks up to standard
Icon

Logistics Planner Education and Training

Most logistics planners have a degree in logistics or supply chain management. Since this is partly a supervisory position, most who reach the level of logistics planner have at least a bachelor's degree. Coursework covers logistics technology, distribution channels, procurement, and business law. On-the-job training is provided by most employers.
Icon

Logistics Planner Salary

According to Payscale, the national median salary of logistics planners is $56,175. Those in the bottom 10 percent make below $39,000, while those in the top 10 percent make above $81,000.
Icon

Logistics Planner Resources

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals - The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has a lot of great resources for members. There is an educational section with online courses, including some relevant to logistics planners.

The International Society of Logistics - Founded in 1966, the International Society of Logistics has members in more than 50 countries. It offers excellent networking opportunities on the local, national, and global level. Each chapter puts on regular meetings, and there is a conference every year.

Association for Supply Chain Management - The Association for Supply Chain Management isn't specifically for logistics, but it has many logistics planners amongst its ranks. It offers certifications, webinars, and in-person professional development seminars.

Inbound Logistics - Inbound Logistics is a print publication that also offers digital editions. Its website is updated a few times a week with the latest news and innovations in the logistics industry.

Logistics Management - Logistics Management started as a print publication in 1962. It has since established itself as one of the most trusted sources in the logistics industry. Its website is updated frequently with fresh logistics articles.

Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management - This book is a go-to for those who want to cut the waste in their supply chain process. It contains lean strategies for all aspects of the supply chain, which are backed up by real-world case studies by logistics management experts. This is an excellent resource for logistics planners.

Create your own professional resume in just minutes.

Try our resume builder today

Build Your Resume
create-your-own-professional