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Logisticians

O*NET files this work under Logisticians: people who analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Its interest code is CEI. Conventional leads at 5.4 out of 7, so expect orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, with Enterprising next at 5.0. The preparation level is considerable preparation, typically a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience. O*NET’s skill data points to critical thinking, speaking, and reading comprehension as the ones to build. You may also need to maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involved in, or directly relevant to, a logistics activity. If you want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

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.

Main 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.

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Monitoring
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.1 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CEI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Client Services Administrator
  • Logistician
  • Production Planner
  • Supply Management Specialist

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.