Logistics coordinator: Role and responsibilities

The logistics coordinator has become a key figure in helping companies navigate the challenges of today’s increasingly complex and demanding market. This role is pivotal for guaranteeing that supply chain processes run efficiently and on schedule.

We explore the duties and responsibilities of a logistics coordinator and the requirements for excelling in this position. We also look at the skills most valued by employers and the professional growth opportunities this career has to offer.

What does a logistics coordinator do?

A logistics coordinator is a professional responsible for overseeing daily movements of goods within a company, from receiving to final distribution. They plan and manage critical processes that keep the business running smoothly, such as storage, transportation, and inventory management.

Effective logistics coordination is essential for every link in the supply chain to operate in sync. It helps reduce costs, avoid delays, optimize resources, and improve customer satisfaction — ultimately giving the business a competitive edge.

Logistics coordinator job description

The role of a logistics coordinator is to ensure that all operations within their department run as smoothly as possible. Their main responsibilities include:

• Inventory management. Guaranteeing product availability to meet customer demand. This involves monitoring inventory levels and planning future replenishments.
• Storage. Overseeing warehouse operations such as goods receipt, storage, order fulfillment, and distribution. The goal is to keep inventory well-organized and accessible while making the best use of available space.
• Transportation and distribution. Making sure that shipments are properly scheduled, delivery times are met, and products are distributed efficiently. This includes coordinating the transportation team, accounting for variables like weather, traffic, and legal restrictions, and resolving any issues that may arise.
• Traceability. Guaranteeing full traceability of products by tracking their journey from manufacturing to final delivery.
• Reverse logistics. Managing returns processes without disrupting other operations. This may involve designating a specific area where warehouse associates inspect returned items, identify why they were sent back, and determine whether they can be resold, repaired, or refurbished.

Logistics coordinator responsibilities

Beyond overseeing day-to-day warehouse operations, a logistics coordinator must guarantee that the entire supply chain runs efficiently and aligns with company goals. This includes negotiating with suppliers, carriers, and retailers to secure favorable terms for costs, lead times, and service quality.

A core part of a logistics coordinator’s job responsibilities is maintaining clear communication with other departments, such as Purchasing, Sales, and Production. This collaboration helps synchronize logistics with other business operations, meet deadlines, and enforce compliance with current transportation and safety regulations.

In companies with an international footprint, logistic coordinator duties expand to managing cross-border shipments, reviewing customs documentation, and ensuring adherence to global trade regulations. At times, this professional may also take on tasks typically handled by a traffic coordinator: planning routes, supervising vehicles, and optimizing ground transportation flow to cut costs and shorten delivery times.

Lastly, the logistics coordinator must continuously monitor supply chain KPIs to detect deviations, implement improvements, and maintain full product traceability. Technology tools like a warehouse management system (WMS) are invaluable for this purpose. They provide insights to evaluate performance, make strategic decisions, and boost logistics efficiency overall.

How to become a logistics coordinator

A logistics coordinator’s role requires a combination of academic training and practical skills. While a university degree is not always mandatory, taking business administration or international trade courses can open more doors in the job market. Pursuing more specialized degrees, e.g., Logistics and Transportation, can provide deeper knowledge tailored to the demands of this professional profile.

Regarding abilities, to effectively handle daily responsibilities, a logistics coordinator should possess a range of skills:

• Organizational. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and closely tracking various processes at once.
• Communication. Coordinating clearly and concisely with carriers, suppliers, customers, and other departments.
• Analytical. Interpreting KPIs and making decisions aimed at optimizing operations.
• Time-management. Prioritizing tasks and resources to meet deadlines and targets.
• Problem-solving. Identifying, analyzing, and resolving operational issues rapidly and efficiently.

In addition to these soft skills, technical competencies are crucial. Logistics coordinators need to be familiar with digital tools such as a WMS to monitor inventory in real time, optimize product putaway, and oversee inbound and outbound operations. Regular use of a WMS supports better decision-making, boosts process efficiency, and reduces logistics errors. This software is often integrated with other systems (e.g., ERP or TMS), so basic knowledge of their functions is also valuable.

Importance of the logistics coordinator

The logistics coordinator is a central figure in any business looking to maintain an efficient, well-managed, and competitive supply chain. Their role spans from inventory planning and transportation oversight to data analysis and reverse logistics management.