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Logistics lead vs logistics specialist

The differences between logistics leads and logistics specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a logistics lead and a logistics specialist. Additionally, a logistics lead has an average salary of $53,263, which is higher than the $41,537 average annual salary of a logistics specialist.

The top three skills for a logistics lead include customer service, continuous improvement and inventory control. The most important skills for a logistics specialist are customer service, shipping receiving, and inventory control.

Logistics lead vs logistics specialist overview

Logistics LeadLogistics Specialist
Yearly salary$53,263$41,537
Hourly rate$25.61$19.97
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs32,13135,753
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age4541
Years of experience66

What does a logistics lead do?

A logistics lead is an individual who coordinates the logistical functions as well as the entire life cycle of a product of an organization. Logistics leads should represent the relationship between sales and logistics departments to ensure that freight arrangements flow in a timely and effective manner. They are required to receive incoming materials and process purchase orders and daily receipts into the inventory management system. Logistics leads must also prioritize the organization's daily operations and workflow to ensure that deadlines are met with maximum product quality.

What does a logistics specialist do?

A logistics specialist is a member of the workforce that handles the logistics procedures in a warehouse or similar establishment. A logistics specialist primarily functions in processing orders, preparing goods, receiving shipments, and even shipping deliveries, ensuring that all transactions are within the allotted schedule. Furthermore, they are in charge of overseeing that all shipments are aligned with the expected quality and quantity, maintaining an accurate record of inventory, producing reports, and coordinating with other members of the team. All while adhering to the policies and standards of the company.

Logistics lead vs logistics specialist salary

Logistics leads and logistics specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Logistics LeadLogistics Specialist
Average salary$53,263$41,537
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $87,000Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMaryland
Best paying companyMetaGCP Applied Technologies
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between logistics lead and logistics specialist education

There are a few differences between a logistics lead and a logistics specialist in terms of educational background:

Logistics LeadLogistics Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics lead vs logistics specialist demographics

Here are the differences between logistics leads' and logistics specialists' demographics:

Logistics LeadLogistics Specialist
Average age4541
Gender ratioMale, 75.9% Female, 24.1%Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 10.3% White, 49.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%9%

Differences between logistics lead and logistics specialist duties and responsibilities

Logistics lead example responsibilities.

  • Manage human resources operations including employee record maintenance, leave time reporting/verification, payroll and driver team supervision.
  • Implement and train WMS system with barcoding technologies.
  • Work closely with expeditors and freight forwarders in advance to meet client s expectations.
  • Maintain and monitor procedures for transfilling compress or liquid gas according to FDA guidelines.
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation to comply with FDA regulations.
  • Establish relationships with logistical management counterparts within major DoD component and external organizations to facilitate coordination of logistical support projects.
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Logistics specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and execute the GSA fleet maintenance program.
  • Manage Phase-In/Phase-Out (NPI) to minimize obsolete material.
  • Manage the DIFM program to ensure assets are return and process in accordance with directives.
  • Experience decision-maker in high-pressure environments; efficiently manage vital decision points autonomously to ensure mission accomplishment in multiple combat deployments.
  • Produce technical procedures, guidelines, and supply support information to be include in ILS documentation.
  • Enter all necessary transactions in MRP system, perform cycle counts, and resolve inventory discrepancies.
  • Show more

Logistics lead vs logistics specialist skills

Common logistics lead skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Inventory Control, 5%
  • Inventory Management, 5%
  • Commodities, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common logistics specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Inventory Control, 6%
  • Logistics Support, 5%
  • Management System, 4%
  • Cycle Counts, 4%

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