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.
Logistics lead responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real logistics lead resumes:
- 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.
- Prepare RFI, RFP and RFQ responses.
- Participate in RFP and carrier/vendor selection for all modes of transportation and logistics.
- Perform implementation duties as operations SME for new clients.
- Process and distribute proper documentation to customer including sales invoice, packing list, instructions letter and BOL.
- Handle letter of credits, rail, truck and ocean BOL, insurance certificates and ocean freight bills.
- Move the merchandise from dollies to the transportation vehicles.
- Manage human resources operations including employee record maintenance, leave time reporting/verification, payroll and driver team supervision.
Logistics lead skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Logistics Leads are proficient in Customer Service, Continuous Improvement, and Inventory Control. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer service skills, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Logistics Leads that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 17%
Managed a wide variety of customer service and administrative tasks to effectively assist customers.
- Continuous Improvement, 9%
Ensured the execution and continuous improvement of logistical processes.
- Inventory Control, 5%
Ensured compliance to operational, safety, or inventory control procedures and security standards.
- Inventory Management, 5%
Support all facets of inventory management including Physical Inventory, Store Fulfillment and Divisional Inventory Standards.
- Commodities, 4%
Assembled and coordinated the necessary distribution plans for all commodities to 6 Companies consisting of 176 Soldiers each.
- Safety Procedures, 4%
Ensured all team members follow established OSHA safety procedures for lifting and operating large equipment
Common skills that a logistics lead uses to do their job include "customer service," "continuous improvement," and "inventory control." You can find details on the most important logistics lead responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a logistics lead to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what logistics leads do because "logisticians need strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and do business with suppliers and customers." Additionally, a logistics lead resume shows how logistics leads use communication skills: "direct communication with clients and customer service to provide shipping and job updates as well as research & trouble-shooting. "
Customer service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling logistics lead duties is customer service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "logisticians must know the needs of their customers in order to coordinate the movement of materials between suppliers and customers." According to a logistics lead resume, here's how logistics leads can utilize customer service skills in their job responsibilities: "provided outstanding customer service by identifying customer needs, recommending products, and helping locate merchandise. "
Organizational skills. logistics leads are also known for organizational skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to logistics lead responsibilities, because "logisticians must be able to keep detailed records and simultaneously manage several projects in a fast-paced environment." A logistics lead resume example shows how organizational skills is used in the workplace: "facilitated weekly financial reports, assessed organizational progress prepared exchange and repair tank material for shipment including hazmat materials. "
Problem-solving skills. logistics lead responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "logisticians must handle unforeseen issues, such as delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues." This resume example shows what logistics leads do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "conducted shipment analyses and resolved cargo claims, including hazardous materials issues. "
The three companies that hire the most logistics leads are:
- CVS Health23 logistics leads jobs
- Brink's16 logistics leads jobs
- ManpowerGroup8 logistics leads jobs
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Logistics lead vs. Terminal manager
Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between logistics leads and terminal manager. For instance, logistics lead responsibilities require skills such as "continuous improvement," "inventory management," "commodities," and "lean six sigma." Whereas a terminal manager is skilled in "dot," "work ethic," "osha," and "payroll." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that terminal managers earn slightly differ from logistics leads. In particular, terminal managers are 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a logistics lead. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Logistics lead vs. Supply chain coordinator
A supply chain coordinator is an individual who is responsible for managing inventory and supply sources to support a company's manufacturing and anticipated demand. Supply chain coordinators must assist in the purchase of materials and services and follow-up with vendors to ensure that the purchase orders have the correct price, freight charge, and delivery date. They coordinate with the quality assurance (QA) inspectors to ensure the quality of the purchased parts and services. Under the directive orders from the logistics manager, supply chain coordinators must also perform inventory cycle counts.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, logistics lead responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "commodities," "safety procedures," "lean six sigma," and "customer issues." Meanwhile, a supply chain coordinator has duties that require skills in areas such as "supply chain," "logistics," "chain management," and "project management." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, supply chain coordinators achieve similar levels of education than logistics leads. They're 1.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Logistics lead vs. Warehouse manager
Warehouse managers oversee the overall operations of a company's warehouse. They manage the inventory by ensuring that the inventory records are updated and accurate. They tend to deliveries and check all items. They ensure that items in the warehouse are appropriately stored and secured. They also supervise the shipping of items from the warehouse and ensure that the correct products are delivered. Warehouse managers continuously find ways to improve the efficiency of warehouse operations. Warehouse managers manage warehouse personnel as well, ensuring that they are trained well and motivated to work.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a logistics lead is likely to be skilled in "continuous improvement," "commodities," "lean six sigma," and "customer issues," while a typical warehouse manager is skilled in "safety regulations," "logistics," "delivery truck," and "warehouse inventory."
Most warehouse managers achieve a lower degree level compared to logistics leads. For example, they're 5.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Logistics lead vs. Distribution supervisor
A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Types of logistics lead
Updated January 8, 2025











