A logistics consultant helps companies improve customer service operations and develop cost-effective solutions for supply chain, warehouse, material handling, and distribution issues. Read on for more about the career duties of a logistics consultant, educational requirements, and employment outlook.
Duties and Responsibilities
Logistics consultants analyze information to identify and solve any logistics and supply chain operation problems for their clients. Through strategic planning, information technology advances, and re-engineering processes, logistics consultants improve the company's supply chain performance. They give advice on productivity, materials management, transportation of goods, packaging, order processing, manufacturing procedures, and quality control.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Annual Wage (2021) </td><td> $77,030 (Logistician)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certification </td><td> Not required, but may be beneficial and demonstrate competence</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key skills </td><td> Problem solving, critical thinking, communication, organizational skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Cost Estimator, Quality Control Inspector, Management Analyst</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3><p>Logistics consultants work in physical distribution, warehouse, and material handling industries where they specialize in securing suppliers from the early stages of production through the final stages of delivery. Logistics consultants help manufacturing companies increase productivity, reduce excess costs, update technology systems, and provide better customer service.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3><p>Aspiring logistics consultants should obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in a business discipline, such as economics, marketing, management, or accounting, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>). Individuals with a degree in computer and information sciences or engineering are potential candidates for logistics consultant positions. Many business schools teach consulting techniques through student consulting clubs. Internships can provide hands-on training and networking skills. Consulting firms provide on-the-job training for recent graduates with a background in logistics and safety, according to the BLS.
</p><h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookAndSalaryInfo">Employment Outlook and Salary Info</h3><p>The BLS reports that the demand for logistician services is growing as fast as average and is expected to expand by 28% between 2021 and 2031. Many job opportunities will be available for qualified logistics consultant candidates due to business companies facing a great demand for advice with business planning operations. Logisticians earned a median annual salary of $77,030, according to BLS, as of May 2021.</p>
