The Top Job Skills For Working In Logistics

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for the logistics sector, from coping with disruption to staffing levels caused by lockdowns, sickness and self-isolation, to keeping the UK economy supplied with all the goods it needs to function. Naturally, hiring managers in the logistics sector are looking for people with the right skill sets and attributes.

Naturally, hiring managers in the logistics sector are looking for people with the right skill sets and attributes to work in this challenging industry. While relevant education and industry experience are definite plus points, there are plenty of skills you can highlight or hone to enter or progress your career in the logistics sector.

Here’s our pick of the top skills that will impress prospective employers and help take your logistics career to the next level.

You’ll need a range of skills for working in logistics:

Technical skills

People skills

Soft skills

Technical Skills

As with every field, specialist knowledge can help you advance your career. While some technical skills can be learned through formal education, others can be gained through work experience in different fields or on the job.

Data Analysis

In this industry, data is vital – all good logistics managers need to be able to read and analyse data to recognise different trends and patterns that are useful to their firms. Using spreadsheets to plan and execute projects is also essential, along with strong mathematical skills, which are valuable in calculating pricing and delivery times.

Industry Knowledge

Being clued up on the latest trends, technologies and developments in the industry can give you an edge at work or during the recruitment process. Industry knowledge helps ensure that a company’s processes are competitive and efficient and deliver the best value for clients.

Tech Skills

Technology is changing the workplace, and this is especially true in the logistics sector. With companies looking to remain competitive, introducing new technology and automation is especially relevant in this sector. This gives people excellent opportunities to expand their skill sets over time.

Understanding Warehouse Layouts

Warehouse layouts are imperative to optimising workflows and improving efficiency. Understanding how warehouses operate and warehouse management technologies are skills that are attrac tive to employers in the field.

Project Management

Project management experience or knowledge can help you move up the ladder in your logistics career. These skills can allow you to be involved in risk management or developing new supply chain and logistics strategies.

People Skills

Although the logistics industry is highly data and technology-led, it’s important to remember that supply chains cannot function without the people involved at each stage. Here are four valuable people skills for a career in logistics.

Teamwork

Logistics companies are always goal-orientated, and a logistics worker must work with a large and diverse range of people to achieve these goals. This means that solid teamwork skills are essential.

Customer service

The end customer is always the focus of logistics. Customer service is a crucial driver for the industry as consumers will always expect goods promptly and efficiently. Logistics companies continuously invest in improving customer relationships and increasing customer satisfaction.

Interpersonal Skills

Logistics professionals must communicate effectively with a wide range of people – from important clients to drivers, suppliers, colleagues and management. To do this effectively, they must have strong interpersonal skills, which can be used for relationship building.

Soft Skills

Soft skills, sometimes known as core skills, are the attributes and personality traits which help you succeed in the workplace. Soft skills include people skills, along with other strengths and characteristics. Soft skills are desirable in any sector and are highly transferrable, so having a range of soft skills can help if you’re changing careers or moving into a leadership role. Here are four of the most valuable soft skills for working in logistics.

Organisation

Logistics companies rely on very high levels of organisation. Successful logistics professionals can plan, schedule and deliver goods on time. Poor organisation can lead to increased costs and dissatisfied customers, so strong organisational skills are valuable in this field.

Problem-solving

Challenges can often occur in the logistics sector, so it pays to be solutions -oriented and look to minimise problems before they happen – as well as be able to respond quickly to challenges. Being able to carefully assess a situation and working creatively to devise a solution will set you up for success in your logistics career.

Accountability

Everybody in the logistics team has an essential role because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By being accountable and responsible for their work, logistics professionals contribute to the success of the team and the company.

Innovation

Logistics companies depend on people who can innovate and find ways of doing things better. Natural innovators are motivated to improve work processes to achieve results more efficiently continually. Logistics is an exciting sector to work in because the work is constantly evolving, and there’s plenty of opportunity to innovate.

Logistics is an increasingly important and growing sector.
Technical skills are a great asset but can also be learned on the job to climb the career ladder.
Soft and people skills are precious, as logistics is a people-driven field.

“Logistics is an exciting sector to work in because the work is continually evolving and never gets stale!_”

If you need help updating your CV or to find out about our latest roles, contact your local Adecco branch and connect with a recruiter today!

Blog Home

The Adecco Group at the WEF

Amid growing International tension, this year's World Economic Forum aims to be the starting point for a new era of global responsibility and cooperation. Keep up to date on the latest insights into the future of work talent scarcity, and other research topics by reading about the Adecco Group's participation at the WEF.

Learn More

Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era Of Work 2021

Need help in navigating the new normal? Resetting Normal 2021 surveyed 14.800 knowledge-workers across 25 countries to give o clear insight of working practices, behaviours and attitudes towards work. It is an essential read for leaders and companies alike...

See the Survey

Adecco Labour Market Outlook — Spring 2022

The labour market is emerging from a period of unprecedented challenges brought about by Covid-19, and all signs point towards the candidate-led market lasting throughout 2022. Our Labour Market Outlook will help you analyze the competitive landscape...

Get Your Copy