Logistics Engineers

Engineering (Non-Production)

Level 5573 of 1200 points

Job description

Logistics Engineers

Job purpose

To design and analyse operational solutions across transportation, warehousing, inventory and manufacturing — network modelling, routing and shipment optimisation, facility design, capacity enhancement and cost containment — so that the organisation's supply chains operate efficiently, economically and within environmental certification requirements.

Skills

Command of engineering science and technology applied to logistics and facility design, with mathematics and statistics, the principles and comparative costs of moving goods by air, rail, sea and road, production and processing methods, cost accounting, and the modelling software the analysis depends on. A bachelor's degree is the norm, a minority entering through college courses or an associate's degree, together with several years of related experience and on-the-job training.
Interviews key staff and tours facilities to identify efficiency, cost-reduction and service-delivery opportunities; proposes logistics solutions to customers; and interprets logistics data and metrics for the business units that must act on them. Directs the work of logistics analysts, and coaches and trains them.
Analytical work of substance: time studies, zero-base, rate, network, flow-path and supply chain analyses; logistics modelling applied to process improvement and facility layout; scenario models predicting the effect of changing fuel costs, road pricing or carbon emissions legislation; and feasibility assessments weighing cost, available space, schedule and ergonomics. Problems are systems problems without a prescribed answer, and a flawed design or forecast carries cost and service consequences across the operation.
Sequences studies, designs and implementation against operational and contractual timetables, under time pressure and while continuing to support live distribution and transportation functions. Sets much of the priority order, but production demands, contract duration and customer requirements shape it.
Work is carried out seated at a desk using modelling and analytical software, with time in warehouse and production areas that are not climate-controlled. No manual handling or dexterity demands.

Responsibilities

Directs the work of logistics analysts and leads others in cross-functional improvement work; determines logistics support requirements including staffing needs and safety and maintenance plans, with some regard for the health and safety of other workers.
Identifies cost-reduction opportunities, develops and maintains cost estimates, forecasts and cost models, and monitors spending on the activities analysed. Recommendations on facility design, routing and technology determine substantial operating and capital cost, but authority to commit spend rests above the role.
Designs plant distribution centres and develops specifications for equipment, tools, facility layouts and material-handling systems; evaluates inventory tracking technology, warehousing software, intelligent conveyor systems, GPS, RFID and route navigation software. Specifies and appraises rather than holds custody of plant; ordinary care of a workstation.
Owns the analytical and procedural record for logistics: performance metrics, business rules and standard operating procedures, documentation of automated logistics and management information systems, reverse logistics processes, and environmental audits. Determines requirements for compliance with environmental certification standards, so accuracy carries compliance as well as commercial consequence.

Effort required

Sustained analytical concentration on large and imperfect operational datasets, where accuracy matters and the modelling assumptions must be sound, carried on alongside a high volume of contact with colleagues, analysts and external customers. Decisions are made often and under time pressure.
Accountable for recommendations whose impact falls on colleagues and company results, and must hold a technical position through the conflict that arises when studies challenge established practice or when customer proposals are contested in a competitive market.
Predominantly seated work at a computer. No lifting or exertion is recorded.

Working conditions

Mainly an indoor, climate-controlled office. Facility tours take the postholder into warehouse and production areas that are not climate-controlled and where noise is at times distracting; no hazardous conditions, contaminants or weather exposure are recorded. Psychological demand comes from conflict situations over contested findings and from dealings with external customers.
Most incumbents work a regular established schedule, a substantial minority on patterns that shift with production demands or contract duration, and the week runs beyond standard hours for a little under half. Work is done to time pressure, with decisions taken frequently and carrying weight for co-workers and company results. Exercises considerable freedom to determine tasks, priorities and goals within the operational and contractual framework.

Skills

40% · 268 points▾

KnowledgeLevel 5 of 8
90 of 144 points
Specialised and theoretical knowledge within a field of work and an awareness of the limits of that knowledge. The job requires a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical knowledge to develop creative solutions to abstract problems.
Interpersonal and communication skillsLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Effective communication and interpersonal relationships. The job holder is required to adapt communication to different audiences and foster trust, cooperation and positive working relationships.
Problem-solving skillsLevel 4 of 5
77 of 96 points
Non-standard problems. The job involves solving complex, non-standard problems involving multiple factors to consider. Solutions often require careful analysis and the adaptation of current methods.
Planning and organisational skillsLevel 3 of 5
43 of 72 points
Moderate organisational skills required. The job requires the organising and prioritising of multiple tasks, with some level of adjustment to plans on the basis of changing circumstances or deadlines.
Physical skillsLevel 0 of 5
0 of 72 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any particular physical skills (although there is likely to be some physical activity).

Responsibility

35% · 199 points▾

PeopleLevel 3 of 5
86 of 144 points
Moderate responsibility for people. The job includes overseeing or coordinating the work and well-being of others. This may involve supervising, providing regular support, managing conflicts, responding to an individual's needs and ensuring the personal and professional development of individuals.
Goods and equipmentLevel 1 of 5
17 of 84 points
Limited responsibility for goods or equipment. The job involves the care and proper use of low-value tools or materials, with minimal responsibility for their maintenance or security.
InformationLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Moderate responsibility for information. The job involves managing information to ensure it is accurate, of high quality and secure. The job holder may make decisions about the handling of sensitive data.
Financial resourcesLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Limited responsibility for financial resources. The job involves handling limited financial resources, such as managing small budgets, processing invoices or participating in financial planning discussions.

Effort

15% · 65 points▾

Mental effortLevel 3 of 5
36 of 60 points
High level of mental effort. The job involves frequent concentration on complex tasks that require considerable mental effort, such as interpreting complex data.
Psychosocial and emotional effortLevel 2 of 5
29 of 72 points
Occasional psychosocial and emotional effort. The job requires occasional involvement in emotionally demanding situations, such as handling minor conflicts or dealing with upset individuals.
Physical effortLevel 0 of 5
0 of 48 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any physical effort.

Working Conditions

10% · 41 points▾

Environment (physical, psychological or emotional)Level 2 of 5
34 of 84 points
Occasional exposure to hazards or stress. The job involves occasional exposure to mild physical risks (e.g. working with light machinery, occasional noise) or psychosocial risks (e.g. occasional interpersonal conflict or minor repetitive tasks). Exposure occurs two to three times a year.
Organisational environmentLevel 1 of 5
7 of 36 points
Minimal organisational demands. The job requires standard working hours with no night shifts or irregular schedules. There is little or no need for travel or digital connectivity beyond typical working hours.