Logistics Analyst Job Description, Duties and Requirements

Logistics Analyst: Job Description, Duties and Requirements. Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a logistics analyst. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about schooling, job duties and salary information to find out if this is the career for you. A logistics analyst works with companies to streamline their production or distribution systems. A bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement, but many employers prefer completion of a graduate degree as well. Essential Information. Logistics analysts work with companies to streamline product manufacturing, transportation, storage and distribution. Equipped with at least a bachelor's degree, logistics analysts or operations managers are vital employees in major corporations, small businesses and government organizations. Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Logistics Analyst Job Description. Often employed by consulting firms, the military, and domestic and international companies, logistics analysts are part of an emerging and fast-growing field. Charged with defining, analyzing and ultimately solving a company's most complex problems, logistics analysts must be well versed in a number of subjects, chiefly mathematics and engineering. Logistics analysts generally work with statistical software or create quantitative models to simulate real-life problems pertaining to inventory levels, budget constraints and transportation schedules, to name a few. Logistics analysts may work in a logistics department or engineering, accounting or distribution department. Often working with department managers and in teams, logistics analysts are good communicators with an eye for detail. Logistics analysts generally work 40 hours a week, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and often work under strict deadlines. Career and Salary Information. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that operations research analysts, another name for logistics analysts, could expect a 30% increase in jobs from 2014-2024, much faster than the national average. In May 2015, people in this job earned an average salary of $84,180, according to the BLS. Find schools that offer these popular programs. Actuarial Sciences Business and Commerce, General Business Statistics Customer Service Management eCommerce Logistics, Distribution, and Materials Management Management Science Office Management Operations Management Public and Nonprofit Organizational Management Purchases, Acquisitions, and Contracts Management Transportation Management. Logistics Analyst Job Duties. Logistics analysts assist company managers in creating a more productive, cost-effective and profitable enterprise, whether at a toy company, airline or financial institution. Managers often relay their challenges to logistics analysts. The analysts then use statistical analyses and strategies to devise numerous possible solutions. They work with managers to determine the most effective solution and aid them in implementation. Logistics Analyst Job Requirements. Bachelor's degree programs in areas such as business administration, logistics, management information systems (MIS) and accounting prepare many analysts. Courses in global logistics, business logistics, transportation systems and supply management provide an introduction to the field's practices and policies. It's recommended, especially if working in the global market, that logistics analysts develop an understanding of international trade, contracts and tariffs. Graduate degrees are preferred by many employers. Logistics analysts pursue graduate education in applied mathematics, logistics, operations research, computer science, business, engineering and management science, among related fields. Logistics analysts must have strong mathematics and business skills, particularly pertaining to statistical modeling of profits and business activities. Job growth in this field should be excellent for the coming decade, as the services of these professionals are sought by many types of industries.