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Build key business skills for a growing specialisation by studying a logistics course.
You’re a natural leader who likes getting things done. Now, turn your talents into an exciting new career in an in-demand business specialisation by studying a logistics course.
Logistics operators work in the centre of the business supply chain, managing plans to control the efficient and effective flow of goods, services and related information. As a logistics manager or coordinator, you’ll be responsible for managing the procurement, receiving, storage and management of a business’s goods or services – playing a key role in the smooth management and operation of the business.
Depending on the size and nature of your role, you may work with key business suppliers to organise purchasing and procurement, or at the end of the line with customer processes and services – but in any position, a logistics qualification will train you in the essential skills and personal abilities required to stand out professionally and start a rewarding new career.
With a focus on project management, operational management, organisation and business planning, a logistics course will equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace. If you enjoy organised work and like making decisions, a career in logistics could be your next step.
You may study a logistics course as a certificate or diploma course, as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or management, or as a post-graduate certificate or diploma, which also offers the opportunity to formalise your existing professional experience with an academic qualification.
After completing a logistics course, you’ll be qualified to seek employment as a contract manager, supply manager or warehouse manager for a wide range of businesses and service providers. If you enjoy planning, have a head for detail, and like making decisions, a career in logistics may be your next step.
What do logistics graduates do?
Graduates of logistics courses manage the supply of goods and services, and perform all tasks required for the smooth handling and management of a business’s products. You can expect to perform tasks like:
- Procuring supplies and stock and sending orders to production departments;
- Confirming completion of orders and compliance with details specified, signing tally sheets and attached to checked items;
- Receiving and checking purchase requests against inventory records and stock on hand;
- Examining orders and compiling data for production schedules;
- Checking inventories and preparing delivery schedules;
- Examining containers to ensure they are filled and recording quantities;
- Managing, rotating and recording stock levels;
- Investigating and identifying supply sources and preparing and processing purchase orders;
- Providing price and other information about goods to prospective customers;
- Counting incoming stock and reconciling it with requisitions;
- Updating inventory and stock location records;
- Establishing and coordinating the operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing and shipping goods; and
- Performing other general administrative tasks.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
As a logistics manager or coordinator, you may work in an office or warehouse.
After completing a logistics course, you’ll be qualified to work as a:
- Logistics Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Warehouse Manager
- Inventory Manager
- Production Manager
- Logistics Engineer
- Logistics Analyst
- Storage Manager
- Materials Handling Manager
- Transportation Manager
- Supply Chain Customer Service Manager
- Logistics Operation Manager
- Procurement Manager
- Distribution Centre Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Contract Manager
- Road Transport Manager
- Vehicle Fleet Manager
- Logistics Supervisor
- Contract Administrator
- Logistics Clerk
- Logistics Administration Officer
- Supply Chain Administrator
- Supply Chain Officer
- Supply and Distribution Manager
- Logistics Specialist
- Procurement Director
- Senior Procurement Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- view all
You’ll enjoy working in logistics if you:
- Enjoy problem-solving
- Are a natural leader
- Enjoy making decisions
- Have a head for logistics, administration and planning
- Have excellent organisational and time management skills
- Work well under pressure
- Can work autonomously
- Enjoy physical work
- Like getting things done
Job opportunities
The Australian Government’s Job Outlook predicts strong growth in job opportunities for logistics managers over the next decade, predicting available jobs in the profession will grow by approximately 10 per cent by 202.
Currently employing approximately 23,700 people, the logistics profession is predicted to grow to employ approximately 26,000 people by 2020. Employment opportunities in the profession have contracted slightly over the past decade, but Job Outlook predicts they are likely to rise steadily over the next decade.
Average Salaries
PayScale offers average salary predictions for a range of roles in the logistics and supply chain sectors. Logistics managers may earn on average between $54,000 and $119,000 per year, with an annual average salary of approximately $78,000. Logistics coordinators can expect to earn between $48,000 and $74,000, with an average annual salary of approximately $54,000.
A supply chain manager may expect to earn between $73,000 and $185,000 per year, with an average annual salary of approximately $110,000; however, PayScale notes that over 40 per cent of supply chain managers have more than 20 years of professional work experience, which affects earning capacity.