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Manufacturing Logistics Coordinator—The Supply Chain Backbone

Manufacturing logistics coordinator career

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The Person Who Ensures Materials Flow: Logistics Coordinator

Daily work of a logistics coordinator

Manufacturing can’t happen without materials. The right components, at the right time, in the right quantity, at the right location. Logistics coordinators make this happen.

They earn ₹22,000-35,000/month as entry-level coordinators, advancing to ₹55,000-90,000+/month within 6-8 years in management roles.

What Logistics Coordinators Actually Do:

Priya, Manufacturing Logistics Coordinator at an automotive component facility:

Monday: Material Planning

Production needs 500 units of Component X this week. Priya:

  • Reviews production schedule (when are parts needed?)
  • Checks current inventory (how many do we have in stock?)
  • Finds: Have 200 in stock, need 500, so need 300 more
  • Checks supplier lead time (how long does supplier take to deliver?)
  • Finds: Supplier takes 3 days
  • Places order today (Tuesday delivery ensures Tuesday evening stock update)
  • Sets delivery expectation with production (parts arrive Tuesday, ready for Wednesday production)
  • Documents: Records order in system

     

Wednesday: Receiving & Inspection

Components arrive from supplier. Priya:

  • Receives delivery (verifies quantity received matches order quantity)
  • Checks quality (inspects for damage, defects)
  • Counts units: 300 received, correct
  • Checks quality: All items acceptable (no damage,
  • all specifications met)
  • Records in inventory system (now shows 500 in stock)
  • Directs delivery to storage location
  • Updates production: “Components are ready”

     

Thursday: Inventory Optimization

Weekly review of inventory levels across facility:

  • Component A: 50 in stock (sufficient, using 10/day)
  • Component B: 200 in stock (excess, using 5/day—could cause capital to be tied up)
  • Component C: 5 in stock (risky, need 8/day—could run out)

     

Actions:

  • Component B: Delay next order (currently over-stocked)
  • Component C: Place emergency order (need to increase safety stock)
  • Orders raw materials: Supplier takes 5 days; order today for delivery next week

     

Friday: Cost Optimization

Part of logistics is controlling costs. Priya:

  • Reviews supplier quotes: Current supplier charges ₹100/unit; new supplier quotes ₹94/unit
  • Quality equivalent? Yes, new supplier meets all specs
  • Lead time equivalent? Yes, both 3 days
  • Risk? New supplier is unproven, but has capacity
  • Recommendation: Switch 50% of orders to new supplier (reduce cost, maintain safety by using two suppliers)
  • Management approves
  • Updates procurement records

     

Ongoing: Order Tracking

  • Tracks all outstanding orders (status, expected delivery)
  • Resolves delivery issues (order late? Communicates with supplier, adjusts plans)
  • Handles emergency orders (production runs short on material, Priya sources quickly)
  • Maintains supplier relationships

     

Result: Facility maintains just-in-time inventory (minimal storage needed), zero stock-outs (production never delayed by material), 5% cost reduction through supplier optimization.

​

Key Responsibilities of Logistics Coordinator

Key responsibilities of a logistics coordinator

Material Planning (25%):

  • Forecast material needs based on production schedule
  • Plan orders (quantities, timing)
  • Coordinate with suppliers
  • Manage lead times
  • Ensure material availability

Inventory Management (25%):

  • Track inventory levels
  • Receive and inspect materials
  • Organize storage
  • Minimize excess inventory
  • Prevent stockouts

Procurement Support (20%):

  • Obtain supplier quotes
  • Compare costs and quality
  • Manage supplier relationships
  • Handle purchase orders
  • Track payment and invoicing

Order Tracking & Problem-Solving (20%):

  • Track outstanding orders
  • Resolve delivery issues
  • Handle emergency orders
  • Communicate with suppliers
  • Adjust plans when needed

Documentation & Reporting (10%):

  • Maintain inventory records
  • Generate reports (inventory levels, supplier performance, costs)
  • Document orders and deliveries

Ensure data accuracy

Skills You Need

Skills required for logistics coordinator role

Technical Skills:

  1. Inventory Management Systems (Critical)
  • ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Barcode and RFID systems
  • Warehouse management systems
  • Why: Inventory management is computerized; must use systems proficiently
  • Learning: System-specific training (30-50 hours)

     

  1. Supply Chain Basics (Important)
  • Material planning concepts (MRP, forecasting)
  • Just-in-time (JIT) principles
  • Safety stock calculation
  • Lead time management
  • Why: Understanding these improves planning
  • Learning: Supply chain management courses (30-50 hours)

     

  1. Procurement Knowledge (Important)
  • Supplier evaluation
  • Cost analysis
  • Quality standards
  • Contract understanding
  • Why: Procurement decisions impact costs and quality
  • Learning: Procurement courses (20-30 hours)

     

  1. Logistics & Transportation (Important)
  • Shipping and delivery methods
  • Route optimization
  • Packaging for protection
  • Cost analysis of transportation
  • Why: Moving materials efficiently is part of logistics
  • Learning: Logistics courses (20-30 hours)

     

  1. Excel & Data Analysis (Important)
  • Spreadsheet proficiency
  • Pivot tables and analysis
  • Cost calculations
  • Trend analysis
  • Why: Much logistics work involves data
  • Learning: Excel training (20-40 hours)

     

Soft Skills:

  • Communication: Interact with production team, suppliers, management
  • Problem-solving: Resolve supply issues, optimize plans
  • Attention to detail: Accurate inventory crucial
  • Negotiation: Negotiate with suppliers for best cost/quality

     

Organization: Manage multiple orders, deadlines simultaneously

Logistics coordinator career growth path

Salary Expectations for Manufacturing Logistics

Logistics Coordinator / Material Handler:
 ₹22,000 – ₹35,000/month
 (Entry-level, coordinating role)

Senior Logistics Coordinator:
 ₹35,000 – ₹50,000/month
 (More responsibility, possibly supervising coordinators)

Logistics Supervisor / Team Lead:
 ₹48,000 – ₹70,000/month
 (Leading small team, planning multiple areas)

Logistics Manager:
 ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000/month
 (Department leadership, multiple facilities possible)

Supply Chain Manager / Director:
 ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000+/month
 (Executive leadership, company-wide supply chain strategy)

Why Salaries Grow:

  1. Impact on costs: Logistics decisions directly affect company profitability (material costs are major expense)
  2. Business criticality: Supply chain failures halt production (very expensive)
  3. Complexity increases: Senior roles manage more complex supply chains

Specialization: Deep supply chain expertise commands premium​

How to Enter Logistics

Path 1: Any Degree + Logistics Training

  1. Complete any bachelor’s degree (economics, commerce, engineering, IT)
  2. Pursue logistics or supply chain certification (see below)
  3. Enter logistics coordinator role (₹24,000-35,000/month)

Path 2: Diploma + Specialization

  1. Complete logistics or commerce diploma (2 years)

  2. Enter logistics coordinator role (₹22,000-32,000/month)

Path 3: Manufacturing Background + Logistics Training

  1. Work in manufacturing (production, maintenance, quality)
  2. Show interest in supply chain
  3. Pursue logistics training (online courses, certifications)
  4. Transition to logistics coordinator (your manufacturing knowledge is valuable)

Salary: Often higher: ₹28,000-38,000/month

Certifications That Boost Logistics Career

Entry-Level Certifications:

  • APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional): Comprehensive supply chain knowledge
  • Cost: ₹50,000-80,000, Duration: 3-6 months
  • ROI: High; APICS certification globally recognized
  • Benefit: +₹6,000-10,000/month salary
  • Six Sigma Green Belt (applied to logistics): Process optimization
  • Cost: ₹20,000-35,000, Duration: 4-6 weeks
  • Benefit: +₹4,000-8,000/month salary

Advanced Certifications:

  • APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management): Advanced
  • Cost: ₹70,000-1,00,000, Duration: 6-12 months
  • ROI: Very high; path to manager roles
  • Benefit: +₹12,000-18,000/month salary
  • APICS APICS+CSCP (Advanced Planning & Scheduling): Specialized
  • Cost: ₹80,000-1,20,000
  • Benefit: +₹15,000-20,000/month salary

MBA in Logistics/Supply Chain:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time)
  • Cost: ₹5,00,000-15,00,000
  • ROI: Excellent if pursuing management roles
  • Benefit: +₹25,000-40,000/month salary​

Career Progression: Coordinator to Director

Year 1: Logistics Coordinator

  • Support material planning, supplier coordination
  • Salary: ₹24,000-35,000/month

Year 2-3: Senior Coordinator

  • Lead specific areas of supply chain
  • Mentor junior coordinators
  • Salary: ₹35,000-48,000/month

Year 4-5: Supervisor / Team Lead

  • Oversee team of coordinators
  • Manage section of supply chain
  • Salary: ₹48,000-70,000/month

Year 6-8: Logistics Manager

  • Department leadership
  • Company-wide supply chain oversight
  • Strategic planning
  • Salary: ₹70,000-1,00,000/month

Year 8+: Supply Chain Director / VP

  • Executive leadership
  • Board-level responsibility
  • Strategic vision
  • Salary: ₹1,00,000-1,50,000+/month

Why Logistics is Underrated Career

Logistics coordinators are often overlooked—their work is behind-the-scenes. But manufacturing literally stops without materials. Logistics professionals are essential, valued, and compensated accordingly.

Entry salary ₹24,000-35,000 → 5-year salary ₹50,000-70,000+. Clear advancement path. Meaningful work (enabling production). Good job security.

If you like planning, problem-solving, and ensuring smooth operations, logistics is your career.

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