Job brief
We are looking for a detail-oriented Reverse Logistics Coordinator to join our logistics team and take ownership of our returns lifecycle management. You will play a critical role in recovering asset value, reducing inventory carrying costs, and improving the post-purchase experience for our customers. You will work closely with our warehouse floor supervisors, procurement analysts, and transportation partners to implement more efficient disposition strategies. If you are passionate about process optimization and enjoy solving the unique operational challenges of returns, we would love to have you on our team.
Key highlights
- Manage the end-to-end return material authorization (RMA) workflow within our ERP system to ensure timely processing and customer credit resolution.
- Analyze return data trends to identify recurring product quality issues and provide actionable insights to procurement and manufacturing teams.
- Coordinate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and freight carriers to schedule pickups and oversee the movement of returned assets.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the sorting, grading, and disposition of returned goods to maximize asset recovery.
What is a Reverse Logistics Coordinator?
A Reverse Logistics Coordinator is a specialized supply chain professional responsible for managing the complex lifecycle of returned goods, from customer receipt to final disposition. By overseeing the flow of products moving backward through the supply chain, a Reverse Logistics Coordinator ensures that returned items are efficiently processed, refurbished, recycled, or returned to stock. Utilizing advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms, they maintain inventory integrity while identifying process improvements that recover asset value and reduce operational waste.
What does a Reverse Logistics Coordinator do?
A Reverse Logistics Coordinator manages the end-to-end return workflow, which includes reconciling physical inventory with digital records in systems like SAP or Oracle. They perform daily tasks such as analyzing root causes for returns, coordinating freight claims with transportation carriers, and managing vendor credit processing for defective or overstocked items. Beyond data entry, they collaborate with warehouse teams and customer service departments to streamline return authorization (RMA) procedures and ensure timely material handling according to company sustainability and financial compliance standards.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end return material authorization (RMA) workflow within our ERP system to ensure timely processing and customer credit resolution.
- Analyze return data trends to identify recurring product quality issues and provide actionable insights to procurement and manufacturing teams.
- Coordinate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and freight carriers to schedule pickups and oversee the movement of returned assets.
- Reconcile physical inventory discrepancies between warehouse inbound receiving reports and our centralized inventory management software platforms.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the sorting, grading, and disposition of returned goods to maximize asset recovery.
- Monitor KPI performance metrics, such as turn-around time and disposition costs, to identify opportunities for continuous operational improvement.
- Ensure all returned merchandise documentation complies with customs regulations and internal financial accounting policies regarding tax and duty drawbacks.
- Collaborate with warehouse operations staff to optimize storage space allocation for damaged, obsolete, or refurbished inventory awaiting final disposition.
Requirements and skills
- 3+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, or warehouse operations, specifically focusing on returns management or distribution.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP and WMS platforms such as NetSuite, SAP, Manhattan Associates, or Blue Yonder to track inventory lifecycle.
- Deep understanding of freight classification, transportation billing, and claims processing for damaged or lost shipments.
- Strong analytical capability using Microsoft Excel or BI tools like Tableau to track return rates and forecast disposition volumes.
- Professional certification such as CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate with vendors and third-party logistics partners to reduce processing fees and service-level agreement costs.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Logistics, or a related field of business study.
- Expertise in lean six sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives and reduce waste in warehouse return processes.
FAQs
What does a Reverse Logistics Coordinator do on a daily basis?
A Reverse Logistics Coordinator spends their day tracking returned inventory, resolving RMO issues, and coordinating with carriers to ensure product flow back into the warehouse. They spend significant time auditing shipping documentation, reconciling inventory data in ERP systems, and communicating with cross-functional teams to resolve credit disputes or quality complaints. Their primary goal is to turn returned goods into recoverable assets as quickly as possible.
What skills are required to become a successful Reverse Logistics Coordinator?
Success in this role requires a blend of technical software proficiency, such as experience with SAP or NetSuite, and strong analytical skills for data modeling. Candidates need deep knowledge of supply chain logistics, freight claims management, and warehouse inventory control. Furthermore, effective communication and negotiation skills are vital for managing relationships with transportation carriers and internal warehouse operations teams.
Who does a Reverse Logistics Coordinator work with in an organization?
A Reverse Logistics Coordinator acts as a bridge between multiple departments, collaborating daily with customer service representatives, procurement managers, and warehouse supervisors. They also interact frequently with external logistics partners, freight carriers, and vendor account managers. This central position requires high levels of coordination to ensure that returns are processed accurately and aligned with the company’s broader supply chain strategy.
Why is the role of a Reverse Logistics Coordinator important to a business?
This role is critical for protecting the company’s bottom line by minimizing the costs associated with customer returns, inventory write-offs, and logistics inefficiencies. By implementing effective disposition strategies, a Reverse Logistics Coordinator helps the organization recover value from items that would otherwise become waste. This function directly impacts profitability, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction levels.