Job brief
We are seeking a proactive Third Party Logistics Coordinator to join our logistics team and take ownership of our external distribution partnerships. You will play a critical role in scaling our fulfillment operations, managing high-volume carrier relationships, and ensuring our inventory remains fluid across multiple global locations. If you are an analytical thinker who enjoys untangling complex supply chain challenges and driving process improvements, you will thrive in this collaborative role. We offer an environment where your input on logistics strategy directly impacts our ability to meet growing customer demand.
Key highlights
- Manage daily interactions with 3PL providers to ensure timely pick-and-pack services, inventory accuracy, and adherence to service level agreements.
- Monitor real-time shipment status using TMS dashboards, proactively identifying and resolving transit delays or carrier-related performance issues.
- Analyze monthly logistics expenditure and freight audit data to recommend cost-saving initiatives and lane optimization strategies.
- Coordinate with procurement and production teams to align inbound and outbound logistics flows with current demand planning forecasts.
What is a Third Party Logistics Coordinator?
A Third Party Logistics Coordinator is a supply chain professional who acts as the primary liaison between a company and its external logistics partners. A Third Party Logistics Coordinator orchestrates the movement of goods through 3PL provider networks, ensuring that warehousing, transportation, and distribution strategies align with business goals. By utilizing advanced TMS and WMS platforms, they maintain visibility into end-to-end supply chain flows and drive continuous improvements in operational efficiency.
What does a Third Party Logistics Coordinator do?
A Third Party Logistics Coordinator oversees daily shipment execution, resolves transportation bottlenecks, and monitors vendor compliance with established service level agreements. They regularly analyze logistics KPIs within systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite to identify opportunities for reducing freight costs and optimizing inventory turnover. Throughout the day, they communicate with carriers, freight forwarders, and warehouse personnel to troubleshoot delivery exceptions and ensure that all logistics documentation, such as Bills of Lading and commercial invoices, remains accurate and compliant.
Key responsibilities
- Manage daily interactions with 3PL providers to ensure timely pick-and-pack services, inventory accuracy, and adherence to service level agreements.
- Monitor real-time shipment status using TMS dashboards, proactively identifying and resolving transit delays or carrier-related performance issues.
- Analyze monthly logistics expenditure and freight audit data to recommend cost-saving initiatives and lane optimization strategies.
- Coordinate with procurement and production teams to align inbound and outbound logistics flows with current demand planning forecasts.
- Maintain strict oversight of inventory records and warehouse storage utilization to prevent stock-outs or excess inventory carrying costs.
- Audit shipping documentation and customs clearance paperwork to ensure full regulatory compliance and minimize potential border delays.
- Prepare comprehensive performance reports highlighting key logistics metrics, such as on-time-in-full (OTIF) rates and warehouse cycle count accuracy.
- Facilitate regular business review meetings with logistics partners to discuss service improvements and evaluate new service capabilities.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field of study.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in 3PL operations, freight management, or distribution center coordination.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP or WMS systems, with specific experience in platforms like SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, or Blue Yonder.
- Solid understanding of Incoterms, international shipping regulations, and domestic freight transportation modes.
- Proven ability to perform complex data analysis and create actionable insights using Microsoft Excel or visualization tools like Tableau.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to manage vendor relationships and resolve contract disputes effectively.
- APICS CSCP or CLTD certification is highly preferred as a mark of professional logistics expertise.
- Exceptional ability to translate technical logistics data into clear updates for non-supply chain stakeholders and executive leadership.
FAQs
What does a Third Party Logistics Coordinator do?
A Third Party Logistics Coordinator serves as the central point of contact between an organization and its external logistics vendors. They are responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of a shipment, from warehouse exit to final delivery, while ensuring inventory accuracy and cost efficiency. Their role involves constant communication with freight carriers and warehouse teams to resolve any disruptions in the supply chain.
What skills are required for a Third Party Logistics Coordinator?
Key skills include deep proficiency in logistics management software, strong analytical capabilities for freight cost auditing, and the ability to interpret supply chain data. Candidates should possess a firm grasp of transportation regulations, inventory control methodologies, and vendor management best practices. Additionally, effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for managing high-pressure situations like cargo delays or unexpected stock shortages.
How does a Third Party Logistics Coordinator work with other departments?
This role collaborates across the entire business, acting as a bridge between procurement, sales, and warehouse operations. They provide procurement teams with lead-time data, ensure sales orders are fulfilled based on customer delivery commitments, and coordinate with warehouse teams on daily throughput requirements. By acting as this critical hub, they ensure that logistics strategy is fully integrated into the broader company operations.
Why is the Third Party Logistics Coordinator role vital to a company's success?
The Third Party Logistics Coordinator is vital because they directly influence the company's bottom line and customer satisfaction. By optimizing freight lanes and monitoring 3PL performance, they reduce operational waste and shipping costs. Furthermore, their efforts to maintain inventory accuracy and ensure on-time delivery directly impact customer retention and the company's ability to scale efficiently in competitive markets.