Logistics Specialist

The Logistics Specialist is responsible for end-to-end logistics operations within the manufacturing plant. The role covers the complete material flow cycle from inbound receipt and unloading through warehousing, inventory control, and outbound dispatch, ensuring the right material reaches the right location at the right time, in the right quantity, and in the right condition. The incumbent acts as the single point of accountability for logistics excellence, cost efficiency, and compliance within the plant.
The core responsibilities for the job include the following:
Inbound Logistics:
Coordinate and schedule inbound material deliveries with vendors, transporters, and the procurement team.
Verify delivery documents (invoices, packing lists, purchase orders) against physical receipts.
Inspect incoming consignments for quantity accuracy, condition, and damage; initiate discrepancy reports as needed.
Liaise with the quality team to facilitate incoming quality inspection (IQI) clearance before putaway.
Track and follow up on pending or delayed inbound shipments to prevent production disruptions.
Unloading Operations:
Supervise and coordinate safe unloading of materials, including raw materials, packaging, sub-assemblies, and spare parts.
Ensure deployment of appropriate MHE (forklifts, pallet jacks, and dock levellers) by trained and certified operators.
Maintain unloading dock discipline safety protocols, vehicle positioning, chock usage, and PPE compliance.
Record unloading TAT (turnaround time) and work towards minimizing vehicle waiting time at the plant gate.
Bar Coding and Labelling:
Implement and maintain bar code/RFID labeling for all incoming and outgoing SKUs in line with company standards.
Ensure accurate scanning and GRN (Goods Receipt Note) creation in the ERP/WMS system at the point of receipt.
Manage label printing, application, and verification across inbound, storage, and outbound stages.
Coordinate with the IT/systems team to resolve barcode discrepancies, system errors, or scanner malfunctions.
Drive adoption of barcode-based processes to improve traceability and reduce manual errors.
Inventory Management:
Maintain accurate and real-time inventory records in the ERP/WMS (SAP / Oracle / equivalent).
Conduct cycle counts, periodic stock audits, and annual physical inventory verification.
Monitor inventory aging, identify slow-moving, non-moving, and obsolete (SLOB) stock, and initiate disposition actions.
Implement FIFO/LIFO inventory rotation principles as applicable to the material category.
Track inventory KPIs: accuracy %, fill rate, stock-out incidents, days on hand (DOH), and shrinkage.
Maintain minimum reorder levels (ROL) and safety stock norms; raise replenishment alerts to procurement.
Reconcile physical inventory vs. system inventory and drive root cause analysis for variances.
Storage and Warehousing:
Manage overall plant warehouse/store layout, ensuring optimal space utilization and ergonomic flow.
Allocate dedicated storage zones for raw materials, WIP, finished goods, rejected material, and consumables.
Ensure proper storage conditions (temperature, humidity, stacking norms) for all material categories.
Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free storage areas in compliance with 5S and GMP standards.
Oversee rack integrity, bin location accuracy, and signage across all storage areas.
Manage bonded stores, controlled substance storage, and hazmat storage per regulatory requirements
Ensure safety of RM, FG, and overall logistics operations within the plant.
Outbound Logistics:
Plan and execute finished goods dispatch as per orders and dispatch schedules.
Prepare and verify outbound documentation: delivery challans, e-way bills, invoices, packing lists, and COAs.
Coordinate with the sales, production, and customer service teams on dispatch priorities and timelines.
Arrange outbound vehicle booking, route planning, freight negotiation, and carrier management.
Ensure correct loading practices, load securing, and vehicle sealing before dispatch.
Track outbound shipments until proof of delivery (POD) is received and update systems accordingly.
Handle return logistics (RMA / rejection returns) documentation, reverse transport, and system reversal.
Picking and Putaway:
Implement and optimize warehouse picking strategies: zone picking, batch picking, or wave picking as appropriate.
Ensure accuracy of all pick-and-pack operations through double-check mechanisms and scan-based confirmation.
Manage putaway processes for newly received goods bin allocation, location assignment, and system update.
Minimise pick errors, wrong shipments, and short shipments through SOPs, training, and periodic audits.
Utilize WMS/ERP directed picking and putaway where available; propose improvements for efficiency gains.
Logistics Planning
Develop weekly and monthly logistics plans aligned with production schedules and sales forecasts.
Prepare logistics budgets covering freight, MHE maintenance, packaging materials, and manpower costs.
Participate in S& OP (Sales and Operations Planning) meetings to align logistics capacity with demand.
Identify bottlenecks in material flow and design corrective/preventive actions to improve throughput.
Evaluate and propose improvements in transportation routes, carrier base, freight costs, and delivery lead times.
Monitor and report logistics KPIs to management on a weekly/monthly basis (OTIF, freight cost/unit, inventory accuracy, etc. ).
Requirements:
7+ years of experience in WH and logistics operations.
Postgraduate diploma/MBA in supply chain/logistics management preferred.
Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing plant / industrial warehouse environment.
Proven experience managing inbound, outbound, and inventory functions simultaneously.
Prior experience with ERP systems.
Experience in handling hazardous materials or controlled substances is desirable.
Working knowledge of barcode/RFID systems and scanning technologies.
Understanding of customs, transportation regulations, and e-way bill compliance.
Familiarity with 5S, lean warehousing, and Six Sigma tools will be an added advantage.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
Excellent coordination and cross-functional communication skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data entry.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Team leadership and contractor/vendor management skills.
Proactive attitude with a continuous improvement mindset.

Experience
8-12 yrs