Logistics path opens doors

The development of worldwide transport services has driven the rise of the logistics industry. Photo / Manukau Institute of Technology

Logistics is the management of the movement of goods from their point of origin to their final destination or consumption, says Geoff Cox of the Charted Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

"The career scope is unlimited, especially now that New Zealand has moved from manufacturing and most goods are imported and need to be managed, transported and distributed. The advent of excellent transport services worldwide across all modes has encouraged this," Cox says.

Larisa Oglezneva, supply-chain manager at Accurate Instruments, says: "Logistics wasn't my first choice when I chose my career. I got a bachelor's degree in engineering back in Russia, worked for a couple of years in that field, then it became obvious it wasn't the job I wanted to do.

"For me, finding logistics was just luck when an opportunity came up and I got a junior job in a purchasing department, which I quite enjoyed.

"This was my first experience with the logistics industry, and it was 16 years ago. In those days we didn't even use the world 'logistics'.

Oglezneva says finding the right job is probably the most difficult decision a young person can make.

"This is why it is very important to talk to a logistics professional to get to know more about the industry and get some direction.

"There are a lot of courses available at MIT [Manukau Institute of Technology] and the NZ Maritime School for different levels of skills from Level 3 up to Level 6."

Cox says: "The CILT is an international organisation and as such offers members ... access to jobs and careers overseas."

He says CILT is active in China, Australia, Nigeria, Canada, India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom and Ireland, which gives access to the European Union.

In some countries, membership gives exemption from regulations imposed by governments controlling entry into the industry.

"There is also the 'status' factor which comes with being a member. It has been beneficial to me in my career, especially while I worked in Europe."

Cox says he "fell" into logistics - "and I was glad that I did - it is an exciting and rewarding industry with an excellent potential for promotion and as there are so many diverse jobs.

"I worked for two years in Europe and while my main career was in Logistics career path opens many doors, I visited India and went all over Australia. My two sons are also in the industry."

"To be in the operational 'coal-face' area of logistics, I believe that one has to be an extrovert, creative, flexible, have good communication skills and strong management skills and to be able to change from Plan A to Plan B ... to achieve satisfaction for the customer."

Cox says if you're interested in logistics, you must expect to work long hours: "It's not a nine-to-five job."

Oglezneva says: "Logistics is a big and extremely fast-growing industry, and it requires people to develop their skills and knowledge all the time in order to keep tuned in and meet market demand.

"In every day tasks you have to deal with a lot of different people on a different, nationally and internationally.

"Communicating effectively and being able to respond fast to any changes in order to get the desired result probably would be one of the main logistics challenges.

"There are time differences, language barriers and different cultures, and as a result different ways of thinking and doing business. All create a lot of complications and at the same time makes logistics very interesting and challenging," she says.

"I actually enjoy working in this constantly changing environment."

Oglezneva says to be successful in this industry people have to be able to adapt to differences, be flexible and develop their skills continuously.

"There is no final destination; you have to be on the move all the time and be able and willing to improve your professional skills and work together with your internal and external partners.

"Your success depends on how you are with other people and what type of relationship you build in order to achieve your goal."

So, how do you train to get into this field of work? Cox says while qualifications are not essential in this industry, they are becoming more important.

He says more companies in the industry are insisting on qualifications. "Within the industry there are courses available from Level 1 through till Level 7 and 8 - from entry-level to university qualifications.

"If a person has ambitions to make logistics/supply chain a career choice, I would suggest they complete a Level 4 course in logistics to commence with and progress through a Level 5 Diploma, and then acquire a degree.

"MIT, Massey Auckland and other Universities offer such courses in New Zealand. It is also possible to obtain a PhD in logistics/supply chain."

Deanne Douglas, MIT publicist and communications, says: "The types of companies that need logistics professionals can include airlines, ship owners and operators and ship agents, freight forwarders, manufacturers, importers, exporters and distributors, warehouse providers, trucking companies, customs brokers and primary producers and commodity marketers.

"Some company names that you might recognise would be Fonterra, Zespri, Cadbury, Ezibuy, Mainfreight, DHL, Apple, DB Breweries and Maerskline and Carter Holt."

She says entry-level jobs include documentation assistant for a freight forwarder or a container controller at a shipping line.

Mid-career jobs might be inventory controller or production planner, customer broker, or supervisor of a warehousing facility. Management roles exist in all areas and range from operations and staff management to strategic planning and business-development roles.

She says that at the MIT NZ Maritime School you can begin at any level - certificate or diploma - and you are assessed on previous qualifications and experience.

"Our most popular programme is the Diploma in Shipping and Freight, which requires 48 NCEA credits.

"Our highest qualification is the Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management (Level 6) which requires a diploma or degree, or three years' relevant experience for entry."

She says full-time courses are either one or two semesters.

"The structure and length of the programmes are designed so that graduates can potentially be in employment within 12 months."

There are also several distance-learning options. Subjects include customs law and practice, purchasing and inventory management, transport operations and air cargo and dangerous goods.

Learning is mainly classroom based for full-time programmes, and e-learning for distance students.

Students on these courses will simulate real-life tasks, using processes, documentation and industry-standard tools as well as complete projects linked to field trips.

DHL Logistics HR manager Shona Campbell says: "Freight forwarding is an integral part of the overall 'logistics' umbrella and offers an exciting career for those who like to work at a fast pace in an ever-changing environment.

"Freight, is made up of many different commodities, imported into New Zealand by air or ocean and exported by air or ocean.

"As an international freight-forwarding company, we work with our customers and our worldwide company network to ensure a seamless simplified system of entry and exit while making sure all the paper work complies, legal requirements are met and freight reaches it destination within the agreed timeframe."

She says the standard roles within the freight-forwarding business relate directly to operational paperwork and communication around the importation and exportation of freight supported by the international warehouse and customer service teams.

"Customs clearance roles are also a pivotal part of our business, as are the support teams who work closely with our customs brokers.

"All roles have a junior, intermediate and senior component and therefore there is a large range of salary structures that are dependant on skill, experience, seniority and responsibilities. These could range from approximately $30,000 to $80,000."

Campbell says entering the freight-forwarding business at a junior level gives the appointee a great opportunity to learn all areas of the business.

"The application for entry could be supported by the potential employee taking a national certificate in freight forwarding and/or logistics."