Logistics Coordinator Spotlight

Oil and gas operations can contain extremely complex production or construction activities. The Logistics Coordinator knows where everything needs to be and when it will arrive. They coordinates logistics such as transportation, delivery, stock management, purchasing, and warehousing in energy projects ranging from exploration, construction, to operations and maintenance. 

What a typical day looks like:

 Logistics Coordinators are the daily on-site traffic coordinators. They are at the heart of the activity, and need know exactly what is coming and going and who is moving what. They work closely with production clerks, warehouse staff, construction and operations supervisors, managers, and purchasing clerks to make sure that everyone has what they need when they need it.  
 
They look at the needs of daily operations or construction projects and make sure that all the parts, supplies, materials and products are shipped or received at the correct time. This means that they collect and compile data from all the departments and create reports and schedules that are the most efficient, timely, and cost effective. They also make schedules for when staff members are required on site to complete certain tasks. 
 
They see the big picture. Often working within the project team or supply chain department, Logistics Coordinators are in constant communication with project managers and drivers. They learn if there have been any project requirement changes and advise of any scheduling changes. They also are suggestions for improvement on the current scheduling processes to senior management. 
 
This role often includes working on-site in remote locations, and may include outdoor and shift work as required. 

The kinds of problems Logistics Coordinators solve at work:

Logistics Coordinators need to juggle numbers, products, and human factors. They have to balance cost, quality, delivery timelines and safety, all while keeping an eye on project progress and shifting requirements. They monitor the daily project progress and work plan execution and adjust their schedules and forecasts as needed. If a shipment is late or a project is delayed, they will readjust other shipments in order to make sure there isn’t a standstill at site.  

Skills used most on the job:

 Logistics Coordinators need to be highly organized and capable of multitasking. They have a strong attention to detail, and can understand and draw connections from complex data. They also are able to build relationships with a variety of people. 

The flow of goods and services never stops in the oil and gas industry, which means that neither does the job of a Logistics Coordinator.