In-demand professions in logistics

The logistics sector is booming. It is the third-largest sector of the economy in Germany, after the automotive industry and the retail sector.

Logistics – An industry with a bright future

Over 3.2 million people are currently employed in the logistics sector in Germany – and this figure has been rising for years, as has the sector’s turnover. In 2018, there were 14 per cent more employees than in 2014 – almost 400,000 people. Whilst logistics companies are complaining about the noticeable shortage of skilled workers, the competition to recruit the best staff naturally presents a great opportunity for employees.

Anyone who thinks of logistics as just dusty warehouse shelves has missed the latest trends and developments in the sector: from trials with self-driving lorries, electric mobility, IoT / Internet of Things, for example in intralogistics Right through to drones being used for deliveries in Australia – digitalisation has well and truly arrived in the logistics sector.

In-demand professions in logistics

Which jobs are particularly in demand in the logistics sector? Where are the career prospects for employees particularly good? Where are employers currently looking to recruit large numbers of staff? We have summarised a selection of in-demand jobs in the logistics sector here.

Order picker

Even as Logistics 4.0 takes hold, human staff remain indispensable in warehouses and dispatch centres. Often equipped with modern systems such as pick-by-voice and a wide variety of industrial trucks and forklifts, order pickers prepare the ordered goods for their customers. Incidentally, this takes place not only in logistics companies, but also in the relevant departments of large and small industrial firms.

Warehouse Logistics Specialist

Across the approximately 60,000 logistics companies, you are the on-site experts; you are well-versed in the storage and dispatch of goods and in the organisation of logistics processes. At SYNERGIE alone, we currently have over 150 vacancies for this occupational group (more in the SYNERGIE Career Encyclopaedia: Warehouse Logistics Specialist).

HGV driver

Every year, lorries travel 70.8 billion kilometres on Germany’s roads. This means that lorries account for around 70 per cent of transport volume. Whether in long-distance, local or works transport – lorry driver is a profession in high demand.

Customs and export experts

Freight transport knows no boundaries: whether by ship, aeroplane, rail or road – goods cross national borders and continents. To ensure the smooth flow of goods, customs experts (often qualified Freight forwarding agents, see the SYNERGIE Vocational Encyclopaedia) asked.

IT experts

Given the huge volumes of goods and the need for rapid response times, a well-functioning IT system is essential in logistics. Whether IT specialists, graduates in business informatics or those with a specialised Master’s degree in information logistics – there has been a significant shortage of candidates and staff in this sector for years.

Parcel and postman

Online and mail-order retail are growing by leaps and bounds; in 2018, 3.5 billion parcels were dispatched in Germany. Most of these must be delivered promptly to the recipients’ doorsteps via a complex distribution system and handed over – ideally with a smile. This is the job of delivery drivers or multi-stop delivery drivers – commonly known as postmen and parcel couriers.

Around 400 vacancies in logistics at SYNERGIE

As well as those mentioned, there are numerous other in-demand roles in logistics. If you’re interested, please feel free to speak to your On-site recruitment consultant Get advice or have a look at our vacancies in the logistics sector.