logistics professional.

Logistics staff are responsible for managing and shipping goods. In this versatile role, you ensure that the warehouse is adequately stocked with all necessary items and that all deadlines are met. You always have transport, orders, and deliveries under control.

your area of responsibility 

How do all these packages and deliveries get from door to door? In the goods process, you will take on the following tasks:

• Loading and unloading: When the goods arrive, you're ready with the forklift. Behind the wheel, you make sure all the packages are loaded and arrive at the correct location in the warehouse.

• Sorting and repacking of parcels: All goods have their designated place in the warehouse. Especially with large deliveries, sorting and repacking can take a considerable amount of time.

• Picking: You assemble new shipments according to specified orders and prepare them for dispatch.

• Administrative tasks: Checking data on the computer, ticking off orders, and entering new orders are things you enjoy doing. These are all part of ensuring a smooth flow of goods.

• Process optimisation and troubleshooting: Has your team leader overlooked something or is a process not running as it should? You'll notice straight away and can resolve the issues yourself or discuss them with the person responsible. Innovative technologies offer a wide range of options in logistics in this regard the more interested you are, the better.

who are your colleagues?

In logistics, you always work as part of a team. You support each other and, together with other warehouse staff and the picking team, you ensure everything runs smoothly. You also collaborate with team and warehouse managers, especially when it comes to solving problems or when documents need to be signed.

The area is large, and logistics professionals are in demand. Your specific role largely depends on the company you work for. Of course, age, experience, and qualifications also play a significant part.

The main logistics companies operating are:

• logistics EBA
• logistics EFZ
• logistics assistant
• logistics staff
• warehouse operative
• forklift driver
• warehouse worker - order picking
• warehouse Worker - goods inward and outward
• loader / unloader
• operational staff

Planning and management tasks, on the other hand, are usually undertaken by:

• logistics manager
• logistics manager
• logistics professional, distribution, swiss federal certificate
• logistics specialist, swiss federal certificate
• logistics specialist
• logistics specialist, Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (FET)
• logistics administrator
• group leader of logistics
• head of picking
• goods receiving manager
• supply planner
• logistics coordinator
• supply chain specialist

The salary for logistics staff varies depending on qualifications, age, and region. Different industries also pay differently. In Switzerland, salaries in the pharmaceutical sector are generally the highest for logistics professionals. Of course, statutory night and weekend allowances are also included in your pay.

how much do I earn as a logistics professional in a permanent position?

• with an EBA, the starting salary after apprenticeship is around 3,500 CHF and 3,800 CHF

• with an EFZ qualification, it's approximately 3,750 CHF to 4,100 CHF

(Source: Recommendations of the Swiss Association for Vocational Training in Logistics).

• on average, you earn between 50,500 and 78,000 CHF in Switzerland as a logistics professional

how much do I earn as a logistics professional per hour?

On average, you earn between 27 and 29 CHF per hour as a logistics professional.

which industry offers the highest earnings for a logistics professional?

• medicine / pharma
• industry
• food
• transport & traffic
• trade

What additional benefits do I receive as a logistics professional? 

Depending on your employer, you may get various perks. These could include a free parking space, discounts at the canteen, or free snacks and drinks. 

Would you like to find out how much you earn as a logistics professional? Enter your age, position, industry, and other details to get the most accurate estimate, and calculate your salary at salarium.ch.

Would you like to become a logistics professional? In Switzerland, you have two different training options available. These are the two- and three-year apprenticeship programmes as a logistics professional: 

• logistics specialist EBA, the Swiss Federal Vocational Certificate for Logistics Specialists (2 years)

• logistics specialist EFZ, the Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence for Logistics Specialists (3 years)

The training takes place at the company, at vocational school, and in inter-company courses. Managing goods and all related knowledge are the main components of both apprenticeships. During the three-year training, you will gain more in-depth specialist knowledge. You will also take on more responsibility during your apprenticeship and even more afterwards. The academic requirements are somewhat lower for the two-year apprenticeship. During your training as a logistics professional, you will also obtain your forklift licence as part of the programme. 

To take on more complex tasks or leadership roles in logistics, there are various further training options available to you: 

• logistics provider BP

• logistics provider HFP

• logistics specialist BP

• technician HF

• university of Applied Sciences degree in Economics

Because there is a significant shortage of skilled logistics professionals, the logistics sector also offers good opportunities for both career changers and newcomers. Logistics staff, whether with or without formal training or experience, are in high demand nowadays. Many new positions are being created, and logistics operations are being expanded. And the profession has a bright future: the trend continues towards digitalisation and the development of logistics centres. 

The most important factors are physical fitness, German language skills, reliability, and a good dose of motivation. Usually, you start your first job at an hourly rate. Many companies offer the chance of a permanent position later, if you like the company and the work. It’s also possible to undertake part-time training courses alongside your job. Especially with Randstad, the temp training programme provides excellent opportunities to gain skills that will be useful throughout your career.

Discover the logistics and competence centre of the well-known online shop and watch the logistics team at work. Are you fascinated by the intersection of cutting-edge technology and online retail? This could soon be your new place of work.

Do you already have extensive experience as a logistics professional? This is arguably one of the most important aspects in logistics. Those with several years of experience who consistently make a very good impression at work can quickly take on more responsibility or become team leaders in certain companies. 

Similarly, after completing the logistics apprenticeship (EFZ), you have a range of further training options available that can help you move into related fields or leadership roles. These opportunities include various courses at vocational and technical colleges, professional examinations, and even university degrees at a fachhochschule. Further training definitely enhances your career prospects. As a dispatcher, qualified supply chain manager, or transport and logistics operations manager, you’ll take on greater responsibilities and broader areas of work. 

how do you develop yourself further as a logistics professional?

Your development potential in logistics is particularly high if you are interested in process optimisation and trends in the digital sphere. Currently, barcode scanners and associated databases are in use. Going further, RFID technologies are being implemented. These enable real-time tracking of product data such as temperature or location, for example during transportation to the customer. Logistics is one of the sectors that has undergone significant change in recent years. In the future, logistics processes are expected to become even more fully automated. Larger companies are already using warehouse robots, cleaning robots, or drones, and are continually exploring additional applications and technologies. 

Would you like to improve your career prospects? Be sure to also take a look at the tips and tricks for applications.

Would you like to apply for a logistics professional role? The following qualities will help you:

✓ practical understanding
✓ good command of german
✓ craft and organisational skills
✓ reliability, independence, and a sense of responsibility
✓ physical fitness and resilience
✓ team player
✓ good rapport with customers and suppliers
✓ depending on the company: willingness to work shifts
✓ interest in digital technologies

There are many good reasons to work as a logistics professional at Randstad:

✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one, personal advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance it could be made permanent

Follow-up contract. Many popular companies also recruit their employees directly through Randstad.

✓ many companies offer you discounts on food and free parking

your training budget as a logistics professional at randstad.

If you work as a logistics professional for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the Temp Training programme, you can attend various training sessions. Your dedicated Randstad consultant will assist you with choosing and registering for these courses. For example, you could obtain your forklift licence, improve your German language skills, or learn more about process optimisation.

Have you found your dream job as a logistics professional? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:

Discover the essentials in a nutshell and kickstart your journey in logistics today.