Introduction

 

The transport and logistics sector comprises of freight logistics and passenger transport.Logistics is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week and supports all sectors across the whole economy.Transport underpins all industries by helping employees get to work in the first place, but it also plays an invaluable part in the tourism sector.

 

Employment opportunities in transport and logistics are grouped into:

• air transport;

• land transport;

• postal and courier activities;

• warehousing and support activities;

• water transport.

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Job Descriptions

 

These job profiles are examples of graduate careers in the transport and logistics sector:

 

Air cabin crew

The role of an air cabin crew member is to provide excellent customer service to passengers while ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the flight. They are trained to deal with security and emergency situations which may arise and can administer first aid to passengers.

 

Cabin crew ensure that all emergency equipment is in working order prior to take off and that there are enough supplies for passengers. They also help passengers to board the plane and give a demonstration of safety procedures and equipment.

 

Air cabin crew strive to make the flying experience a pleasant one for the passengers and will serve refreshments and meals and sell gifts and duty-free items. Cabin crew may work on short or long-haul flights.

 

Job Description

• Tasks may vary slightly depending on whether it is a short or long-haul flight and the size of the team you are working in. However, they typically include:

• attending a pre-flight briefing, during which air cabin crew are assigned their working positions for the upcoming flight. Crew are also informed of flight details, the schedule and if there are passengers with any special requirements, such as diabetic passengers, passengers in wheelchairs or the number of infants on board;

• carrying out pre-flight duties, including checking the safety equipment, ensuring the aircraft is clean and tidy, ensuring that information in the seat pockets is up to date and that all meals and stock are on board;

• welcoming passengers on board and directing them to their seats;

• informing passengers of the aircraft safety procedures and ensuring that all hand luggage is securely stored away;checking all passenger seat belts and galleys are secure prior to take-off;

• making announcements on behalf of the pilot and answering passenger questions during the flight;

• serving meals and refreshments to passengers;

• selling duty-free goods and advising passengers of any allowance restrictions in force at their destination;

• reassuring passengers and ensuring that they follow safety procedures correctly in emergency situations;

• giving first aid to passengers where necessary;

• ensuring passengers disembark safely at the end of a flight and checking that there is no luggage left in the overhead lockers;

• completing paperwork, including writing a flight report.

 

 

Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers manage aircraft through all aspects of their flight with the priority of safety, followed by other aspects such as ensuring arrivals and departures are on time. They use navigation and surveillance to communicate advice, information and instructions to pilots via radio.

 

Air traffic controllers are well known for working in control towers at airports, but the majority actually work in area control centres. They are responsible for the en-route stage of the aircraft, using radar to track its exact position, keeping it safe in the airspace and providing the most efficient route.

 

Job Description

• Tasks may very depending on whether you work as an area, approach or aerodrome controller, but they typically include:

• keeping radio and/or radar contact with aircraft;

• directing the movement of aircraft en route or at an airport;

• instructing aircraft to climb or descend and allocating final cruising level;

• providing information to aircraft about weather conditions;

• making sure that minimum distances are maintained between planes;

• handling unexpected events, emergencies and unscheduled traffic.

• Approach controllers deal with instrument landing systems, which allow some planes to make automatic landings, and ensure that planes are placed in holding patterns when airports are busy.

• controlling movements onto and off runways;

• handling the ground movement of planes around the terminals;

• handling the ground movement of vehicles around the airport.

 

Airline pilot

Airline pilots fly passengers and/or cargo on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes.The aircraft is typically operated by two pilots; one will be the captain who is the pilot in command, while the other will be the supporting first officer. The pilots will usually take turns to fly the plane to avoid fatigue, with one operating the controls while the other speaks to air traffic control and completes the paperwork. In some instances, such as long-haul flights, there may be three or four pilots on board so that the necessary breaks from flying can be taken.

 

Job Description

• There is more to the role than just flying the plane, which has to be done safely and economically, and tasks can typically include:

• ensuring all information on the route, weather, passengers and aircraft is received;

• using that information to create a flight plan which details the altitude for the flight, route to be taken and amount of fuel required;

• ensuring the fuel levels balance safety with economy and supervising the loading and fuelling of the aircraft;

• ensuring all safety systems are working properly;

• briefing the cabin crew before the flight and maintaining regular contact throughout the flight;

• carrying out pre-flight checks on the navigation and operating systems;

• communicating with air traffic control before take-off and during flight and landing;

• ensuring noise regulations are followed during take off and landing;

• understanding and interpreting data from instruments and controls;

• making regular checks on the aircraft's technical performance and position, on weather conditions and air traffic during flight;

• communicating with passengers using the public address system;

• reacting quickly and appropriately to environmental changes and emergencies;

• updating the aircraft logbook and writing a report at the end of the flight noting any incidents or problems with the aircraft.

 

Freight forwarder

A freight forwarder is an agent who acts on behalf of importers, exporters or other companies or persons to organise the safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods.

 

Freight forwarders arrange the best means of transport, taking into account the type of goods and the customers' delivery requirements. They use the services of shipping lines, airlines and road and rail freight operators. In some cases, the freight forwarding company itself provides the service.

 

Job Description

Activities vary depending on the type and size of employer but typically include:

• investigating and planning the most appropriate route for a shipment, taking account of the perishable or hazardous nature of the goods, cost, transit time and security;

• arranging appropriate packing, taking account of climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods and cost, and the delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination;

• negotiating contracts, transportation and handling costs;

• obtaining, checking and preparing documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, packing specifications, and compliance with overseas countries' regulations and fiscal regimes;

• offering consolidation services by air, sea and road, ensuring cost-effective and secure solutions to small shippers who have insufficient cargo to require their own dedicated units;

• liaising with third parties to move goods (by road, rail, air or sea) in accordance with customer requirements;

• arranging insurance and assisting the client in the event of a claim;

• offering tailored IT solutions and electronic data interchange (EDI) connections;

• arranging payment of freight and other charges or collection of payment on behalf of the client;

• utilising e-commerce, internet technology and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking of goods;

• arranging air transport for urgent and high-value freight and managing the risk door to door;

• arranging charters for large volume, out-of-gauge or project movements by air and sea;

• acting as broker in customs negotiations worldwide to guide the freight efficiently through complex procedures;

• dealing with special arrangements for transporting delicate cargoes, such as livestock, food and medical supplies;

• arranging courier and specialist hand-carry services;working closely with customers, colleagues and third parties to ensure smooth operations to deadlines;

• maintaining communication and control through all phases of the journey, including the production of management reports and statistical and unit cost analysis;acting as a consultant in customs matters;

• maintaining current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations and other factors that could affect the movement of freight.

 

IT consultant

An IT consultant works in partnership with clients, advising them how to use information technology in order to meet their business objectives or overcome problems. Consultants work to improve the structure and efficiency of an organisation's IT systems.Hiring in consultants to perform specific functions over an agreed period of time is often referred to as ‘outsourcing’.

 

Job Description

Tasks typically involve:

• meeting with clients to determine requirements;

• working with clients to define the scope of a project;

• planning timescales and the resources needed;

• clarifying a client's system specifications, understanding their work practices and the nature of their business;

• travelling to customer sites;

• liaising with staff at all levels of a client organisation;

• defining software, hardware and network requirements;

• analysing IT requirements within companies and giving independent and objective advice on the use of IT;

• developing agreed solutions and implementing new systems;

• presenting solutions in written or oral reports;

• helping clients with change-management activities;

• purchasing systems where appropriate;designing, testing, installing and monitoring new systems;

• preparing documentation and presenting progress reports to customers;

• organising training for users and other consultants;

• being involved in sales and support, and where appropriate, maintaining contact with client organisations;

• identifying potential clients and building and maintaining contacts.

 

Logistics and distribution manager

Logistics and distribution managers organise the storage and distribution of goods. Essentially they need to ensure the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost. They may be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods.

 

A logistics and distribution manager needs to have an understanding of the whole supply chain so they can co-ordinate it effectively and liaise with suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

 

Job Description

Responsibilities vary according to the specific job role and whether the employing company is a manufacturer, retailer or specialist service provider (e.g. in third party logistics (3PL)).A range of business tasks is undertaken to support the smooth and efficient operation of supply chain processes, and tasks usually include:

• monitoring the quality, quantity, cost and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods;

• coordinating and controlling the order cycle and associated information systems;

• analysing data to monitor performance and plan improvements and demand;

• allocating and managing staff resources according to changing needs;

• liaising and negotiating with customers and suppliers;

• developing business by gaining new contracts, analysing logistical problems and producing new solutions.

• managing staff training issues;motivating other members of the team;

• project management;setting objectives:

• planning projects;

• working on new supply strategies;

• planning vehicle routes;

• using specialist knowledge, such as mechanical-handling systems, to provide consultancy services.

 

Marketing executive

Marketing executives are involved in developing marketing campaigns to promote a product, service or idea. It is a varied role that includes planning, advertising, public relations, event organisation, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research. The work is often challenging and fast-paced.

 

Many organisations have marketing departments, meaning that marketing executives can be found in both the private and public sectors, ranging from the financial, retailing and media industries to voluntary and public sector organisations.

 

Job Description

Marketing executives contribute to and develop integrated marketing campaigns. Tasks can involve:

• liaising and networking with a range of stakeholders including customers, colleagues, suppliers and partner organisations;

• communicating with target audiences and managing customer relationships;

• sourcing advertising opportunities and placing adverts in the press - local, regional, national and specialist publications - or on the radio, depending on the organisation and the campaign;

• managing the production of marketing materials, including leaflets, posters, flyers, newsletters, e-newsletters and DVDs;writing and proofreading copy;

• liaising with designers and printers;

• organising photo shoots;arranging the effective distribution of marketing materials;

• maintaining and updating customer databases;

• organising and attending events such as conferences, seminars, receptions and exhibitions;

• sourcing and securing sponsorship;

• conducting market research, for example using customer questionnaires and focus groups;

• contributing to, and developing, marketing plans and strategies;

• managing budgets;

• evaluating marketing campaigns;

• monitoring competitor activity;

• supporting the marketing manager and other colleagues.

 

Passenger transport manager

A passenger transport manager plans, coordinates and manages passenger transport operations, which cover bus, train, tram, air, ship and ferry services.

 

The job varies depending on the nature of the transport system and the size and type of employer. Passenger transport managers, however, tend be involved in the finances and budget of the transport services, marketing and PR, strategic development and planning, and people management. They need to make sure a quality service is provided at the right price.

 

Job Description

Specific tasks vary depending on the level of the role. Those in junior posts are involved in customer contact and routine staff supervisions. While someone in a senior position takes on more strategic planning and project management work.In general, common tasks carried out by a passenger transport manager include:

• making sure the transport operation meets its performance and safety targets, monitoring it and reporting to senior management;

• writing clear reports and presenting options and recommendations to clients and senior management;

• advising on policy and strategic developments and examining business decisions (pricing policy, level of service provision, timetable changes) to assess their impact on passengers;

• ensuring that all operations are carried out in accordance with UK and European Union laws and regulations, particularly relating to health and safety;

• managing and supervising staff, organising work shift rotas and coordinating staff training;

• negotiating and managing contracts and developing new business opportunities whenever possible;

• minimising disruption and resolving any unscheduled delays, having to make decisions in difficult situations;

• meeting passengers and customers to deal with complaints and areas of concern;

• analysing results of surveys on passenger/customer satisfaction and starting new projects to improve performance;

• making sure that transport services are available to all through social inclusion initiatives;

• marketing passenger services to encourage greater passenger use of particular routes and methods of transport;

• liaising and negotiating with different stakeholders including planning and highways authorities, residents, councillors/politicians, developers and transport providers;

• identifying existing and possible future transport problems, developing transport models and investigating the feasibility of alternative means of transport;

• liaising with passenger watchdogs and other professional bodies;

• using IT systems for tasks such as timetabling and managing usage flows.

 

 

Transport planner

Transport planners work on policies, plans and projects relating to all kinds of transport systems. This includes roads and the use of cars, lorries and buses, rail networks, pedestrian systems for walking or cycling, and air travel.

 

Transport planners look at ways to improve these systems or how new systems can be implemented in certain areas. They will take into consideration issues such as climate change, the economy and the environment. The work of transport planners is often related to government policies and initiatives, such as trying to change the travel behaviour of people by encouraging them to reduce their car use and take up walking, cycling or public transport.

 

Job Description

Work activities are varied and often depend on the level of the job and the size and type of the employer. However, tasks typically include:

• designing and interpreting transport and travel surveys;

• writing clear reports and presenting options and recommendations on transport systems to clients;

• using statistical analysis to examine travel data or accident records;

• forming potential solutions to transport problems;

• using mathematical and computer simulation models to forecast the effects of road improvements, policy changes and/or public transport schemes;

• evaluating the benefits and costs of different strategies;

• participating in public consultation initiatives, including designing leaflets or questionnaires and attending scheme exhibitions;

• managing studies and projects, often within tight time and budget limits;

• assessing infrastructure requirements (access, car parking, bus stops, cycle parking, etc) of new developments to support planning applications or to inform local authority development plans;

• liaising and negotiating with different parties, e.g. planning and highways authorities, residents' groups, councillors/politicians, developers, transport providers;

• developing the initial design ideas for new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian priority schemes, bus interchange or bus priority facilities, car parking areas, etc;

• acting as an expert witness at public inquiries and planning appeals;

• writing bids for the funding of projects.

 

Logistics Engineers

Also called: Logistics Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Systems Engineer. They design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.

 

Job Description

• Review contractual commitments, customer specifications, or related information to determine logistics or support requirements.

• Determine logistics support requirements, such as facility details, staffing needs, or safety or maintenance plans.

• Propose logistics solutions for customers.