The logistics sector is one of the largest employers in the Netherlands. From warehouses or distribution centres to transport planning, there are dozens of roles in logistics for people with and without experience.
Whether you are looking for temporary reinforcement or a permanent employee for a specific logistics role, it helps enormously to know what is available on the job market. Upforce helps you daily with filling logistics vacancies for companies throughout the Netherlands. Get in touch and within 24 hours you will know where you stand.
The most common roles in logistics?
Logistics work is broader than most people think. The most in-demand role within the logistics sector is the warehouse operative. This is someone who receives, stores, processes and prepares goods for dispatch. Within this role there are further specialisations: the order picker assembles orders based on a picking list, the loading and unloading operative processes incoming and outgoing freight, and the forklift truck driver moves pallets and heavy goods around the warehouse. These are roles where physical work is central and where you need people who are immediately employable.
Alongside the executive work, there are also supporting and coordinating roles. A logistics planner monitors lead times and coordinates transport and logistics. An administrative assistant in a logistics organisation processes orders, monitors stock management and keeps the system up to date. The logistics team leader or logistics supervisor manages a shift, maintains an overview on the shop floor and reports to management. These are roles that require a combination of communication, oversight and substantive knowledge of logistics processes.
At the higher level, you will find the logistics manager and the supply chain manager. A logistics manager is responsible for the operational management of one or more departments, whereas a supply chain manager oversees the entire logistics chain: from procurement and production to distribution and delivery to the customer. Optimising logistical processes is a central component of these roles.
Finally, there is the lorry driver or courier: the connection between the warehouse and the final destination. Logistics and transport are inextricably linked, and without driving personnel, the chain comes to a standstill.
What skills do you need and what can you earn?
What skills do you need to start in logistics? That depends heavily on the role. For operational roles such as order picker or loading and unloading operative, there are few formal requirements. Shift work, physical resilience and reliability are decisive here. For positions such as logistics planner or logistics team leader, good command of planning software, communication skills and insight into logistical processes are more important. Which qualifications suit this? MBO courses in the direction of logistics, transport or supply chain are a solid basis, but many companies also recruit based on experience in logistics and work ethic.
Regarding salaries for logistics staff, employment conditions in the logistics sector vary significantly depending on the job level. A warehouse operative or order picker earns on average between €13 and €15 per hour, depending on shift allowances and collective labour agreement arrangements. A logistics planner or team leader is typically higher, and a supply chain manager or logistics manager can expect an annual salary starting from €45,000 rising to well over €80,000. Earning in logistics at higher levels is attractive, but also requires demonstrable experience and a results-driven approach.
Within the logistics sector, the opportunities for career progression are greater than many people realise: moving up into roles such as team leader or planner is quite possible from an operational role, especially at logistics companies that invest in their employees.
How Upforce fills logistics vacancies for employers
As an employer, you don't want to start the search all over again every time. You want logistics staff who match your pace, your working hours and your way of working. When filling logistics roles, we look beyond a CV. Work ethic, motivation and whether someone fits your working environment are at least as important as qualifications or previous roles in logistics. That is what determines whether someone is still there two weeks later or has already left.
Upforce specialises as employment agency in logistics and works daily for logistics companies and distribution centres throughout the Netherlands. Whether you need an order picker for a night shift, a logistics planner who thinks along immediately, or a team leader to build a new team: we know which people are available and what they need to add value straight away.
The same applies to employers in manufacturing: through us employment agency in production we provide staff who understand what continuity means on the work floor. You can also view the overview of our services for employers if you want to know how the collaboration works in practice.
Ready to find the right logistics staff?
The logistics sector offers broad opportunities: from entry-level positions such as warehouse operative to strategic roles such as supply chain manager. For you as an employer, that means a diverse palette of profiles, each with their own requirements, working hours and salary expectations. Filling a logistics job requires someone who knows the sector and understands what is happening on the shop floor.
Upforce does this daily, for logistics organisations ranging from small to large. Get in touch and tell us what you need.
Within 24 hours, you'll know where you stand.
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