What makes a great logistics specialist? Skills and industry demand
Logistics professionals keep energy operations moving across the globe. From coordinating offshore supply routes to managing LNG shipments, a logistics specialist bridges the gap between planning and execution in one of the world's most dynamic industries.
Shell's global network serves more than 1 million commercial and industrial customers and around 33 million customers daily, making logistics coordination a mission-critical function.
At Shell, logistics specialists manage the transportation, storage, and distribution of materials across both non-renewable and renewable energy operations. Their work coordinates complex supply chains while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and safety. This role requires understanding the energy sector, supply chain management, and Polish and international regulations.
If you're a job seeker exploring careers in logistics or looking to advance in supply chain roles, understanding what the industry values can help you build a competitive edge. This guide covers the key skills, responsibilities, and job opportunities that define modern logistics work in the energy and oil and gas sectors, with insights into how Shell Poland supports professionals in this field.
Essential skills that define a great Logistics specialist
Technical logistics skills
The energy sector relies on logistics specialists who combine traditional supply chain knowledge with digital capabilities.
Key competencies include:
- Data analysis and forecasting: Using logistics data to predict demand patterns and identify supply chain bottlenecks before they disrupt operations
- Supply chain coordination: Tracking goods from suppliers through to the final delivery of energy products across multiple regions
- Technology adoption: Working with digital cargo systems and logistics platforms like SAP to plan shipments and monitor real-time progress
- Regulatory compliance: Meeting industry standards and environmental requirements across different jurisdictions
- Inventory control and logistics management: Maintaining accurate records through an inventory management system while preserving asset quality
Strong technical skills, paired with knowledge of energy regulations and safety protocols, keep complex operations running smoothly. You can explore more about the specific logistics skills Shell values in energy operations.
Soft skills for effective supply chain management
Technical expertise is essential, but success in logistics depends just as much on collaboration. At Shell Poland’s Krakow operations—the hub of Shell’s global network—logistics specialists work closely with procurement, freight shipping, and manufacturing teams, making communication skills as critical as analytical abilities.
Key interpersonal capabilities:
- Adaptability: Responding to changes in transportation operations or project timelines without losing momentum
- Problem-solving: Finding workable solutions when energy equipment arrives late or supply routes face disruption
- Cross-team collaboration: Coordinating with colleagues across functions to maintain supply chain visibility
- Time management: Balancing multiple shipments and deadlines while keeping safety regulation standards front and center
These skills become part of daily work when managing fuel import and export or coordinating renewable energy installations. Strong collaboration and clear communication help logistics teams at Shell maintain efficiency across international operations.
Key responsibilities in supply chain operations
Logistics roles in the energy industry go beyond standard supply chain work. At Shell, your core responsibilities are:
- Supply chain oversight: Managing the full journey of goods, from raw material sourcing to delivery of finished energy products
- Transport coordination: Arranging safe movement and storage of items like technical equipment, crude oil, and petroleum products
- Project support: Contributing to major energy developments, from new drilling operations to renewable energy installations
- Compliance management: Meeting industry regulations and environmental standards across all logistics activities
- Inventory management: Using inventory monitoring tools to label, monitor, and maintain assets throughout their lifecycle
- Logistical improvement: Analyzing logistics performance to find opportunities for cost reduction and faster delivery
Oil and gas logistics differ from other industries. Specialists handle unique challenges like LNG transport, offshore supply chains, and fuel distribution networks. Shell manages one of the world's largest LNG shipping operations, with vessels comprising around 11% of the global LNG shipping fleet. This work requires understanding both the technical aspects of energy operations and the regulations that govern them in Poland and internationally.
Why logistics specialists are in high demand
The energy industry needs skilled logistics professionals now more than ever. As supply chains grow more complex and energy sources diversify, companies need people who can manage both traditional and emerging energy logistics.
Demand continues to grow for specialists who can:
- Use inventory management systems to improve supply chain and logistics management efficiency
- Balance operational needs with sustainability goals across energy projects
- Coordinate safe, compliant movement of energy resources across cross-border operations
At Shell Poland, logistics professionals help manage distribution networks that support the movement of energy products from supply to end customers. As Shell Trading and Supply manages a global portfolio that includes power, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, and biofuels, demand for logistics specialists increases because deliveries must be planned across different product requirements, routes, and regulations, often in fast-changing market conditions.
Job opportunities in energy logistics
A logistics job in the energy sector offers clear progression for professionals at all experience levels. Most logistics specialist roles require a bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, business, or a related field. At Shell, we value both formal qualifications and hands-on experience in energy operations.
You can build your career through roles that increase in scope and responsibility:
Many roles involve global coordination, where professionals manage supply chains across multiple continents for upstream and downstream energy operations. Shell provides structured training, mentorship, and leadership programmes to help logistics professionals develop the skills needed for international supply chain management. The Shell Graduate Programme is a three-year rotation programme designed to provide the tools for success through on-the-job training, formal training, and coaching.
What Shell offers
At Shell, logistics professionals join a culture focused on learning, collaboration, and meaningful work. Our approach to career development reflects what matters most to people building careers in supply chain and logistics.
Grow your skills
You can work with current technology, industry practices, and operational methods. We provide formal training, mentoring, and global exposure to help you build capabilities and stay adaptable. With access to learning resources and real-world projects, you develop both technical expertise and leadership skills.
Collaborate with experienced colleagues
Work alongside professionals who bring different expertise and perspectives. Shell values knowledge sharing across teams and regions. Collaborating with experienced colleagues helps you learn from their insights and contribute meaningfully to every project. Read employee stories from logistics professionals in Poland who have built successful careers at Shell.
Achieve your balance in a values-led culture
We live our values of honesty, integrity, and respect. At Shell Poland, we recognize that everyone's career journey is different. Our culture promotes balance, inclusion, and well-being, giving you space to be the best version of yourself.
Develop the energy solutions of tomorrow and today
Contribute to projects that power progress today while supporting the energy transition. Working across Shell's range of businesses and capabilities, you help provide energy solutions for communities in Poland and beyond.
Final thoughts & next steps
Logistics specialists connect supply chains worldwide, making sure materials and products reach their destination safely and on time. With technical skills, analytical thinking, and strong collaboration abilities, professionals in this field play a key role in Shell's international operations.
Ready to build a career in logistics? Join Shell and apply for logistics specialist roles today.