How to start a career in logistics: Power your progress with Shell

In Poland's energy sector, logistics professionals ensure fuel, equipment, and resources reach communities safely and reliably.

At Shell, supply chain operations are a commercial powerhouse supporting the energy transition, managing everything from marine and aviation fuel delivery to retail distribution networks.

If you're a recent graduate, career switcher, or entry-level professional looking to enter the logistics industry, this guide provides clear steps to help you build a logistics career with purpose and impact.

Step 1: Understand the logistics industry

Logistics forms the foundation of global trade and commerce through transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and supply chain coordination. Logistics professionals keep operations running by planning routes, tracking shipments, managing storage facilities, and coordinating with suppliers and customers.

What is logistics in the energy industry?

In Poland's energy sector, logistics supports the production and distribution of oil, gas, and renewable energy components. The sector expands rapidly, driven by Poland's central location in Europe and growing demand for energy transport solutions.

 

Poland's position as a European logistics hub creates opportunities across operations, planning, and strategic management roles. Shell's operations in Kraków serve as an operational backbone for business functions, making it a key centre for logistics careers in Poland.

Step 2: Choose the right logistics career path for you

Your interests, skills, and long-term goals determine which logistics career track fits you best. The industry offers diverse roles from hands-on operations to strategic planning.

Operations and supply chain management careers

These roles focus on keeping supply chain systems moving and products delivered on time. Professionals in upstream logistics manage logistics IT systems and coordinate the physical movement of people and materials, often through maritime transport as a core part of Trading and Supply. Depending on the route and operational requirements, this can also involve air, road, and rail. Success means generating measurable value through efficiency improvements, cost optimisation, and risk mitigation.

Common positions include:

• Supply chain analyst: Monitors performance, coordinates planning activities, and identifies improvement opportunities
• Transport planner: Designs efficient delivery routes, manages schedules, and optimises fleet operations
• Materials planner: Plans supply chain strategies and identifies process improvements

Careers at strategic and planning

Strategic and planning roles in Trading and Supply support long-term planning and the safe, efficient movement of energy products across Shell’s integrated network of commercial teams, shipping and maritime activities, and supply and distribution operations. Depending on the team, this can involve supply and distribution planning, shipping and cargo scheduling, market and performance analysis, and coordination with terminals, pipelines, and logistics partners to support reliable deliveries. The focus is on using data, commercial insight, and operational planning to help optimise how products such as LNG, crude oil, refined products, biofuels, and power are traded and delivered.

Examples include:

• Procurement specialist: Manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, and sources materials cost-effectively
• Contract engineer or analyst: Handles contract bidding, negotiation, and post-award contract management
• Category and market intelligence analyst: Analyses supplier markets and develops cost models
• Sustainability manager: Integrates environmentally responsible practices into transport systems, warehousing, and distribution networks

Discover which logistics career path aligns with your skills and explore career opportunities at Shell.

Step 3: Get the right education and skills

Building a logistics career in Poland's energy industry starts with the right educational foundation. Energy companies look for candidates who combine technical knowledge with practical understanding of supply chain processes.

Education pathways for logistics professionals

A degree in transportation, shipping, and logistics (TSL) or engineering opens doors to advanced positions and higher compensation, while vocational diplomas provide sufficient preparation for entry-level roles.

Focus on energy-sector skills like supply chain management, customs operations, project management, and procurement. Learn more about essential logistics skills valued in the industry.

Professional competencies

Success in downstream supply chain roles requires strong commercial and analytical abilities:

• Clear communication for working with suppliers, partners, and international teams
• Negotiation skills to maximise contract value
• Problem-solving abilities to handle fast-paced logistics challenges
• Risk management capabilities for monitoring business operations
• Stakeholder management for building client and co-worker relationships
• Proficiency in Polish and English, necessary for working in Poland's international energy sector

Step 4: Gain practical experience

Employers in the energy logistics sector value hands-on experience as much as formal education. Internships and networking are particularly valuable for securing your first role and advancing your career.

Ways to gain experience in logistics

Internships with energy companies:

Seek internships with large energy companies in Poland. The Shell Summer Internship Programme in Kraków allows students to tackle real business challenges. Projects may focus on enhancing logistics and supply chain operations to drive sustainable business growth or optimising logistics processes for greater efficiency. These hands-on experiences provide practical skills and professional connections that often lead to full-time positions.

Entry-level positions and portfolio building:

Look for entry-level roles such as Delivery Scheduler, Junior Materials Scheduler, Demand Planner, Delivery Fulfilment Analyst, Operations Support Advisor, or Voyage Claims Specialist to build day-to-day operational experience in logistics and supply planning.

Keep a record of projects, certifications, and achievements, especially process improvements, risk controls, and cost optimisation, so you can show practical examples in applications and interviews.

Graduate programmes:

The Shell Graduate Programme offers structured development through two 18-month rotations where you contribute to innovative strategies. The programme includes continuous coaching, formal training, and regular progress checks. Graduates work with suppliers and managers, analyse business intelligence, develop cost models, and help implement efficient procurement strategies.

Step 5: Stay current with logistics trends

The logistics landscape in Poland and across Europe continues to change with technological innovation and increased focus on sustainability. Logistics professionals at Shell work at the forefront of three key trends reshaping the industry.

Power your progress in logistics at Shell

A logistics career provides a pathway to making a measurable impact in the energy industry. In Poland, logistics professionals at Shell maintain supply reliability and support the transition to net-zero emissions while providing the energy people around the world need today.

Shell Poland operates a supportive work environment with over 5,000 professionals in Kraków and more than 200 in Warsaw. The team represents over 60 nationalities and communicates in more than 20 languages, creating a multicultural setting that promotes inclusivity.