What does an expeditor do?

A role that can be found across many industries, an expeditor is primarily tasked with improving a company’s efficiency through handling the movement of goods and services and carefully monitoring workflows. An expeditor’s typical workday can vary a lot depending on the specific job role: they could be tracking the progress of products from the initial order to customer delivery, or they may be more concerned with the flow of materials between internal departments. Expeditors are often expected to perform administrative tasks, like handling paperwork, keeping records, and writing reports.

Expeditor skills and qualifications

A strong candidate for an expeditor role typically has above-average organizational skills and good attention to detail. They are often expected to solve problems and communicate with various team members, suppliers, and collaborators. Other skills and qualifications may include:

• ability to multitask effectively
• leadership qualities and the ability to assert their opinions and put forward ideas for possible changes
• strong written and verbal communication
• good level of physical fitness–often required for expeditors working in construction or manufacturing fields
• knowledge of procurement, logistics, and the production cycle
• computer skills, including familiarity with data entry and data management

Expeditor experience requirements

The level of experience required for an expeditor candidate depends on the organization and nature of the role. For entry-level positions, one year’s experience is usually sufficient. For these roles, holding a relevant qualification or certification, along with an internship or other work experience, can substitute for formal experience in a full-time position. For senior roles, it’s a good idea to prioritize candidates who have at least two to five years of experience, ideally working in the same industry as your company or a similar field.

Expeditor education and training requirements

While there are no specific certifications required for the role of expeditor, candidates are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Those with college degrees related to your industry or other relevant qualifications may have an advantage. You can also look for previous work experience within your field or a background in administrative roles or logistics. Because the duties and responsibilities of this role can vary to a large degree, it’s a good idea to ensure you have a robust training program in place for new hires.

Expeditor salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an expeditor in Canada is $41,618 per year. Salaries may be dependent on experience, location, and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an expeditor is not quite what you’re looking for, here are some job descriptions for similar roles to consider:

• Procurement Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Logistics Coordinator

Expeditor job description FAQs

Who does an expeditor report to?

The exact job title that an expeditor reports to typically depends on the industry they’re working in. Expeditors working in construction, manufacturing, or logistics may report to workers like the supply chain manager, procurement manager, logistics manager, or operations manager. Because their role is to improve overall efficiency for the company, they can also be accountable to senior collaborators.

What should you look for in an expeditor’s resume?

When going through candidate resumes for an expeditor position, look for people who have experience in your company’s industry, even if it’s not in exactly the same role. Candidates who have worked in positions where organization, problem-solving, attention to detail, and working in a team were required can make excellent expeditors. If the candidate doesn’t have relevant work experience, you can look at their education, training, and any internships or work placements in the field.

How can I make my expeditor job description stand out?

To make your expeditor job description stand out, aim to be specific about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. You can detail the working environment and the type of team members and collaborators the expeditor may be dealing with. If the role requires experience in your specific industry, it’s important to mention this up front. To attract top candidates, focus on what makes your company and work environment unique and mention any benefits, like a competitive salary, generous vacation allowance, and opportunities for growth.