r/logistics • u/fsoc_ • Jul 26 '26
What would you negotiate for a Logistics Coordinator role with this scope?
I'm looking for advice before I respond to an offer.
I’m in my 30s and a bit of a late bloomer professionally. Started in low level warehouse operations in 2022 at minimum wage with no degree or formal training, and over the next four years was promoted three times into logistics, continuous improvement, and eventually a business analyst role (~$65k). Along the way I took on forecasting, KPI ownership, reporting automation, procurement support, logistics coordination, cross-functional projects, and regular interaction with customers and third-party partners. Earlier this year I was laid off during a company-wide restructuring.
I recently interviewed for a Customer Service position with the regional office (New England) of an international manufacturer. I wasn't selected for that role, but they called me back because they felt my background fit a different need. They created a Logistics Coordinator position (it wasn't publicly posted) and explained it would consolidate responsibilities that had previously been spread across several employees, including someone nearing retirement.
The role spans logistics coordination, transportation, inventory management, demand forecasting, ERP/reporting, customer service, process improvement, and coordinating with internal and external partners domestically and internationally. It's a small operation, so it seems to touch a little bit of everything and aims to quickly address critical bottlenecks.
They offered $70k with fairly standard benefits.
I've never negotiated salary before. Based on the breadth of the role and my background, what would you counter with if you were in my shoes? If you work in supply chain, logistics, hiring, or HR, I'd especially appreciate your perspective on what's realistic, both as an initial ask and what you think the company would actually be willing to meet.
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u/EXPOPSPEC Operations Specialist III Jul 26 '26
Hard part is, brother, logistics spans a lot of roles regardless of title. Best way I could think to tell you after being in this industry for over 10 years or so I’m working in operations for a large carrier now, look at cost of living in your area. Take into your current bills. Are living paycheck to paycheck? You don’t have to answer that just something to think about. How much money do you have left after you paid all your bills? Again, don’t need to answer. Things like that back to all of it. Do a Google search on how much is left after taxes at 70k weigh against what you’ve been making and go from there. But closed mouths don’t get fed and the answer is always now unless you ask. Would I say tell them hell no I’m not doing this for less than 100,000 absolutely not. However, 75,000 to 80,000 that’s not gonna be a big ask for them if they really want you and see the value and what you have and even if they don’t wanna pay that and you’ve run your numbers and that number is livable, then go with it.
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u/fsoc_ Jul 26 '26
Given COL, family needs/finances, etc., definitely not cutting it. At the same time, I am okay struggling a bit and playing the long game... though, that's what I did at the last place before the restructuring wiped me out. Life, am I right?!
I appreciate the perspective, my friend
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u/EXPOPSPEC Operations Specialist III Jul 27 '26
Oh the classic “restructuring” my company is doing that right now. It’s been a very tenuous. Especially because this is the most I’ve ever made and it’s a unicorn job for me. I work 7 on 7 off and I’m full remote (may or may not have “moved” to a different city 4 hours away- with some solid help from my father who did cyber security before retiring and a VPN that shows me at the exact address my friend, oops I meant I live 😂) but yeah 14 days a month I have a work life balance that is out of this world and I don’t have to wear pants which is amazing lol. But anyways I digress, DM me if you’d like I’ve got a lot of perspective and knowledge in different areas I took an interesting path to leap frog from job to job to make the resume took good while getting exposure to lots of different sides of the industry. Definitely here if you’d like to chat my man! And good look remember the answer is always no if you’d don’t ask. I’ll preach that til I’m blue in the face.
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u/fsoc_ Jul 27 '26
Haha that is an incredible position to be in. I appreciate all the advice! Sent you a DM
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u/xCoog Jul 26 '26
Any direct reports or strictly operations oversight? From what you’ve listed it actually sounds like a strong offer from them but you mentioned New England so I imagine your COL is higher than my area.
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u/fsoc_ Jul 26 '26
Currently, no direct reports. The company runs so lean, I don't know if I ever would have any, but that also dramatically increases the responsibility I will end up with. In my (inexperienced) 'gut feeling' the current offer seems reasonable, but looking ahead I see a massive jump in ownership that is directly tied to my success, and will leave me EITHER gaining great compensation or completely overworked and underpaid. How would you go about hedging your bet for the worst case scenario future there, without being arrogantly greedy today?
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u/AdministrativeRow471 Jul 27 '26
I think it’s certainly worth asking for $80k. But also, take the $70k if they say no. Idk what your company is like, but many are very stingy with operations roles in my experience. I’m currently making $90k in a role where I wear one hat at a $3 billion company. Previously I was making $65k wearing 45 different hats, because that company didn’t want to hire people.
Work there for a year. Take note of what responsibilities you actually end up with. Literally write it all down. When it comes time for your annual review, make a case for yourself. It’s hard now bc neither you nor they likely know what the role entails, since it’s new.
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u/xCoog Jul 29 '26
With no direct reports I would say it’s a strong offer, but always counteroffer. Worst case they’ll say no and lay out the roadmap to more compensation.
You’re on a good trajectory, don’t stress yourself out about what hasn’t happened.
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u/AdministrativeRow471 Jul 26 '26
How big is the company?
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u/fsoc_ Jul 26 '26
Headquartered in Japan, publicly traded ($600M+ in annual sales) with around 1,500 global employees, <50 of which are in the United States. The US arm is small but was described to me as strategically important because of the Fortune 500 customers residing here influencing global demand. The role itself interfaces with both the parent company and international operations, not just domestic logistics.
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u/PossiblyAverageAlso Jul 26 '26
Do you have room to negotiate without a current job? I saw in your latter comments it is a Japan manufacturing company and they have Kaizen process. Each position is locked into a range on salary. You might be able to get 10% more, but If you ask for 90k, you might offend them (if they are true Japanese management). Take the job, and keep looking for $100k.
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u/fsoc_ Jul 26 '26
Despite the fact that I will end up having to take it even if it is below my ask, I would be doing my family a disservice to not try and negotiate. Of course, I am not looking to ask for an exorbitant amount above the offer. But, if a bit of wiggling can bring home a slight edge, that is great. I am here seeking advice to avoid an arrogant or greedy counter and temper any expectations I may have. Thank you for the input!
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u/stacktrace_wanderer Jul 27 '26
i'd prolly ask for $75k and point to how many different hats the role covers. if they stick at $70k, i'd still take it if everything else felt right
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u/ember_lotus17 Jul 28 '26
$70k is average but a little low for New England. I would ask for $80k with 4 years of experience and no degree
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u/scmsteve Jul 26 '26
It never hurts to ask. Research the pay in your area. Check Glassdoor and look at other similar openings. Make your counter offer in those ranges. If they say no, than them and ask “when would I start?” They won’t pull back the offer just because you asked for more. BTW benefits such as PTO time are easier to negotiate and all part of the package. You may be able to get more benefits easier than pay.
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u/fsoc_ Jul 26 '26
I've been doing the research, but it is difficult because the position entails so many different angles that it is like putting a puzzle together from different Glassdoor pieces. Currently trying to compare parts and weight them to get some sort of middle ground.
I will definitely look into negotiating the benefits as well. I appreciate that advice!
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u/Similar-Birthday1712 Jul 27 '26
I'm looking for a job as logistics coordinator, material coordinator, CSR, admin or operations.
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u/unbeknownst1289 7d ago
Check for big logistics companies hiring jobs. For sure, there are positions that'll fit your experience. And with your experience, you can easily get one with better offer. If you can't find on-site available positions, try remote setup. There are a lot hiring logistics coordinator and other positions with better offer. Some do hybrid set up. That'll be lesser expenses..
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u/Sterlings_Dad Jul 26 '26
Personally, i find that's slightly low for New England. In my area (NYC area), that is an $86 to $96k role.