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Channel manager vs distribution sales manager

The differences between channel managers and distribution sales managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a channel manager and a distribution sales manager. Additionally, a channel manager has an average salary of $87,573, which is higher than the $64,821 average annual salary of a distribution sales manager.

The top three skills for a channel manager include customer service, CRM and digital marketing. The most important skills for a distribution sales manager are customer service, customer complaints, and sales people.

Channel manager vs distribution sales manager overview

Channel ManagerDistribution Sales Manager
Yearly salary$87,573$64,821
Hourly rate$42.10$31.16
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs106,753119,543
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a channel manager do?

A channel manager is responsible for supervising client relations within the assigned partner accounts. Channel managers handle the project management strategies to achieve clients' satisfaction by following their specifications and requirements. They manage marketing and promotional campaigns to improve brand awareness of the target market audience. A channel manager also oversees media relations techniques, as well as publishing digital content that would attract customers and generate more revenue resources for the business. A channel manager coordinates with channel partners for maintaining optimal performance and maximum productivity.

What does a distribution sales manager do?

A distribution sales manager is tasked to find whole and retail sellers to distribute goods and services. Alongside distribution, the manager's tasks include monitoring all sales, orders, product performance, and retailer feedback to further improve the product. The distribution manager must also have skills in email marketing, B2B correspondence, engage with potential clients and customers, and ensuring all orders are fulfilled on time and without delays.

Channel manager vs distribution sales manager salary

Channel managers and distribution sales managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Channel ManagerDistribution Sales Manager
Average salary$87,573$64,821
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $121,000Between $37,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CitySunnyvale, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyMetaAccenture
Best paying industryProfessionalTechnology

Differences between channel manager and distribution sales manager education

There are a few differences between a channel manager and a distribution sales manager in terms of educational background:

Channel ManagerDistribution Sales Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Channel manager vs distribution sales manager demographics

Here are the differences between channel managers' and distribution sales managers' demographics:

Channel ManagerDistribution Sales Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 70.1% Female, 29.9%Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between channel manager and distribution sales manager duties and responsibilities

Channel manager example responsibilities.

  • Use SalesForce to keep track of customers and prospective leads information.
  • Manage social media advertising, SEO and PCP advertising as part of daily tasks.
  • Manage and communicate with over 2600 VAR's/reseller accounts at industry relate conferences, user groups and tradeshows.
  • Manage multinational marketing group in strategic marketing and channel development in the Americas, EMEA and APJK.
  • Launch and manage the domestic distribution go-to-market channel strategy.
  • Develop co-marketing business plans resulting in YoY growth with several manage partners.
    • Show more

Distribution sales manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage a distributor network throughout EMEA.
  • Travele to Quito Ecuador to manage opening of Latin American site.
  • Work as part of a team to achieve ISO 9002 certification.
  • Arrange and manage the approval process for EU and Australian product markings.
  • Manage directly a budget of $1.1MM for POS, events, and incentives ,.
  • Manage POS inventory levels and all POS purchasing, including evaluating potential suppliers and cost effectiveness.
    • Show more

Channel manager vs distribution sales manager skills

Common channel manager skills
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • CRM, 5%
  • Digital Marketing, 4%
  • Business Development, 4%
  • Channel Marketing, 4%
  • Cloud, 4%
Common distribution sales manager skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Customer Complaints, 9%
  • Sales People, 7%
  • Product Line, 7%
  • Retail Store, 6%
  • Business Development, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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