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Customer logistics manager vs distribution manager

The differences between customer logistics managers and distribution managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a customer logistics manager and a distribution manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $40,171 average annual salary of a customer logistics manager.

The top three skills for a customer logistics manager include OSHA, safety regulations and supply chain. The most important skills for a distribution manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Customer logistics manager vs distribution manager overview

Customer Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Yearly salary$40,171$89,264
Hourly rate$19.31$42.92
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs46,12039,061
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a customer logistics manager do?

A customer logistics manager is in charge of overseeing a company's supply chain operations, ensuring customers get to receive their orders promptly and efficiently. Among their responsibilities include managing logistics teams, setting objectives and guidelines, monitoring budgets and schedules, liaising with internal and external parties, and keeping an eye on the progress of operations. They must also respond to issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, as a manager, it is vital to lead and encourage teams to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a distribution manager do?

A distribution manager is responsible for managing the distribution of goods and services, ensuring the adequacy of merchandise in the storage, and monitoring the products' timely delivery to appropriate locations. Distribution managers process shipments and utilize software systems to track stock levels and order status, negotiate contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors, identify business opportunities to boost maximum productivity and performance, and develop supply strategies to minimize costs without compromising quality. A distribution manager must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to manage business performance by coordinating with different teams on achieving business goals and objectives.

Customer logistics manager vs distribution manager salary

Customer logistics managers and distribution managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Customer Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Average salary$40,171$89,264
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $60,000Between $62,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CitySouth San Francisco, CARedmond, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyMicrosoftLevi Strauss & Co.
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between customer logistics manager and distribution manager education

There are a few differences between a customer logistics manager and a distribution manager in terms of educational background:

Customer Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Customer logistics manager vs distribution manager demographics

Here are the differences between customer logistics managers' and distribution managers' demographics:

Customer Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 55.9% Female, 44.1%Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between customer logistics manager and distribution manager duties and responsibilities

Customer logistics manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage communication between customs brokers and freight forwarders and negotiate freight rates.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • Create ISO document templates and forms.
  • Comply with laws, regulations and ISO requirements.
  • Expedite materials from global suppliers daily to support JIT production system.
  • SAP (WMS) SME role for many internal and external contacts.
  • Show more

Distribution manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
  • Compose and employ initial ISO procedures to attain certification.
  • Manage twenty-five team members during process of unloading trailers to include accurately processing and locating merchandise throughout warehouse with RF devices.
  • Earn FDA and GMP certification at a start-up distribution-base facility in five months.
  • Develop a training program that effectively trains employees in accordance with FDA guidelines.
  • Budget and target tracking to sales goals with direct account responsibility for OEM and price sensitive customers.
  • Show more

Customer logistics manager vs distribution manager skills

Common customer logistics manager skills
  • OSHA, 15%
  • Safety Regulations, 12%
  • Supply Chain, 9%
  • Account Management, 8%
  • Employee Training, 7%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
Common distribution manager skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Operational Procedures, 4%
  • Distribution Operations, 4%

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