How to hire a distribution analyst

How to hire a distribution analyst, step by step

Here's a step-by-step distribution analyst hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a distribution analyst job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution analyst
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a distribution analyst do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a distribution analyst, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A distribution analyst's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, distribution analysts from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents distribution analyst salaries for various positions.

   Type of Distribution Analyst	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution Analyst	Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.	$20-54
   Logistics Internship	In a logistics internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a supervising staff or manager. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around processing documentation, producing progress reports, maintaining records, updating databases, answering calls and correspondence, disseminating information, and running errands... Show more	$13-23
   Marketing Coordinator	A marketing coordinator supports the marketing department on deciding strategies and business efforts to develop the brand image and boost customer satisfaction. Marketing coordinators' duties include assisting in advertising campaigns, scheduling promotional events, monitoring sales status, researching current market trends, maintaining a record of existing and potential clients, and contributing ideas to improve the brand's profitability... Show more	$16-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Supply Chain
   • Logistics
   • Data Analysis
   • SQL
   • Process Improvement
   • Inventory Control
   • Distribution Centers
   • ERP
   • Inventory Management
   • Product Flow
   • Customer Orders
   • Business Processes
   • Distribution Processes
   • Allocation Strategies

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Implement and manage contract renewal process through SalesForce.
   • Perform daily data queries using SQL to analyze magazine distribution.
   • Monitor order status, modifications, cancellations, order approval & EDI issues.
   • Create and execute SQL queries in the production environment to fix data issues that are business critical.
   • Provide analysis and interpretation of monthly and YTD distribution costs for logistics and business managers.
   • Develop and implement a scrap process which include coordinating with production, warehouse, logistics and management personal.

   More distribution analyst duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your distribution analyst job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A distribution analyst can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, distribution analysts' average salary in hawaii is 60% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level distribution analysts 62% less than senior-level distribution analysts.
   • Certifications. A distribution analyst with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a distribution analyst's salary.

   Average distribution analyst salary

   $70,299yearly

   $33.80 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution analyst salary

   $43,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average distribution analyst salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$107,103	$51
   2	Washington	$98,140	$47
   3	New York	$93,274	$45
   4	Michigan	$80,660	$39
   5	Massachusetts	$76,471	$37
   6	Pennsylvania	$74,677	$36
   7	District of Columbia	$74,526	$36
   8	Illinois	$73,283	$35
   9	California	$72,162	$35
   10	North Carolina	$68,665	$33
   11	Oregon	$67,837	$33
   12	Texas	$65,888	$32
   13	Arizona	$64,514	$31
   14	Indiana	$62,876	$30
   15	Georgia	$62,131	$30
   16	Wisconsin	$61,643	$30
   17	Colorado	$61,398	$30
   18	Kansas	$49,040	$24
   19	Mississippi	$45,174	$22

   Average distribution analyst salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Varian Medical Systems	$100,616	$48.37
   2	Uber Technologies	$95,554	$45.94	3
   3	The Walt Disney Company	$95,246	$45.79	14
   4	BlackRock	$93,878	$45.13
   5	Barclays	$89,297	$42.93	2
   6	Michael Kors	$88,089	$42.35
   7	VF	$86,880	$41.77	1
   8	Carhartt	$86,734	$41.70	1
   9	Qorvo	$86,638	$41.65
   10	Tesla	$83,385	$40.09
   11	Nuveen Investments	$81,111	$39.00
   12	Kimberly-Clark	$80,962	$38.92
   13	Kimmel Cultural Campus	$80,179	$38.55
   14	Anheuser-Busch	$76,128	$36.60	7
   15	Northeastern University	$75,763	$36.42
   16	EMD Millipore	$74,360	$35.75
   17	The Travelers Companies	$73,328	$35.25	14
   18	Trek Bicycle	$72,547	$34.88
   19	Shure	$72,304	$34.76
   20	Teleflex	$72,104	$34.67

4. Writing a distribution analyst job description

   A job description for a distribution analyst role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a distribution analyst job description:

   Distribution analyst job description example

   YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
   As the Supply & Distribution Analyst at Morton Salt in Chicago, this role will be responsible for:
   Monitor and revise production needs to maximize customer service levels while minimizing risk Collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Operations Management in times of constrained capacity to develop priorities and action plans in order to fulfill customer needs Assist Operations Management team in developing case budgets, re-forecasts and operations strategies.Lead / participate in cross-functional projects such as seasonal event planning, etc. to develop, manage and communicate a timeline and supply plan Schedule transportation planning and review with the Logistics Team to discuss standard sourcing equipment needs, alternate sourcing, and upcoming promotions Organize routine meetings with key personnel from Operations team to monitor and update production forecast requirements Coordinate and create supply model using Excel worksheets, for all bulk rock network supply including BDI, Chemical and Industrial for Weeks Island and all bulk solar materials for InaguaSuch supply planning will include STO's and customer shipments Minimize supply interruption during planned and unplanned production outages at Weeks Island and Inagua through resourcing and re-distribution of inventory Work with Operations in analyzing production capacity in response to incremental business requests Build relationships and partnership credibility with Mining Operations by establishing monthly or weekly supply consensus calls with all mines to discuss the next 2-month detailed production plan, a high level 18-month plan, and any upcoming downtime Prepare purchase requisitions Process and payment of invoices on a timely basis including demurrage Maintain weekly barge position report Ability to develop Week's supply plan in model format on a monthly basis that captures changes in demand. Also ensure material balance at Weeks Island is respected Process barge diversions Coordinate C&I demand with sales and customer service on a monthly basis in full barge load quantities Ability to coordinate supply shortage with internal customers Provide critical month end closing information to FinanceMaintain all required worksheets as required Maintain process for ordering barges Communicate problems & concerns to internal & external partners Update freight in the Freight CockpitResponsible for coordination of vessels shipped into New OrleansIssue operational alerts for plants responsible for Work with Customer Service to coordinate customer orders Process orders in SAP and in Optimizer which includes STO's and customer orders Maintain required approvals in VIM workplace as required (for approval of barge invoices) Drive continuous improvement within the Salt Group's supply chain
   
   YOUR PROFILE
   Our company values and recognizes the diversity of the workforce, and is looking for talented individuals with:
   Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or an equivalent functional area Minimum of 3 years of corporate or manufacturing production scheduling experience in a related industry Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics Demonstrated understanding and experience in SAP with ERP Supply Chain Planning software is preferred Strong computer/systems skills including basic MS Office programs Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and operations Common sense and diplomacy, with a high level of interpersonal and customer service skills Effective problem identification, solving and analytical skills Knowledge of key supply chain and inventory performance metrics, turns, margin contributions, etc.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as attention to detail Ability to make key decisions on a daily basis independently Ability to lead cross-functionally, work in a team environment and collaborate with internal process partners Advanced organization and time management skills with ability to manage stress, work under pressure, multi-task and meet deadlines Excellent verbal / written communication skills and ability to make presentations to small groups Knowledgeable, active member of the Supply Chain team APICS or other Supply Chain / Logistics Certification preferred
   
   WE ENRICH YOUR LIFE
   This position will primarily focus on the Supply Planning requirements for the Weeks Island rock mine, Inagua solar facility and all associated distribution activities as outlined below.
   
   Develop and implement a strategy to optimize stockpile inventory levels, inventory turns, product sourcing and grade balance.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find distribution analysts for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any distribution analysts they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level distribution analysts with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your distribution analyst job on Zippia to find and attract quality distribution analyst candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as swipe files, exit five, marketinghire, american marketing association.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with distribution analyst candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution analyst

   Once you've selected the best distribution analyst candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new distribution analyst. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a distribution analyst?