How to hire a distribution and logistics manager

How to hire a distribution and logistics manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step distribution and logistics manager 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 and logistics manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution and logistics manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a distribution and logistics manager, 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

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a distribution and logistics manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a distribution and logistics manager that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of distribution and logistics managers.

   Type of Distribution And Logistics Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution And Logistics Manager		$31-62
   Manager	Managers are responsible for a specific department, function, or employee group. They oversee their assigned departments and all the employees under the department... Show more	$17-44
   Warehouse Manager	Warehouse managers oversee the overall operations of a company's warehouse. They manage the inventory by ensuring that the inventory records are updated and accurate... Show more	$17-49

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Supply Chain
   • Continuous Improvement
   • Safety Procedures
   • Safety Program
   • Management System
   • Inventory Control
   • Shipping Receiving
   • ERP
   • Warehouse Operations
   • Lean Manufacturing
   • ISO
   • Inventory Management
   • Cost Savings
   • On-Time Delivery

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage distribution through LTL, TL, and small package from multiple locations and to major retailers.
   • Manage twenty-five team members during process of unloading trailers to include accurately processing and locating merchandise throughout warehouse with RF devices.
   • Negotiate with major LTL providers to reduce costs on high rate pharmaceutical samples.
   • Resolve issues regarding shipments with customs, FDA, freight forwarders, and warehouse personnel.
   • Subject matter expert for work flow and data criteria for deployment of current WMS system.
   • Assure oxygen, medical equipment, fleet and warehouse maintain compliance as per JCAHO, OSHA and FDA guidelines.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your distribution and logistics manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A distribution and logistics manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, distribution and logistics managers' average salary in hawaii is 38% less than in nevada.
   • Seniority. Entry-level distribution and logistics managers earn 50% less than senior-level distribution and logistics managers.
   • Certifications. A distribution and logistics manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a distribution and logistics manager's salary.

   Average distribution and logistics manager salary

   $92,930yearly

   $44.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution and logistics manager salary

   $65,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a distribution and logistics manager job description

   A distribution and logistics manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a distribution and logistics manager job description:

   Distribution and logistics manager job description example

   RS CS Distribution & Logistics Spec II [Ft. Worth, TX] in GAC Fort Worth
   
   Unique Skills:
   
   Position will be at our Alliance facility with some coverage at Love field as required for time off requests.
   
   Education and Experience Requirements
   
   High School Diploma or GED required. College coursework desired. 1 year experience in distribution, warehousing, material handling, shipping, or receiving. Valid Driver's License required.
   
   Position Purpose:
   
   Develop and use a solid understanding of all regulatory and quality practices to perform the inspection, storing and shipment of material, to support AOG requirements and distribution needs in all Gulfstream markets. Under moderate supervision, play role to ensure that material is replenished in a timely manner and all documentation and export requirements are fully adhered to. Demonstrate an ability to operate in a high-paced, productive environment to support all internal customer requirements in a timely, professional manner.
   
   Job Description
   
   Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
   
   Essential Functions:
   
   * Monitor and assist in resolving AOG situations in a timely manner. Ensure conformance to AOG response policy to include effective and timely communication and execution.
   * Process pick tickets/ orders by pulling and issuing parts to support service center, spare parts sales, back shops, ASC and distribution allocation. Ensure all applicable regulatory documentation accompanies parts and ensure exportation to aircraft tail number compliance.
   * Prepare parts for shipment to customers, vendors, supplier facilities and distribution allocation in accordance with FAA regulations.
   * Demonstrate a solid understanding of inventory management systems (such as Corridor or SAP) to process all transactions associated to material handling and distribution.
   * Handle and transport Dangerous Goods in accordance with DOT, FAA and any other applicable standards.
   * Resolve any distribution discrepancies and elevate to appropriate party as needed with clear communication on steps taken and needed.
   * Maintain a clean and orderly work environment and assist in facility management and general housekeeping.
   * Demonstrate brand protection awareness by adhering to Material Handling Standards.
   * Demonstrate understanding of special inventory processes and programs to include Special Missions and others.
   
   Perform other duties as assigned.
   
   Other Requirements:
   
   * Ability to obtain certification to operate forklift and other material handling equipment.
   * Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Ability to pass DOT medical exam.
   * Solid working knowledge of computerized inventory procedures to include experience in material services, inventory control or production control.
   * Competent user of computerized inventory management system. Corridor/SAP experience preferred.
   * Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
   * Good written and verbal communication skills.
   * Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
   * Ability to operate standard office equipment, personal computer, telephone, fax & copier.
   * Must be able to work all shifts and weekends. Shifts are subject to change at short notice.
   * Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
   
   Additional Information
   
   
   Category: Materials
   
   Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%
   
   Shift: Second
   
   Employment Type: Full-time
   
   Posting End Date: 11/25/2022
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
   
   Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.
   
   Legal Information | Site Utilities | Contacts | Sitemap
   
   Copyright © 2020 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. All Rights Reserved. A General Dynamics Company.
   
   Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft
   
   Nearest Major Market: Fort Worth
   
   Nearest Secondary Market: Dallas

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5. Post your job

   To find distribution and logistics managers 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 and logistics managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level distribution and logistics managers 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 and logistics manager job on Zippia to find and recruit distribution and logistics manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting distribution and logistics managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   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 and logistics manager

   Once you've selected the best distribution and logistics manager 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

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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