Post job

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution center manager

The differences between distribution center supervisors and distribution center managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a distribution center supervisor, becoming a distribution center manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $44,535 average annual salary of a distribution center supervisor.

The top three skills for a distribution center supervisor include logistics, customer service and shipping receiving. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution center manager overview

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$44,535$99,459
Hourly rate$21.41$47.82
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs60,37175,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4445
Years of experience46

What does a distribution center supervisor do?

Distribution center supervisors are professionals who are responsible for leading and supervising warehouse staff to operate and facilitate the daily activities of a distribution center. These supervisors are required to receive, store, and handle the products effectively in the center while managing an inventory control system based on the policies of the company. They must ensure that the shipment of products to customers is accurate to avoid delays in distributions. Distribution center supervisors must also maintain updated with the latest techniques used in the distribution process.

What does a distribution center manager do?

A distribution center manager is an individual who is responsible for managing all the daily activities of a centralized distribution center, warehouse, or another shipping facility. Distribution center managers are required to supervise the loading and unloading of all packages as well as ensure that all goods and products have the proper storage conditions. They must evaluate freight services and manage relationships with the chose vendors. Distribution center managers are also required to monitor the safety of the facility and make sure that workers properly store everything to prevent injuries.

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution center manager salary

Distribution center supervisors and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$44,535$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $59,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companySchneider Electric Industrial ServicesBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryManufacturingAutomotive

Differences between distribution center supervisor and distribution center manager education

There are a few differences between a distribution center supervisor and a distribution center manager in terms of educational background:

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Stanford University

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution center manager demographics

Here are the differences between distribution center supervisors' and distribution center managers' demographics:

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Average age4445
Gender ratioMale, 86.3% Female, 13.7%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between distribution center supervisor and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Distribution center supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Entrust with managing entire facility and all warehouse, transportation / logistics, and shipping / receiving operations on numerous occasions.
  • Assure compliance standard are meet for all internal and external audits including but not limit to FDA inspections.
  • Strengthen housekeeping standards and make sure that staff comply with the regulatory requirements, such as OSHA forklift certification, PPE
  • Ensure all personnel follow safety guidelines in accordance with OSHA regulations.
  • Maintain electronic time management system to ensure proper payroll for all subordinates.
  • Conduct daily administrative reports including KRONOS payroll, safety observations, employee productivity, and department production.
  • Show more

Distribution center manager example responsibilities.

  • Assist in implementing MRP program, BOM and manage inventory reorder points and forecasting.
  • Manage all DC relate building projects and small systems support department for 6 DCs.
  • Manage distribution center operations for industry leading LTL transportation provider.
  • Manage financial performance including operational expense control, damage reduction, capital expenditures and payroll.
  • Manage successful integration of new WMS system including voice pick technology and engineer labor standards.
  • Manage logistics operations issues that include branch logistics plan implementation, warehouse and delivery personnel management, inventory management and security/safety/housekeeping.
  • Show more

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution center manager skills

Common distribution center supervisor skills
  • Logistics, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 4%
Common distribution center manager skills
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

Browse transportation jobs