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Distribution center supervisor vs distribution manager

The differences between distribution center supervisors and distribution 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 manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, 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 manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution manager overview

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Manager
Yearly salary$44,535$89,264
Hourly rate$21.41$42.92
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs60,37139,061
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
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 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.

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution manager salary

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

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Manager
Average salary$44,535$89,264
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $59,000Between $62,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MARedmond, WA
Highest paying stateConnecticutWashington
Best paying companySchneider Electric Industrial ServicesLevi Strauss & Co.
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between distribution center supervisor and distribution manager education

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

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Stanford University

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution manager demographics

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

Distribution Center SupervisorDistribution Manager
Average age4445
Gender ratioMale, 86.3% Female, 13.7%Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%
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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between distribution center supervisor and distribution 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 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

Distribution center supervisor vs distribution 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 manager skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Operational Procedures, 4%
  • Distribution Operations, 4%

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