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Distribution center supervisor vs supervisor

The differences between distribution center supervisors and supervisors 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 supervisor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a supervisor has an average salary of $53,902, 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 supervisor are customer service, safety procedures, and sales floor.

Distribution center supervisor vs supervisor overview

Distribution Center SupervisorSupervisor
Yearly salary$44,535$53,902
Hourly rate$21.41$25.91
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs60,371224,920
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4446
Years of experience42

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 supervisor do?

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the daily functions of employees in a specific team, department, or even a work shift. They create work schedules, organize work processes and workflows, train new hires, provide necessary reports related to the team function and the employees, monitor and evaluate employee performance, and ensure that goals of the specific team or department are met. When needed, supervisors also provide guidance to employees in terms of their career or even personal challenges. They also help in fostering harmonious work relationships by resolving interpersonal conflicts at work. To be successful in their role, they must have leadership skills, time management skills, decision-making capabilities, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.

Distribution center supervisor vs supervisor salary

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

Distribution Center SupervisorSupervisor
Average salary$44,535$53,902
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $59,000Between $31,000 And $92,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutAlaska
Best paying companySchneider Electric Industrial ServicesReed Smith
Best paying industryManufacturingHealth Care

Differences between distribution center supervisor and supervisor education

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

Distribution Center SupervisorSupervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Stanford University

Distribution center supervisor vs supervisor demographics

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

Distribution Center SupervisorSupervisor
Average age4446
Gender ratioMale, 86.3% Female, 13.7%Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between distribution center supervisor and supervisor 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

Supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Lead continuous process improvement and six sigma teams to meet ISO 9001 and QS 9000 standards.
  • Manage and implement merchandising strategy for POS marketing and display inventory.
  • Lead comprehensive training for each new volunteer or court-mandate worker regarding OSHA regulations and warehouse procedure.
  • Organize care with 6 CNAs.
  • Coordinate lifeguard duty schedule for all pools.
  • Maintain cleanliness throughout kitchen, coolers, and freezer areas.
  • Show more

Distribution center supervisor vs supervisor skills

Common distribution center supervisor skills
  • Logistics, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 4%
Common supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Sales Floor, 9%
  • POS, 9%
  • Direct Supervision, 9%
  • Payroll, 5%

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