Post job

Distribution center supervisor vs warehouse lead

The differences between distribution center supervisors and warehouse leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a distribution center supervisor and a warehouse lead. Additionally, a distribution center supervisor has an average salary of $44,535, which is higher than the $41,281 average annual salary of a warehouse lead.

The top three skills for a distribution center supervisor include logistics, customer service and shipping receiving. The most important skills for a warehouse lead are customer service, ladders, and pallets.

Distribution center supervisor vs warehouse lead overview

Distribution Center SupervisorWarehouse Lead
Yearly salary$44,535$41,281
Hourly rate$21.41$19.85
Growth rate6%-3%
Number of jobs60,371123,344
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

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 warehouse lead do?

Warehouse leads are responsible for supply chain management in distribution centers. Their duties and responsibilities include supervising employees and evaluating their performance, meeting safety regulations, and monitoring deliveries and shipments. They are the ones who interact with customers and clients to resolve any delivery issues that may arise. They also help with some administrative tasks such as order and invoice processing and maintenance. This role applies to those with excellent communication skills, leadership capabilities, and strong attention to detail.

Distribution center supervisor vs warehouse lead salary

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

Distribution Center SupervisorWarehouse Lead
Average salary$44,535$41,281
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $59,000Between $27,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAAllentown, PA
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companySchneider Electric Industrial ServicesSilicon Valley Bank
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between distribution center supervisor and warehouse lead education

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

Distribution Center SupervisorWarehouse Lead
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distribution center supervisor vs warehouse lead demographics

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

Distribution Center SupervisorWarehouse Lead
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 86.3% Female, 13.7%Male, 79.0% Female, 21.0%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between distribution center supervisor and warehouse lead 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

Warehouse lead example responsibilities.

  • Help manage an accurate, revolving FIFO inventory and rigorously investigate any discrepancies.
  • Utilize AS400 computer maintaining data.
  • Enter and transfer products' data in ERP systems.
  • Assist with developing a new ERP system concentrating on warehousing functions.
  • Process all RTV transactions and prepare items for return as per vendor.
  • Process paperwork of RMA's and RTV's as directed from purchasing dept.
  • Show more

Distribution center supervisor vs warehouse lead skills

Common distribution center supervisor skills
  • Logistics, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 4%
Common warehouse lead skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • Pallets, 5%
  • RF, 5%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Logistics, 5%

Browse transportation jobs