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The differences between distribution managers and logistics directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a distribution manager and a logistics director. Additionally, a logistics director has an average salary of $108,828, which is higher than the $89,264 average annual salary of a distribution manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a logistics director are supply chain, continuous improvement, and logistics operations.
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $108,828 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $52.32 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 33,997 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A logistics director spearheads and oversees a company's logistics operations. They are primarily responsible for setting goals and guidelines, managing the budgets and timelines, researching new opportunities, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of operations, and implementing solutions against problem areas. They must also maintain positive relationships with key clients and external parties, such as distributors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead employees while implementing the company's policies and regulations, recommending new ones as needed.
Distribution managers and logistics directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $108,828 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $70,000 And $167,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | San Leandro, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Barnes & Noble |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a logistics director in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and logistics directors' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |