Distribution manager vs operations manager

The differences between distribution managers and operations managers 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 an operations manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $76,894 average annual salary of an operations manager.

The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Distribution manager vs operations manager overview

	Distribution Manager	Operations Manager
Yearly salary	$89,264	$76,894
Hourly rate	$42.92	$36.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	39,061	343,868
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	45	44
Years of experience	6	6

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.

What does an operations manager do?

Operations managers are in charge of running the main business of the organization. They ensure that the business is running smoothly from an operations standpoint. They make sure that the processes in place produce the necessary output by implementing quality control measures. They also manage finances and ensure that there is enough budget to keep the operations of the business running. They also ensure that the production of goods or services is cost-efficient. Operations managers also handle people-related concerns. They are responsible for interviewing candidates, choosing the ones to hire, and ensuring that individuals assigned to operations are properly trained.

Distribution manager vs operations manager salary

Distribution managers and operations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Distribution Manager	Operations Manager
Average salary	$89,264	$76,894
Salary range	Between $62,000 And $128,000	Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City	Redmond, WA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Delaware
Best paying company	Levi Strauss & Co.	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between distribution manager and operations manager education

There are a few differences between a distribution manager and an operations manager in terms of educational background:

	Distribution Manager	Operations Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Distribution manager vs operations manager demographics

Here are the differences between distribution managers' and operations managers' demographics:

	Distribution Manager	Operations Manager
Average age	45	44
Gender ratio	Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	5%	10%

Differences between distribution manager and operations manager duties and responsibilities

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.

Operations manager example responsibilities.

Manage and lead operations that include performance management, organizational development, employment compliance, employee relations, payroll management.
Manage 2HVAC system retrofit replacement teams.
Manage all invoices, A/P, A/R and other accounting duties.
Manage computer operation teams supporting propriety and DoD programs at the Lewisville site.
Manage 45 person division and day to day operations of scheduling, communications, A/R, A/P and customer care.
Manage the export booking and documentation department ensuring smooth on-time delivery.

Distribution manager vs operations manager skills

Common distribution manager skills

Customer Service, 14%
Logistics, 10%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
OSHA, 5%
Operational Procedures, 4%
Distribution Operations, 4%

Common operations manager skills

Customer Service, 23%
Logistics, 7%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
Payroll, 5%
Project Management, 4%
Process Improvement, 4%

Distribution Manager vs. similar jobs

Distribution Manager related careers

Distribution Manager related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Distribution Manager
Distribution Manager vs Operations Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs