How to hire a distribution manager

How to hire a distribution manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step distribution manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a distribution manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a distribution manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The distribution manager hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A distribution manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, distribution managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of distribution managers.

   Type of Distribution Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution Manager		$29-61
   Logistics Supervisor	A logistics supervisor is an individual tasked to oversee goods shipment and delivery in organizations. Supervisors manage the planning, organization, and implementation of the company's systems... Show more	$22-42
   Logistics Director	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... Show more	$33-80

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Logistics
   • Continuous Improvement
   • OSHA
   • Operational Procedures
   • Distribution Operations
   • Inventory Control
   • Safety Training
   • ISO
   • Shipping Receiving
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Process Improvement
   • WMS
   • Warehouse Operations

   Check all skills

   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.

   More distribution manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your distribution manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A distribution manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, distribution managers' average salary in hawaii is 47% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level distribution managers 52% less than senior-level distribution managers.
   • Certifications. A distribution manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a distribution manager's salary.

   Average distribution manager salary

   $89,264yearly

   $42.92 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution manager salary

   $62,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average distribution manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$115,450	$56
   2	California	$110,327	$53
   3	Nevada	$108,158	$52
   4	Indiana	$103,131	$50
   5	New York	$101,951	$49
   6	Wisconsin	$97,545	$47
   7	Connecticut	$96,296	$46
   8	Arizona	$96,195	$46
   9	Utah	$93,750	$45
   10	Michigan	$91,282	$44
   11	Massachusetts	$90,791	$44
   12	District of Columbia	$90,475	$44
   13	Texas	$87,430	$42
   14	Illinois	$85,084	$41
   15	North Carolina	$84,037	$40
   16	Alabama	$80,178	$39
   17	Colorado	$80,014	$38
   18	Ohio	$79,656	$38
   19	Georgia	$79,132	$38
   20	Tennessee	$76,697	$37

   Average distribution manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Levi Strauss & Co.	$138,622	$66.65	3
   2	Meta	$135,265	$65.03	82
   3	Apple	$133,453	$64.16	9
   4	Google	$130,104	$62.55	11
   5	Genentech	$123,458	$59.35
   6	Zoox	$121,365	$58.35	11
   7	ServiceNow	$119,249	$57.33
   8	Cisco	$118,977	$57.20	2
   9	Microsoft	$118,450	$56.95	8
   10	Pacifi	$116,249	$55.89	6
   11	Arrow Electronics	$115,593	$55.57	1
   12	Northwell Health	$112,714	$54.19	6
   13	Harris Teeter	$112,614	$54.14	2
   14	Cotton On Group	$109,774	$52.78
   15	Amazon	$109,616	$52.70	274
   16	BD	$109,474	$52.63	4
   17	Best Buy	$108,655	$52.24	1
   18	Memorial Healthcare System	$108,469	$52.15	1
   19	HBO	$108,452	$52.14
   20	Warby Parker	$107,142	$51.51

4. Writing a distribution manager job description

   A good distribution manager job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a distribution manager job description:

   Distribution manager job description example

   Here at Avis Budget Group we're more than just rentals-although over 70 years of experience and 11,000 locations in 180 countries has taught us a thing or two about that. We're shaping the future of the mobility industry with our innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our globally recognized brands - Avis, Budget, Budget Truck and Zipcar - connect people to more. This means more convenience, more options and more time on the road for our customers. But we also connect our employees to more: opportunities, benefits, support, collaboration and most importantly-power to change the future. Sound your speed? Come join our family.
   
   J oin our team as a Fleet Manager and care for the most foundational element of our business: our vehicles! You'll direct the daily operation of the in-fleet, maintenance, damage, condition and de-fleet functions for our shop(s).
   What you'll do:
   Ensure a safe work environment and processes in and around our shops. Manage P&L performance, productivity, financial and asset controls and adhere to audit and financial policies and procedures. Ensure timely completion of recalls, preventative maintenance and quality of vehicle repairs. Assign work and provids supervision to associates and/or managers. Ensure all related repair orders are completed and processed in accordance with established guidelines. Approve all maintenance expenditures and submit invoices for approval/payment. Select, manage and inspect outside vendor work to established service levels and quality standards. Ensure proper use of purchase orders, receipt of services and payment of invoices. Maintain up-to-date files on vendor insurance policies. Minimize vehicle downtime and units out of service. Ensure warranty submissions meet or exceed business plan and all required documentation is submitted. Ensure timely and accurate in-fleeting and optimal condition for de-fleeting. Hire, train, engage, energize, set up for success, coach and recognize team members to enable a high-performing culture. Guide the resolution of employee relations issues and commonly faced problems to build and maintain professional relationships with subordinates.
   
   What we're looking for:
   High School degree required. At least two years of leadership experience, preferably in fleet maintenance functions in the automotive industry. Travel depending on district/territory to outlying locations and vendors is necessary. Proven ability to engage a team and drive results. Strong communication skills and ability to provide work direction to a team of technicians and staff. Strong time-management, multitasking and problem solving skills. Strong process orientation with a focus on continuous improvement. Excellent analytical, creative problem solving and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail. Ability to learn new technology. Proficient computer skills including Excel spreadsheet knowledge. Proactive cross-functional team player able to work in a fast paced service-oriented work environment.
   
   Extra points for this:
   Bachelor's degree ASE certifications and/or automotive technical training or experience.
   
   Perks you'll get:
   Access to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance Eligible to elect other voluntary benefits including: Group Auto Insurance, Group Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and additional life insurance coverages Contribute up to $270 as a tax-free benefit for public transportation or parking expenses 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matched contributions Full training to learn the business and enhance professional skills Employee discounts, including discounted prices on the purchase of Avis/Budget cars Access to an Employee Assistance Program for services including counseling, financial and legal consultation, referrals for care service and more Community involvement opportunities
   
   Avis Budget Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
   
   Saint Louis
   
   Missouri
   
   United States of America

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right distribution manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with distribution managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit distribution managers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your distribution manager job on Zippia to find and recruit distribution manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with distribution manager candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect distribution manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new distribution manager. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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