How to hire a distribution operation supervisor

How to hire a distribution operation supervisor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step distribution operation supervisor 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 operation supervisor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution operation supervisor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The distribution operation supervisor 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 operation supervisor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, distribution operation supervisors 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.

   Here's a comparison of distribution operation supervisor salaries for various roles:

   Type of Distribution Operation Supervisor	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution Operation Supervisor		$18-30
   Supervisor	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... Show more	$14-44
   3rd Shift Supervisor	A 3rd shift supervisor is responsible for monitoring the operations and staff performance of a specific shift. 3rd shift supervisors strategize on effective business techniques to maximize staff's productivity and improve customers' experience... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • WMS
   • Safety Procedures
   • Process Improvement
   • Distribution Operations
   • Logistics
   • OSHA
   • Direct Supervision
   • Continuous Improvement
   • Inventory Control
   • Employee Engagement
   • Lean Six Sigma
   • Safety Regulations
   • Shipping Receiving
   • Customer Service

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage multiple logistics operations simultaneously including inventory control, kitting and international order fulfillment services.
   • Reduce OSHA incidents from 4 to 0 over previous year.
   • Hold regular safety meetings and assure that all OSHA and MOSHA regulations are enforced.
   • Attend training on WMS, then document warehouse procedures and train computer operators / end users.
   • Coordinate with logistics department to ensure on-time delivery for shipments.
   • Charge with accountability for annual operating budgets, including capital expenditures, payroll expense, and inventory/supply levels.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, distribution operation supervisors' average salary in florida is 40% less than in wyoming.
   • Seniority. Entry-level distribution operation supervisors 39% less than senior-level distribution operation supervisors.
   • Certifications. A distribution operation supervisor 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 operation supervisor's salary.

   Average distribution operation supervisor salary

   $50,458yearly

   $24.26 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution operation supervisor salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a distribution operation supervisor job description

   A job description for a distribution operation supervisor role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a distribution operation supervisor job description:

   Distribution operation supervisor job description example

   The Distribution Operations Supervisor provides functional systems expertise and training to distribution center employees that leads to a safe, accurate, and productive environment. As the main point of contact in the absence of their manager, this role will be asked to lead in a dynamic way, requiring flexibility in multiple areas of operation. They expand their skillset to different areas such as general warehouse worker, warehouse clerical administration, and quality control functions. This is also considered an individual contributor role that includes working alongside the team to accomplish the daily goals for each shift when workload dictates.
   
   At Best Buy, we are obsessed with building long term relationships with our customers. Every team member should feel empowered to deliver a world-class and unique experience based on what each customer needs.
   Key Responsibilities
   
   * Helps drive a positive customer experience by building relationships, exhibiting empathy, and providing solutions to their needs.
   
   * Contributes to the production plan by working in a productive function each shift.
   
   * Prepares the staffing plan for the day, ensuring that workload and labor hours are distributed appropriately for the volume of the day.
   
   * Conducts daily start up meetings which include safety topics, staffing assignments, and warm up activities.
   
   * Monitors labor and makes staffing moves to ensure the team is trending towards the labor plan for the day.
   
   * Identifies coaching opportunities with the team to ensure proper techniques are consistently being utilized.
   
   * Plays a critical role in onboarding, training, and validating knowledge of new and existing employees.
   
   * Resolves complex customer, system, and inventory-related issues as needed while proactively equipping employees with skills and tools necessary to address customer and operational challenges.
   
   * Sets the example for the rest of the team by following all safety, operational, and cultural best practices.
   
   * Proactively seeks out developmental opportunities to further advance leadership skillset for future advancement opportunities within the organization.
   
   * Attends leadership meetings and contributes to the leadership vision for the building.
   
   * Provides leadership to the entire building team including setting clear expectations, giving direction, mentoring.
   
   * Participates in talent management including coaching and corrective action process, interviewing and hiring process, and monthly 1 on 1 meetings.
   
   * Performs opening and closing responsibilities including carrying keys, using the alarm code, and responding to alarm calls when the building is closed.
   
   * Conducts routine safety procedures, including screening questions, temperature checks, safety assessment observations, and action planning.
   
   * Responds to immediate safety and employee concerns while serving as the single point of contact within the facility.
   
   Basic Qualifications
   
   * One year of operations experience or leadership experience
   
   * Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
   
   * Beginner level proficiency with all Microsoft Office Suite software applications (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
   
   * Ability to work in a team environment
   
   * Ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays, nights, and weekends
   
   Preferred Qualifications
   
   * One year of supervisory or leadership experience
   
   * Associate degree or higher in business or related field

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right distribution operation supervisor for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with distribution operation supervisor 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.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 operation supervisor

   Once you've selected the best distribution operation supervisor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

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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