How to hire a distribution specialist

How to hire a distribution specialist, step by step

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

What does a distribution specialist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your distribution specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a distribution specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

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   Hiring the perfect distribution specialist also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of distribution specialists.

   Type of Distribution Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution Specialist	Material recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.	$11-25
   Warehouse Coordinator	A warehouse coordinator is responsible for monitoring the supply and distribution operations of a warehouse, loading and unloading merchandise from the delivery trucks, and storing items appropriately on the facility. Warehouse coordinators assist in packing and labeling items, pulling out products from delivery, and ensuring the correct quantity and quality of the items before release... Show more	$12-19
   Shipper	A shipper is an employee who is responsible for filling customer orders and ensures that the quality of these orders meets the company standards. Shippers are tasked with locating items in a warehouse and preparing them for shipping while completing all the transportation procedures so that no complications arise during the cargo-sending process... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Work Ethic
   • Windows
   • Strong Customer Service
   • Customer Inquiries
   • Math
   • Customer Orders
   • Logistics
   • RF
   • Inventory Control
   • Management System
   • Customer Service
   • Shipping Receiving
   • Cycle Counts
   • Computer System

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Update sonic, manual files, and relay all pertinent info to leads, supervisors and AOG.
   • Use of double runner and MHE vehicles.
   • Maneuver swivel-hooks, hoists and elevating platforms to move materials.
   • Complete paperwork accurately for returns to comply with company and FDA regulations.
   • Maintain daily paperwork to ensure compliance with food safety and FDA regulations.
   • Process orders utilizing MoTow carts (electrical) equip with Psion-Teklogix RF scanners and monitors.

   More distribution specialist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your distribution specialist job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A distribution specialist salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a distribution specialist in Kentucky may be lower than in New Jersey, and an entry-level distribution specialist usually earns less than a senior-level distribution specialist. Additionally, a distribution specialist with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average distribution specialist salary

   $36,140yearly

   $17.38 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution specialist salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average distribution specialist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$52,110	$25
   2	California	$51,165	$25
   3	Pennsylvania	$50,183	$24
   4	Arizona	$44,391	$21
   5	New York	$43,901	$21
   6	Massachusetts	$42,437	$20
   7	Nevada	$42,011	$20
   8	Georgia	$41,269	$20
   9	Wisconsin	$41,112	$20
   10	Minnesota	$40,917	$20
   11	Virginia	$39,621	$19
   12	Oregon	$39,610	$19
   13	Washington	$38,881	$19
   14	Colorado	$38,248	$18
   15	North Carolina	$38,038	$18
   16	Florida	$36,813	$18
   17	North Dakota	$36,532	$18
   18	Illinois	$35,805	$17
   19	Utah	$35,573	$17
   20	Ohio	$35,049	$17

   Average distribution specialist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Gilead Sciences	$74,044	$35.60
   2	Johnson & Johnson	$64,062	$30.80	3
   3	Synopsys	$55,863	$26.86
   4	Chicago Public Schools	$53,446	$25.70
   5	Genie Industries	$49,771	$23.93
   6	Camping World	$48,734	$23.43	2
   7	Apple	$48,506	$23.32	7
   8	Haemonetics	$48,145	$23.15	4
   9	Volvo Trucks	$47,226	$22.70	2
   10	Steris	$44,241	$21.27	3
   11	Raytheon Technologies	$43,739	$21.03	5
   12	Starz	$42,918	$20.63
   13	HUB International	$42,887	$20.62
   14	ATEC Spine	$42,291	$20.33	2
   15	Meritor	$41,341	$19.88
   16	Terex	$40,762	$19.60	4
   17	Water Street Mission	$39,443	$18.96
   18	Syngenta	$39,026	$18.76	3
   19	Air Liquide	$38,864	$18.68
   20	Johns Manville	$38,666	$18.59	1

4. Writing a distribution specialist job description

   A job description for a distribution specialist 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 specialist job description:

   Distribution specialist job description example

   ABS Global is the world-leading provider of bovine genetics, reproductive services, technologies and
   udder care products. Marketing in more than 70 countries around the globe, ABS has been at the
   forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. We are uniquely positioned as a
   global player with a dedicated research and development function and an international distribution
   network. We breed and distribute the genes of the world's best bulls, scientifically selecting livestock
   whose offspring is designed to increase the profitability of our customers who are some of the world's
   biggest farmers and food producers.
   Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world. Role Overview To effectively and efficiently perform all supply and warehousing tasks to ensure maximum productivity, order accuracy and cost-effective operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities PICKING/PACKING/SHIPPING Standards Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for the safe and accurate picking and packing of orders. Pick, pack, ship and accurately document all semen/supply orders released from Customer Service. Troubleshoot system related variances. RECEIVING Standards Accurately count, verify and record all purchase receipts within a reasonable timeframe. Monitor shipments for damage, breakage or other problems and document circumstances immediately upon discovery. Ensure proper Purchase Order documentation; accurately match all items with receiving copy of Purchase Order to verify shipment request. Notify appropriate departments of products received and efficiently organize for pick-up or delivery. SAFETY & SECURITY Standards Carefully monitor N2/O2 levels in all relevant facilities (buildings, trailers, etc.) to ensure air quality meets safety policies and OSHA requirements. Wear appropriate safety gear at all times in accordance with Genus/ABS safety policies. Operate forklift with proper certification only and in accordance with safety policies. Verify all product movement is accompanied by the appropriate authorization and documentation. Achieve zero accidents, safety violations and/or unsafe operations reports. PROFESSIONALISM AND DEVELOPMENT Standards Be flexible with respect to job responsibilities and consistently strive to be an effective team member. Strive to advance your skills and display a willingness to accept future development. Gain a thorough understanding of ABS's business and the department's role within the company. Requirements High school diploma 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in warehousing and shipping Experience in inventory and/or logistics preferred PC literacy and keyboarding skills required. Strong attention to detail and skill working with numbers. Effective communication skills Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to work effectively in a team environment Valid Wisconsin Drivers License. Equal Employment Opportunities Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of
   this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment
   of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to
   race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin,
   disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by
   law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Receive email notifications about our latest career opportunities, news and updates directly to your mailbox. Click here to sign up.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right distribution specialist 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 specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit distribution specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit distribution specialists, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 specialist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the distribution specialist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize 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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How much does it cost to hire a distribution specialist?