How To Become A Distribution Supervisor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a distribution supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A distribution supervisor oversees the transportation of goods from a manufacturer to a retailer or customer. They manage a team, ensuring that orders are fulfilled and maintaining inventory records. Distribution supervisors must have strong communication skills, be able to troubleshoot supply chain issues, and have knowledge of logistics software and equipment. They work with sales, customer service, and warehouse operation departments to ensure timely and cost-effective product deliveries while maintaining a high level of quality.

ScoreDistribution SupervisorUS Average

Salary

4.9

Avg. Salary $62,458

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 6.14%

Black or African American 11.29%

Hispanic or Latino 18.73%

Unknown 4.31%

White 59.12%

Gender

female 17.30%

male 82.70%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a distribution supervisor?

Pros

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity for advancement within the company
High level of responsibility and autonomy
Interaction with diverse groups of people, including suppliers, customers, and employees
Potential for job satisfaction through meeting targets and solving problems

Cons

High stress levels due to time-sensitive nature of the job
Long hours, including weekends and holidays
Risk of burnout due to demanding workload
Exposure to physical hazards in the warehouse or distribution center
Possible need for extensive travel or relocation

Key steps to become a distribution supervisor

Explore distribution supervisor education requirements

Most common distribution supervisor degrees

Bachelor's

56.4 %

Associate

22.1 %

High School Diploma

11.5 %

Start to develop specific distribution supervisor skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	10.87%
Logistics	9.55%
Continuous Improvement	6.08%
OSHA	5.29%
Inventory Control	4.23%

Complete relevant distribution supervisor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a distribution supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution supervisor resumes.

Research distribution supervisor duties and responsibilities

Begin the implementation of standard work and lead kaizen event to standardize pack stations.
Manage warehouse technology including RF, packing systems, shipping systems, and forklift operations.
Develop the WMS training program and lead the team in the design of WMS process rules.
Have led cost saving initiatives including staffing, a DC expansion, and customization of WMS.

Prepare your distribution supervisor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distribution supervisor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a distribution supervisor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable distribution supervisor resume templates

Build a professional distribution supervisor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your distribution supervisor resume.