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Distribution supervisor vs director of distribution

The differences between distribution supervisors and directors of distribution 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 supervisor and a director of distribution. Additionally, a director of distribution has an average salary of $126,210, which is higher than the $62,458 average annual salary of a distribution supervisor.

The top three skills for a distribution supervisor include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a director of distribution are continuous improvement, project management, and distribution operations.

Distribution supervisor vs director of distribution overview

Distribution SupervisorDirector Of Distribution
Yearly salary$62,458$126,210
Hourly rate$30.03$60.68
Growth rate-6%
Number of jobs42,61921,751
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a distribution supervisor do?

A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a director of distribution do?

A distribution director spearheads and oversees an organization's distribution procedures, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. It is their duty to coordinate with different departments to identify and understand the distribution needs, set goals and guidelines, manage budgets and schedules, delegate tasks among managers, develop strategies to optimize operations, and present reports to the executives and shareholders. They must also liaise with externals parties, building positive relationships with them. Moreover, a distribution director must lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals while monitoring the progress of operations.

Distribution supervisor vs director of distribution salary

Distribution supervisors and directors of distribution have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution SupervisorDirector Of Distribution
Average salary$62,458$126,210
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $96,000Between $88,000 And $179,000
Highest paying CityReno, NVSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaNew Jersey
Best paying companyAgilent TechnologiesMeta
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between distribution supervisor and director of distribution education

There are a few differences between a distribution supervisor and a director of distribution in terms of educational background:

Distribution SupervisorDirector Of Distribution
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Distribution supervisor vs director of distribution demographics

Here are the differences between distribution supervisors' and directors of distribution' demographics:

Distribution SupervisorDirector Of Distribution
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 82.7% Female, 17.3%Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between distribution supervisor and director of distribution duties and responsibilities

Distribution supervisor example 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.
  • Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
  • Comply with cleanliness standards, government regulations, and safety requirements, including OSHA, FDA, and HACCP.
  • Show more

Director of distribution example responsibilities.

  • Manage a staff of 80 in many healthcare locations.
  • Lead the development of operational and transportation KPIs to cover cost, quality and service.
  • Manage logistics operations issues that include branch logistics plan implementation, warehouse and delivery personnel management, inventory management and security/safety/housekeeping.
  • Enhance and publish procedures for FDA product recall requirements.
  • Improve communications with foreign vendors to reduce and improve upon FDA holds.
  • Orchestrate selection, acquisition and implementation of agile ERP and WMS technologies.
  • Show more

Distribution supervisor vs director of distribution skills

Common distribution supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%
Common director of distribution skills
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Distribution Operations, 6%
  • Distribution Centers, 5%
  • Direct Reports, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

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