Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a distribution warehouse manager and how to become one
An essential role in keeping goods moving around the world, distribution warehouse managers oversee daily operations in product distribution centers.
A warehouse can be a very busy place, and without the strong leadership of a distribution warehouse manager, the many sending and receiving processes can easily fall into disarray. It's the job of a warehouse distribution manager to ensure that everything runs smoothly by planning and implementing well-organized operational and personnel policies.
In addition to coordinating with supervisors and assisting in the oversight of distribution teams, the role of the warehouse manager can be to negotiate contracts with freight vendors, monitor inventory, and take part in the hiring of new recruits.
It's possible to work your way up to the position of distribution warehouse manager from an entry-level warehouse position such as package handler. Most employers require only a high school diploma or GED and prior warehouse experience to begin this rewarding career.
Once working as a distribution warehouse manager, you can expect to earn an average salary between $48,000 to $70,000 per year.
Avg. Salary $28,318
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%
Asian 6.14%
Black or African American 11.27%
Hispanic or Latino 18.71%
Unknown 4.31%
White 59.16%
Genderfemale 13.01%
male 86.99%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Distribution warehouse manager career paths
Key steps to become a distribution warehouse manager
Explore distribution warehouse manager education requirements
Start to develop specific distribution warehouse manager skills
Skills Percentages Safety Procedures 11.80% Logistics 7.65% Operational Procedures 6.38% Inventory Control 6.36% Warehouse Operations 6.31% Complete relevant distribution warehouse manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution warehouse managers 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 warehouse manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution warehouse manager resumes.Research distribution warehouse manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage all documentation of records to ensure FDA compliance and accuracy.
- Manage payroll and oversee center/facility expenses and accounts payable practicing cost containment strategies.
- Negotiate and coordinate logistics, ordering and receiving products from the manufacturer, space allocation, warehouse operations and inventory control.
- Implement ISO for quality control.
Prepare your distribution warehouse manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distribution warehouse manager 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 warehouse manager 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 warehouse manager resume templates
Build a professional distribution warehouse manager 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 warehouse manager resume.
Apply for distribution warehouse manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a distribution warehouse manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first distribution warehouse manager job
Are you a distribution warehouse manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average distribution warehouse manager salary
The average distribution warehouse manager salary in the United States is $28,318 per year or $14 per hour. Distribution warehouse manager salaries range between $7,000 and $101,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do distribution warehouse managers rate their job?
Updated January 8, 2025
