Post job

Fulfillment manager vs distribution center manager

The differences between fulfillment managers and distribution center managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a fulfillment manager and a distribution center manager. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $91,647 average annual salary of a fulfillment manager.

The top three skills for a fulfillment manager include logistics, continuous improvement and order management. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.

Fulfillment manager vs distribution center manager overview

Fulfillment ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$91,647$99,459
Hourly rate$44.06$47.82
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs229,06875,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4445
Years of experience66

What does a fulfillment manager do?

Fulfillment managers are executive professionals who are responsible for supervising all activities that are related to the order processing of a company. These managers must manage the execution of customer orders and ensure that packages are correctly labeled with customers' shipping addresses before dispatching it to their logistics partners for shipping. As the point person between distribution centers and manufacturing plants, fulfillment managers must ensure that the warehouse has a sufficient amount of products to meet the needs of their customers. These managers must also compile reports about the volume of processed orders and submit them to their supply managers.

What does a distribution center manager do?

A distribution center manager is an individual who is responsible for managing all the daily activities of a centralized distribution center, warehouse, or another shipping facility. Distribution center managers are required to supervise the loading and unloading of all packages as well as ensure that all goods and products have the proper storage conditions. They must evaluate freight services and manage relationships with the chose vendors. Distribution center managers are also required to monitor the safety of the facility and make sure that workers properly store everything to prevent injuries.

Fulfillment manager vs distribution center manager salary

Fulfillment managers and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fulfillment ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$91,647$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $61,000 And $137,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CityWindsor, CAWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyAccentureBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between fulfillment manager and distribution center manager education

There are a few differences between a fulfillment manager and a distribution center manager in terms of educational background:

Fulfillment ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaStanford University

Fulfillment manager vs distribution center manager demographics

Here are the differences between fulfillment managers' and distribution center managers' demographics:

Fulfillment ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average age4445
Gender ratioMale, 63.0% Female, 37.0%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%5%

Differences between fulfillment manager and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Fulfillment manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage RMA process and track shortages.
  • Manage orders using customer specific TMS and EDI systems.
  • Manage metrics, KPI, SLA and trends for all costs associate with fulfillment.
  • Manage professional team of employees by developing KPIs, promoting cross-functional training, work flow management, and proven performance.
  • Manage inventory utilizing WMS software to provide more efficient DC flow and ensure complete accuracy in the order fulfillment process.
  • Manage USPS automation mailing planning, material preparation, and performance university-wide.
  • Show more

Distribution center manager example responsibilities.

  • Assist in implementing MRP program, BOM and manage inventory reorder points and forecasting.
  • Manage all DC relate building projects and small systems support department for 6 DCs.
  • Manage distribution center operations for industry leading LTL transportation provider.
  • Manage financial performance including operational expense control, damage reduction, capital expenditures and payroll.
  • Manage successful integration of new WMS system including voice pick technology and engineer labor standards.
  • Manage logistics operations issues that include branch logistics plan implementation, warehouse and delivery personnel management, inventory management and security/safety/housekeeping.
  • Show more

Fulfillment manager vs distribution center manager skills

Common fulfillment manager skills
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Continuous Improvement, 7%
  • Order Management, 6%
  • Process Improvement, 5%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • On-Time Delivery, 5%
Common distribution center manager skills
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

Browse executive management jobs