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Logistics lead vs distribution center manager

The differences between logistics leads 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 logistics lead and a distribution center manager. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $53,263 average annual salary of a logistics lead.

The top three skills for a logistics lead include customer service, continuous improvement and inventory control. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.

Logistics lead vs distribution center manager overview

Logistics LeadDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$53,263$99,459
Hourly rate$25.61$47.82
Growth rate28%-
Number of jobs32,13175,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a logistics lead do?

A logistics lead is an individual who coordinates the logistical functions as well as the entire life cycle of a product of an organization. Logistics leads should represent the relationship between sales and logistics departments to ensure that freight arrangements flow in a timely and effective manner. They are required to receive incoming materials and process purchase orders and daily receipts into the inventory management system. Logistics leads must also prioritize the organization's daily operations and workflow to ensure that deadlines are met with maximum product quality.

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.

Logistics lead vs distribution center manager salary

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

Logistics LeadDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$53,263$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $87,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CAWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between logistics lead and distribution center manager education

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

Logistics LeadDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics lead vs distribution center manager demographics

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

Logistics LeadDistribution Center Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 75.9% Female, 24.1%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage5%5%

Differences between logistics lead and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Logistics lead example responsibilities.

  • Manage human resources operations including employee record maintenance, leave time reporting/verification, payroll and driver team supervision.
  • Implement and train WMS system with barcoding technologies.
  • Work closely with expeditors and freight forwarders in advance to meet client s expectations.
  • Maintain and monitor procedures for transfilling compress or liquid gas according to FDA guidelines.
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation to comply with FDA regulations.
  • Establish relationships with logistical management counterparts within major DoD component and external organizations to facilitate coordination of logistical support projects.
  • 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.
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Logistics lead vs distribution center manager skills

Common logistics lead skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Inventory Control, 5%
  • Inventory Management, 5%
  • Commodities, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common distribution center manager skills
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

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