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Logistics manager vs distribution center manager

The differences between logistics 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 logistics manager and a distribution center manager. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $74,702 average annual salary of a logistics manager.

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

Logistics manager vs distribution center manager overview

Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$74,702$99,459
Hourly rate$35.91$47.82
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs31,43775,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a logistics manager do?

The person in charge of coordinating, purchasing, and distributing products in a supply chain is called logistics manager. Logistic managers are supply specialists that are responsible for the overall supply chain management. They supervise employees to maintain safety in the workplace, resolve customer's issues and complaints, and develop strategies for operations. Also, they are responsible for collaborating and negotiating with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and consumers. These highly-detailed professionals maintain precise records of inventory and ensure that supply chain processes are regularly operating.

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 manager vs distribution center manager salary

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

Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$74,702$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $106,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between logistics manager and distribution center manager education

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

Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics manager vs distribution center manager demographics

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

Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 77.9% Female, 22.1%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.4% 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 manager and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Logistics manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage budget, staffing, workload distribution, and training and development of PMO.
  • Manage annual RFP for the selection of new carrier contracts for FCL/FTL rates and services.
  • Lead cross-functional team integrating the distribution system with a new database merchandising system with RF device.
  • Manage all FDA medical device listings for all accume foreign and domestic facilities, and assist foreign suppliers with the same.
  • Manage all negotiations with carriers including freight forwarders and various other providers of transportation relate services.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • 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 manager vs distribution center manager skills

Common logistics manager skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Supply Chain, 12%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • On-Time Delivery, 5%
  • Process Improvement, 4%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 3%
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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