Post job

Logistics manager vs distribution supervisor

The differences between logistics managers and distribution supervisors 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 supervisor. Additionally, a logistics manager has an average salary of $74,702, which is higher than the $62,458 average annual salary of a distribution supervisor.

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

Logistics manager vs distribution supervisor overview

Logistics ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Yearly salary$74,702$62,458
Hourly rate$35.91$30.03
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs31,43742,619
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
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 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.

Logistics manager vs distribution supervisor salary

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

Logistics ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average salary$74,702$62,458
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $106,000Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAReno, NV
Highest paying stateWashingtonNevada
Best paying companyAppleAgilent Technologies
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between logistics manager and distribution supervisor education

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

Logistics ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics manager vs distribution supervisor demographics

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

Logistics ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 77.9% Female, 22.1%Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between logistics manager and distribution supervisor 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 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

Logistics manager vs distribution supervisor 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 supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%

Browse executive management jobs