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Logistics project manager vs distribution manager

The differences between logistics project managers and distribution 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 project manager and a distribution manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $87,686 average annual salary of a logistics project manager.

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

Logistics project manager vs distribution manager overview

Logistics Project ManagerDistribution Manager
Yearly salary$87,686$89,264
Hourly rate$42.16$42.92
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs128,14239,061
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a logistics project manager do?

A logistics project manager oversees an organization's supply chain management, works to improve business development, and ensure customer satisfaction and sustainability. Your duties will include planning and managing logistics, transportation, warehousing, and customer services, directing and coordinating the full order cycle, and negotiating with suppliers, retailers, consumers, and manufacturers. In addition, you will supervise and train warehouse staff and resolve complaints and problems when they arise. You are also responsible for maintaining metrics and analyzing data to evaluate performance.

What does a distribution manager do?

A distribution manager is responsible for managing the distribution of goods and services, ensuring the adequacy of merchandise in the storage, and monitoring the products' timely delivery to appropriate locations. Distribution managers process shipments and utilize software systems to track stock levels and order status, negotiate contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors, identify business opportunities to boost maximum productivity and performance, and develop supply strategies to minimize costs without compromising quality. A distribution manager must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to manage business performance by coordinating with different teams on achieving business goals and objectives.

Logistics project manager vs distribution manager salary

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

Logistics Project ManagerDistribution Manager
Average salary$87,686$89,264
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $114,000Between $62,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CARedmond, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyAppleLevi Strauss & Co.
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between logistics project manager and distribution manager education

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

Logistics Project ManagerDistribution Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics project manager vs distribution manager demographics

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

Logistics Project ManagerDistribution Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 76.5% Female, 23.5%Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between logistics project manager and distribution manager duties and responsibilities

Logistics project manager example responsibilities.

  • Establish ERP, WMS, TMS and build carrier solutions and contracts to manage daily carrier routing to meet customer demand.
  • Lead international cross-brand team focuse on complete, accurate, and timely shipment tracking using electronic data interchange (EDI).
  • Lead numerous analyses and projects from business specifications to practical implementation to optimize the reverse logistics processes and network in Europe.
  • Prepare inventory reports (WMS).
  • Conceptualize, document and implement i2 TMS for multiple clients.
  • Configure data into an internal WMS system while troubleshooting errors.
  • Show more

Distribution manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
  • Compose and employ initial ISO procedures to attain certification.
  • Manage twenty-five team members during process of unloading trailers to include accurately processing and locating merchandise throughout warehouse with RF devices.
  • Earn FDA and GMP certification at a start-up distribution-base facility in five months.
  • Develop a training program that effectively trains employees in accordance with FDA guidelines.
  • Budget and target tracking to sales goals with direct account responsibility for OEM and price sensitive customers.
  • Show more

Logistics project manager vs distribution manager skills

Common logistics project manager skills
  • Project Management, 14%
  • Supply Chain, 13%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Logistics Project, 6%
  • Process Improvement, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common distribution manager skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Operational Procedures, 4%
  • Distribution Operations, 4%

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