Post job

Logistics supervisor vs distribution center manager

The differences between logistics supervisors 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 supervisor and a distribution center manager. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $65,301 average annual salary of a logistics supervisor.

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

Logistics supervisor vs distribution center manager overview

Logistics SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$65,301$99,459
Hourly rate$31.39$47.82
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs32,54875,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a logistics supervisor do?

A logistics supervisor is an individual tasked to oversee goods shipment and delivery in organizations. Supervisors manage the planning, organization, and implementation of the company's systems. They take responsibility for managing the inventory of warehouse stocks based on the foreseeable requirements. It is part of their job to schedule deliveries and pickups with the internal staff or transportation companies. Their skills should include adaptability, project management proficiency, and communication skills.

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 supervisor vs distribution center manager salary

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

Logistics SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$65,301$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $89,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CityWarren, MIWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateMichiganCalifornia
Best paying companySouthern California EdisonBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between logistics supervisor and distribution center manager education

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

Logistics SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics supervisor vs distribution center manager demographics

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

Logistics SupervisorDistribution Center Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 77.4% Female, 22.6%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
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, 11.2% 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 supervisor and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Logistics supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Achieve continuous efficiency gains by leveraging WMS capabilities and implementing sustainable operating procedures.
  • Manage distribution center activities for global and domestic inbound and outbound shipping, and export documentation.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • Increase group efficiency as measured by time and quantity parameters using ERP system and daily records.
  • Provide guidance to business units with regards to government and carrier transportation regulations (HazMat LQ/ORM-D).
  • Ensure a safe working environment for all employees in accordance with current safety and OSHA requirements and directives.
  • 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

Logistics supervisor vs distribution center manager skills

Common logistics supervisor skills
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Direct Reports, 8%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Shipping Receiving, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
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