Multi-unit manager vs zone manager

The differences between multi-unit managers and zone 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 multi-unit manager and a zone manager. Additionally, a multi-unit manager has an average salary of $64,703, which is higher than the $50,974 average annual salary of a zone manager.

The top three skills for a multi-unit manager include customer service, work ethic and product knowledge. The most important skills for a zone manager are work ethic, loss prevention, and inventory control.

Multi-unit manager vs zone manager overview

	Multi-Unit Manager	Zone Manager
Yearly salary	$64,703	$50,974
Hourly rate	$31.11	$24.51
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	369,227	298,152
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	6	6

What does a multi-unit manager do?

A multi-unit manager is responsible for supervising multiple departments and overseeing various process sectors within an organization. Multi-unit managers handle the budget limitations for each unit, allocating adequate resources to support business functions and client requirements. They recruit and train new staff, review compensation details with the human resources department, respond to employees' concerns, and facilitate training and programs that would maximize the staff's productivity and efficiency. A multi-unit manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially in determining and achieving goals for the team and ensuring the highest customer satisfaction.

What does a zone manager do?

The duties of a zone manager depend on their line of work or industry of employment. In general, they are in charge of overseeing the service and product distribution operations of a company. They typically coordinate with regional managers, establish guidelines and product roadmaps, gather and analyze data from their area of assignment, perform research and analysis, conduct sales assessments, and implement solutions to optimize operations. Moreover, a zone manager must lead and encourage staff to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.

Multi-unit manager vs zone manager salary

Multi-unit managers and zone managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Multi-Unit Manager	Zone Manager
Average salary	$64,703	$50,974
Salary range	Between $48,000 And $87,000	Between $34,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	Chicago, IL	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	Colorado	Rhode Island
Best paying company	American Residential Services	Ford Motor
Best paying industry	Retail	Automotive

Differences between multi-unit manager and zone manager education

There are a few differences between a multi-unit manager and a zone manager in terms of educational background:

	Multi-Unit Manager	Zone Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Multi-unit manager vs zone manager demographics

Here are the differences between multi-unit managers' and zone managers' demographics:

	Multi-Unit Manager	Zone Manager
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2%	Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between multi-unit manager and zone manager duties and responsibilities

Multi-unit manager example responsibilities.

Ensure completion of quarterly projections; and manage labor demon forecasting and payroll and talent acquisition efforts.
Create implementation plans to support execution of Starbucks initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results.
Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen, as well as the equipment on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Perform human-resource-management activities involving unemployment insurance, benefits, payroll, and new-employee hiring.
Train assistant managers and employees in operations of the restaurant that exceed quality service and cleanliness expectations.
Create implementation plans to support execution of Starbucks initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results.

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Zone manager example responsibilities.

Level one the managed distribution side that provides DSD to independent pet stores and veterinary clinics.
Market growth accomplish by executing fundamental basics in store and leveraging the strength of the DSD model.
Establish productive working relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies, reorganize and improve operation, and achieve OSHA compliance.
Spearhead of new training program after recognizing inadequate materials on POS systems.
Supervise apparel area including jewelry and shoe departments in preparation to becoming an assistant manager.
Used company policies and procedures, as well as incorporating creativity to merchandise apparel departments.

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Multi-unit manager vs zone manager skills

Common multi-unit manager skills

Customer Service, 27%
Work Ethic, 20%
Product Knowledge, 11%
Food Safety, 3%
Payroll, 3%
Restaurant Operations, 3%

Common zone manager skills

Work Ethic, 18%
Loss Prevention, 12%
Inventory Control, 8%
Merchandise Displays, 7%
Sales Floor, 5%
Customer Complaints, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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