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Senior logistics manager vs distribution manager

The differences between senior logistics 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 senior logistics manager and a distribution manager. Additionally, a senior logistics manager has an average salary of $109,588, which is higher than the $89,264 average annual salary of a distribution manager.

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

Senior logistics manager vs distribution manager overview

Senior Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Yearly salary$109,588$89,264
Hourly rate$52.69$42.92
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs26,22839,061
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a senior logistics manager do?

A senior logistics manager oversees and leads the operations in the distribution centers and their supervisors. Senior logistics managers take responsibility for the transportation and warehousing departments of the company. They are the ones who organize goods from storage to their distribution. They ensure the delivery of the right products to the exact location at a good cost and in time. Also, they may be involved in stock control, monitoring, warehousing, and transportation of goods.

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.

Senior logistics manager vs distribution manager salary

Senior logistics managers and distribution managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Average salary$109,588$89,264
Salary rangeBetween $77,000 And $154,000Between $62,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CARedmond, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyIntuitive SurgicalLevi Strauss & Co.
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between senior logistics manager and distribution manager education

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

Senior Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Senior logistics manager vs distribution manager demographics

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

Senior Logistics ManagerDistribution Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 83.1% Female, 16.9%Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% 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 senior logistics manager and distribution manager duties and responsibilities

Senior logistics manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage timeliness and completeness of EDI's and run projects with vendors to ensure KPI's are met.
  • Review DISA and DOD policies; guidance; and instructions for ensuring LCL are being achieve within the program.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • Plan and conduct new training to certify employees on new organization combat infantry fighting vehicles.
  • Control finished-goods inventory of 15-18K pallets per location without the assistance of a fully-developed WMS system.
  • Identify and resolve deficiency reports during tests to enhance combat capability and decrease life cycle costs.
  • 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

Senior logistics manager vs distribution manager skills

Common senior logistics manager skills
  • Continuous Improvement, 12%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • SR, 6%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Logistics Operations, 5%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%
Common distribution manager skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Operational Procedures, 4%
  • Distribution Operations, 4%

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