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Supply chain logistics manager vs distribution center manager

The differences between supply chain logistics managers 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 supply chain logistics manager and a distribution center manager. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $93,712 average annual salary of a supply chain logistics manager.

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

Supply chain logistics manager vs distribution center manager overview

Supply Chain Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$93,712$99,459
Hourly rate$45.05$47.82
Growth rate--
Number of jobs38,78575,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a supply chain logistics manager do?

In a retail setting, a supply chain logistics manager is in charge of overseeing the transportation and deliveries of products to ensure efficiency and timeliness. Their responsibilities revolve around devising strategies to optimize supply chain procedures, coordinating with staff to ensure inventory accuracy, liaising and building positive relationships with vendors or distributors, performing research and analysis to improve existing operations, and maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a supply chain logistics manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

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.

Supply chain logistics manager vs distribution center manager salary

Supply chain logistics managers and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Supply Chain Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$93,712$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $136,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyExelixisBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryRetailAutomotive

Differences between supply chain logistics manager and distribution center manager education

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

Supply Chain Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Supply chain logistics manager vs distribution center manager demographics

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

Supply Chain Logistics ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 79.5% Female, 20.5%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.6% 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 supply chain logistics manager and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Supply chain logistics manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage production and warehouse teams ensuring DOD policies and corporate rules and regulations compliance while exceeding government nuclear facility audit standards.
  • Create metrics/scorecard to monitor KPIs.
  • Establish MRP practices and procedures for operating unit.
  • Plan and execute activities through multiple ERP software programs.
  • Provide weekly and quarterly MRP's for designate product lines.
  • Provide systems application architecture for ERP, CRM (EAM) solutions and specialty software interfacing for customization of customer applications.
  • 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

Supply chain logistics manager vs distribution center manager skills

Common supply chain logistics manager skills
  • Supply Chain, 22%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Chain Processes, 4%
  • Chain Management, 4%
  • On-Time Delivery, 4%
  • Strategic Sourcing, 4%
Common distribution center manager skills
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

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