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The differences between supply chain 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 supply chain logistics manager and a distribution manager. Additionally, a supply chain logistics manager has an average salary of $93,712, which is higher than the $89,264 average annual salary of a distribution 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 manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Supply Chain Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $93,712 | $89,264 |
| Hourly rate | $45.05 | $42.92 |
| Growth rate | - | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 38,785 | 39,061 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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.
Supply chain logistics managers and distribution managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Average salary | $93,712 | $89,264 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $136,000 | Between $62,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Exelixis | Levi Strauss & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a supply chain logistics manager and a distribution manager in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain logistics managers' and distribution managers' demographics:
| Supply Chain Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |