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Warehouse manager vs distribution supervisor

The differences between warehouse managers and distribution supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a warehouse manager and a distribution supervisor. Additionally, a distribution supervisor has an average salary of $62,458, which is higher than the $62,189 average annual salary of a warehouse manager.

The top three skills for a warehouse manager include customer service, safety regulations and safety procedures. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Warehouse manager vs distribution supervisor overview

Warehouse ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Yearly salary$62,189$62,458
Hourly rate$29.90$30.03
Growth rate--
Number of jobs56,94442,619
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a warehouse manager do?

Warehouse managers oversee the overall operations of a company's warehouse. They manage the inventory by ensuring that the inventory records are updated and accurate. They tend to deliveries and check all items. They ensure that items in the warehouse are appropriately stored and secured. They also supervise the shipping of items from the warehouse and ensure that the correct products are delivered. Warehouse managers continuously find ways to improve the efficiency of warehouse operations. Warehouse managers manage warehouse personnel as well, ensuring that they are trained well and motivated to work.

What does a distribution supervisor do?

A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Warehouse manager vs distribution supervisor salary

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

Warehouse ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average salary$62,189$62,458
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $103,000Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityReno, NVReno, NV
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNevada
Best paying companyPayPalAgilent Technologies
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between warehouse manager and distribution supervisor education

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

Warehouse ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Warehouse manager vs distribution supervisor demographics

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

Warehouse ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 90.1% Female, 9.9%Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between warehouse manager and distribution supervisor duties and responsibilities

Warehouse manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage distribution costs; maintain contracts with shipping companies; organize mass mailings using USPS.
  • Manage 130 team members in the carton sortation, garment on hanger, will call and outbound operations.
  • Manage all small packaging shipping and receiving duties along with negotiating all pricing discounts and all LTL and full truck loads.
  • Experience with managing logistics and inventory in multiple facility locations and ERP databases.
  • Manage payroll and oversee center/facility expenses and accounts payable practicing cost containment strategies.
  • Experience with DRP, ERP, VMI, WMS.
  • Show more

Distribution supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Begin the implementation of standard work and lead kaizen event to standardize pack stations.
  • Manage warehouse technology including RF, packing systems, shipping systems, and forklift operations.
  • Develop the WMS training program and lead the team in the design of WMS process rules.
  • Have led cost saving initiatives including staffing, a DC expansion, and customization of WMS.
  • Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
  • Comply with cleanliness standards, government regulations, and safety requirements, including OSHA, FDA, and HACCP.
  • Show more

Warehouse manager vs distribution supervisor skills

Common warehouse manager skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Safety Regulations, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Inventory Control, 6%
  • Shipping Receiving, 5%
Common distribution supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%

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