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Warehouse operations manager vs distribution supervisor

The differences between warehouse operations 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 operations manager and a distribution supervisor. Additionally, a distribution supervisor has an average salary of $62,458, which is higher than the $34,871 average annual salary of a warehouse operations manager.

The top three skills for a warehouse operations manager include customer orders, pallets and logistics. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Warehouse operations manager vs distribution supervisor overview

Warehouse Operations ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Yearly salary$34,871$62,458
Hourly rate$16.76$30.03
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs115,18542,619
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a warehouse operations manager do?

Warehouse Operations Managers oversee the whole operations of a company's warehouse. They are in charge of setting up processes to ensure the efficiency of warehouse operations. They oversee the processes involved in product handling, storage solutions, the shipment of goods, schedule of operations, and delivery of items. Warehouse Operations Managers also handle the layout of the warehouse so that space is properly used. They create forecasts on product volume to ensure that the warehouse is capable of housing the high volume of goods. They continuously review and evaluate warehouse policies, procedures, and systems to ensure that everything is updated and working efficiently.

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 operations manager vs distribution supervisor salary

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

Warehouse Operations ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average salary$34,871$62,458
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $45,000Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityFridley, MNReno, NV
Highest paying stateMinnesotaNevada
Best paying companyBDAgilent Technologies
Best paying industryHealth CareManufacturing

Differences between warehouse operations manager and distribution supervisor education

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

Warehouse Operations ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Warehouse operations manager vs distribution supervisor demographics

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

Warehouse Operations ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 88.0% Female, 12.0%Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.6% 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 operations manager and distribution supervisor duties and responsibilities

Warehouse operations manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all over the road deliveries through TMS.
  • Manage all aspects of local and national shipping, including internal fleet, small parcel and LTL.
  • Manage key performance indicators, reviewing them quarterly with each customer and developing KPIs to drive business results.
  • Design and oversee the routes for products delivery while managing the key performance indicators (KPIs) for different evaluation points.
  • Complete initial Kaizen training for lean manufacturing and managing for daily improvements.
  • Manage payroll and oversee center/facility expenses and accounts payable practicing cost containment strategies.
  • 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 operations manager vs distribution supervisor skills

Common warehouse operations manager skills
  • Customer Orders, 16%
  • Pallets, 12%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Warehouse Operations, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 4%
Common distribution supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%

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