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What is a zone manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Mark Meng Ph.D.
introduction image

The duties of a zone manager vary by industry of employment or line of work. However, their job involves coordinating with regional managers, establishing guidelines and product roadmaps, and collecting and analyzing data from their zone of assignment. Likewise, they conduct research, analysis, and sales assessments. Additionally, they develop and implement solutions to improve operations.

Zone managers are tasked with managing the company's services and product distribution operations. Meanwhile, they must lead and encourage employees to accomplish goals while working in line with the company's policies and regulations.

To become a zone manager, you need a bachelor's degree in a related field. You must possess customer service, management, problem-solving, interpersonal, organization, computer, and communication skills. Zone managers earn an average salary of $90,669 annually, which is $43.59 per hour. It varies from $61,000 to $132,000. High-paying zone manager positions can be found in retail, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

What general advice would you give to a zone manager?

Mark Meng Ph.D.

Mark Z. Meng, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Indiana University Kokomo

Analytical skill comes at the top. The hospitality world has becoming increasingly
dependent on data. Crisis and emergency management demonstrated their importance
in the past three years across all areas of the hospitality industry.
ScoreZone ManagerUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $50,974

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.35%

Black or African American 6.16%

Hispanic or Latino 15.12%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.56%

Gender

female 31.09%

male 68.91%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Zone manager career paths

Key steps to become a zone manager

  1. Explore zone manager education requirements

    Most common zone manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.9 %

    Associate

    18.8 %

    High School Diploma

    14.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific zone manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Work Ethic18.01%
    Loss Prevention12.14%
    Inventory Control8.07%
    Merchandise Displays7.22%
    Sales Floor4.73%
  3. Complete relevant zone manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New zone managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a zone manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real zone manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional zone manager certifications

    Zone manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific zone manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for zone managers include Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

    More About Certifications
  5. Research zone manager duties and responsibilities

    • Level one the managed distribution side that provides DSD to independent pet stores and veterinary clinics.
    • Market growth accomplish by executing fundamental basics in store and leveraging the strength of the DSD model.
    • Establish productive working relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies, reorganize and improve operation, and achieve OSHA compliance.
    • Spearhead of new training program after recognizing inadequate materials on POS systems.
  6. Prepare your zone manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your zone manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a zone manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable zone manager resume templates

    Build a professional zone manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your zone manager resume.
    Zone Manager Resume
    Zone Manager Resume
    Zone Manager Resume
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    Zone Manager Resume
    Zone Manager Resume
    Zone Manager Resume
    Zone Manager Resume
  7. Apply for zone manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a zone manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first zone manager job

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Average zone manager salary

The average zone manager salary in the United States is $50,974 per year or $25 per hour. Zone manager salaries range between $34,000 and $75,000 per year.

Average zone manager salary
$50,974 Yearly
$24.51 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do zone managers rate their job?

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Zone manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

Helping my stores and employees achieve there goals

Cons

Only one day off no time for family


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

The people that you meet! Interactive with a diverse group of individuals from every walk of life.

Cons

The employees with all no calls and no shows!!!!! Poor upper management not taking up for the staff. Also the rude individual’s that comes in gripping about everything


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

i like being in charge and the head of the team

Cons

i don't want to have all responsibility


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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