How to Become a Distribution Center Manager
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Distribution Center Manager
What does a Distribution Center Manager do?
A Distribution Center Manager manages the overall planning, organizing, and operations of a distribution center. Oversees all distribution functions, including order processing, picking, packaging, shipping, and receiving. Being a Distribution Center Manager monitors inventory levels to ensure sufficient levels to fulfill all orders. Balances workloads as needed to achieve production and delivery goals for each shift. Additionally, Distribution Center Manager utilizes software, data, and analytics to optimize operations, track production metrics, and anticipate and resolve problems. Provides the necessary equipment, tools, and training to staff to ensure safe, secure, and efficient operations. Complies with all OSHA and other regulations, policies, safety procedures, and documentation requirements. May evaluate and select transportation or freight services, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relations. May require a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Distribution Center Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Distribution Center Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
A distribution center manager is responsible for the general oversight of a central distribution warehouse.
The manager may also be in charge of various buyer responsibilities, including sourcing vendors, negotiating product specifications and pricing, and monitoring production and delivery schedules.
One of the primary roles a distribution center manager can have is in regards to managing the warehouse's inventory.
Finding the right balance between these two levels is crucial to running a successful distribution center.
In order to successfully plan inventory levels, the manager must also become familiar with the proper sales forecasting trends.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Distribution Center Manager
Best tips for those who want to become a Distribution Center Manager
Here are some tips to become a Distribution Center Manager.
Assign an aisle to each employee in your warehouse.
Again addressing the issue of fraud, Hathaway advised that attendees should build a functionality into their databases to flag potential instances of fraud in all order fields (e.g., address block), not just the country code.
Consider rail for your transportation needs, said Peel, noting that this is particularly relevant now with the rising fuel surcharges traditional carriers are charging.
Don't tell your packaging vendor exactly what size box you need, said Holody.
Prioritize Fast-Moving Products.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Distribution Center Manager
Best colleges and universities for Distribution Center Manager
- Butler University
- Taylor University
- California State University--Maritime Academy
- William Jessup University
- Fairfield University
- United States Merchant Marine Academy
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Distribution Center Manager
Is being a Distribution Center Manager Worth it?
Logistics Manager Job (MNC Sporting Goods), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Executive recruitment specialists Monroe Consulting Group Malaysia is recruiting for one of the leading, multinational sporting goods companies in the world.
In his 22 years working for Macy’s, one distribution center manager found a way to work the system and pocket enough kickbacks to snag an Aston Martin.
Ability to develop strong trustworthy relationships with Operations and the Restaurant Support Center.
Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of experience in a distribution, warehousing or logistics….
3+ years management experience in a manufacturing, production or distribution environment.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Distribution Center Manager
What skills do you need to be a Distribution Center Manager?
Due to the management level associted with this job, many skills are required to being successful and ensuring the success of your team. It is necessary to be able to excel with: Distribution Center Management, Distribution Management, Supply Network Planning, Transportation Management. For management positions, some skills may come as a no brainer, for this role those would be: Distribution Software. As you can tell, it is no easy feat to be a manager, and the skills required reflect that.
To become an effective leader, an aspiring distribution center manager should have prior experience in the fields of business, supply chain management, and operations management.
On the average, employers require distribution center managers to have at least 2 years of experience in the floor before promoting them.
In this very modern world, a distribution center manager should possess technical skills in order to hasten the warehouse logistics processes.
We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Distribution Center Manager resumes they appeared on.
Let's find out what skills a Distribution Center Manager actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.
Step 6: View average salary for Distribution Center Manager
How much does a Distribution Center Manager make?
The average salary range for a Distribution Center Manager is from $92,764 to $122,827. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Distribution Center Manager jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Distribution Center Manager jobs, and apply.
Looking for Distribution Center Manager jobs?
Here are some Distribution Center Manager jobs in the United States.