Careers in Distribution, Copyright 2005, WERC Careers in Distribution Management Jobs

Careers in Distribution, Copyright 2005, WERC

Careers in Distribution

Management Jobs


Management Jobs in the DC

Supervisor

Warehouse / Operations Manager

General Manager

Traffic Manager

Decision Making

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Management

Safety & Security

HR Policies

Business & Financial Knowledge

Industry & Product Knowledge

Distribution & Inventory Control

Company Policies

Knowledge of All Operating Tasks

Project & Time Management

Typical job descriptions on next page.


Supervisory/Management Positions

Responsible for coordinating and supervising warehouse activities. Typically supervises warehouse workers, material handlers and/or order fillers/pickers. May report to the Warehouse Manager, Operations Manager or the DC Manager.

Directs the daily activities of the warehouse including scheduling labor, supervision and proper use of space, equipment and manpower. Is responsible for budgeting, staffing, warehouse operation, facility and equipment maintenance, safety, security, sanitation and housekeeping. Coordinates warehouse operations with customer service and transportation.


Warehouse Supervisor

General Manager

Coordinates and supervises all functions relating to freight moving into and out of warehouse. Ensures compliance with all government regulations. Manages traffic department personnel. May evaluate and negotiate carrier rates and contracts. May manage the warehouse truck fleet. Prepares freight billings and maintains an effective transportation information reporting system.

Responsible for the overall performance of the warehouse, including operations, customer service, office and IT. Plans, organizes, staffs, directs and controls all office and warehouse activities. Accountable for achieving company objectives in regard to cost, productivity, customer service and profits. Typically, this is the highest-ranking manager in the facility.

Traffic Manager


Managements’ Requirements

Today, more and more warehouse managers are beginning their career in distribution with a college degree in logistics or a related field.

There still are, however, a fair number of managers who began their career on the warehouse floor and have progressed up the career ladder without formal education.

Best advice: Get all the training and education you can.


Management

Typical Years of Experience

Typical Education Typical Salary & Bonus Range

Supervisor 5+ years High school or some college

$37,397 - $57,973


5+ years 2 year degree $54,000 - $88,930

General Manager 10+ years At least 2 year degree

$75,000 - $136,888

Traffic Manager 5+ years 4 year degree $48,475 - $89,850


Managements’ Requirements

Knowledge, skills and attitude required to get the work done through others

Knowledge of all operational tasksExcellent management skills

Business knowledgeSafety knowledge

Human resources skillsCustomer knowledge

Industry & product knowledgeProblem solvingResponsiveness

Interpersonal skillsBudgeting

Records & inventory controlFlexibility

Communication skills

Managing in the warehouse requires a broad range of skills and knowledge.



Executive-Level Jobs


Executive-Level Positions

Provides leadership and direction for distribution and warehouse operations (and possibly other departments). Coordinates with management team on strategic planning, budgeting, marketing and pricing strategies, capital and personnel requirements and compliance issues. Directs all operational functions for reporting departments. May have responsibility for Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Master Production Scheduling and Deployment.

Responsible for overall performance of assigned facilities. Assists General Managers in planning, budgeting, and organizing to enable organization to reach customer service, safety and financial goals. Develops marketing plans and assists in growing the business.

Vice President of Logistics

Director of Logistics


Executives

Typical Years of Experience

Typical Education Typical Salary Range

Director of Logistics

At least 10 years 4 year degree $93,000 - $154,740

VP of Logistics 15+ years 4 year degree $99,611 - $239,244



Jobs Related to Warehousing


Responsible for business development and leads marketing / sales department. Makes sales calls, develops rate proposals and assists in operations reviews with customers. Works closely with operations to maintain existing business and develop customer relationships.

Manages office operations and works closely with the customer service department and warehouse on account administration. May direct accounts payable and receivable and payroll activities.

Supervises the CS Department. Develops procedures, establishes standards and administers activities to ensure timely delivery of product and effective response to customer requests. Develops effective communication links with the customer and other departments.

Customer Service Manager

Office Manager

Vice President Marketing/Sales

Customer Service RepresentativeSales Person

Processes customer orders and generates all related paperwork. Takes action for customer inquiries and complaints. Coordinates activities with internal departments, vendors and common carriers. Processes returns and credits.

Makes sales calls to potential customers focusing on both providing solutions for logistics and transportation needs and also to developing long-term relationships. Develops sales presentations, negotiates price and service levels and initiates contractual agreements.

Related Jobs in the DC


Warehousing-related jobsTypical Years of Experience

Typical Education Typical Salary Range

VP of Marketing / Sales

10+ years 4 year degree $106,500 - $206,483

Sales Person 1-5 years 4 year degree $43,116 - $104,000

CS Manager 5 years Some college $52,500 - $79,805

CS Rep 1 year High school $12.57 - $19.65 an hour

Office Manager 1-5 years High school $35,462 - $62,970



Career Paths


Career PathsThere is no ONE career path for those who choose distribution as their career. The organizational chart on the following slide shows typical reporting relationships.

Many warehouses offer a broad range of activities and cross training so a person can learn about many aspects of the work and “try” various job responsibilities. This is a way to gain valuable experience as you determine your own career path.


Organizational ChartGeneral Manager

Operations Manager Human Resources Manager Office Manager CS Manager

Traffic Manager

CS Rep Clerks

DC Manager Maintenance Manager

Clerks Warehouse Supervisor

Warehouse Workers Order Pickers Checkers Forklift

Operators

Maintenance Crew


IndustriesDistribution jobs are found in many industries. WERC members, for example, are in these:

Manufacturing

Retailing

Third Party Providers

Wholesaling

Material Handling Equipment Providers

Software / Hardware Providers

Utilities

Government / Military

Transportation

Banks, Insurance, Health Care

Consulting

Real Estate


Types of JobsWithin the various industries, distribution professionals may have any number of specialized responsibilities including these:

Educators

Consultants

Inventory Planning & Management

Operations Management

Transportation Management

Global Distribution

Industrial Engineers

Purchasing

Production Planning

Customer Service

Information Systems Marketing & Sales

Logistics Planning

General Management

Finance / Accounting

Recruiters Trade Press


Is Warehousing for You?

The future is bright for those in distribution careers.

AND there are many choices.


More Information

Want to learn more about warehousing? Check out the WERC seminars.

WERC offers publications on warehousing topics.

Learn more about warehousing competencies. Order the WERC publication.

Want more data on warehousing salaries? Purchase the Salaries & Wages publication.

The research library offers lots of information about warehousing jobs, companies and topics.

Join WERC today to get member benefits and access to other distribution professionals.

Documents

Careers in Distribution, Copyright 2005, WERC Careers in Distribution Management Jobs