Distribution manager

Distribution managers organise the receipt, storage and delivery of goods to customers or retail outlets. They could be employed by manufacturers, retailers or wholesale companies that use their own transport facilities. Alternatively, their employers might provide services to companies on a third-party contract basis.

Also known as:

• Logistics manager
• Warehouse manager – distribution

Work activities

The duties of distribution managers vary considerably according to the size and type of organisation they work for. Job titles also vary – typical titles include operations, warehouse, supply chain and logistics manager. Distribution managers have overall responsibility for the most cost-effective distribution of goods and/or raw materials. They make sure that the right amount of goods is in the right place at the right time, so that their company can maximise sales and profits. They might have responsibility for warehousing, stock/inventory control, order processing and packaging.

Distribution managers supervise and manage staff. This could extend to recruitment, training and staff development. Planning and scheduling deliveries, and controlling the operation of fleets of vehicles, means that distribution managers have to meet deadlines. They make sure that employees group and load items for delivery correctly in order to make the most efficient use of transport. If the company does not run its own transport fleet, it is the responsibility of the distribution manager to contract out the transport work and to liaise with the contract company. Efficient flow of stock is essential to the profitability of an organisation. Managers must constantly maintain and improve efficiency while minimising costs. They consider the company’s future development and look at ways to improve the workforce and use of resources. Distribution managers use financial management skills – reading balance sheets and making profit-and-loss forecasts – to control their department’s budget. Distribution managers make the best use of computer-based systems. These systems handle all the information needed to run the distribution centres. Analysing and interpreting data is a very important part of the distribution manager’s role.

Some or all of the warehouse systems are likely to be automated. These systems:

• Allocate areas in the warehouse for the storage of different goods.
• Keep records about goods received and despatched.
• Record details of orders coming in and being sent out.

They can also plan routes for deliveries. Distribution managers are often required to handle major problems and emergencies, such as when a product is recalled for some reason or there is a sudden shortage of a product. They liaise with buyers, suppliers and retail customers, as well as their own staff.

Personal qualities and skills

As a distribution manager, you will need to be:

• Able to manage and motivate people.
• Calm and flexible when unexpected things happen.
• Able to pay close attention to detail.
• Good at solving problems and taking responsibility for your decisions.
• Able to plan and prioritise.

You should have:

• Good interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Organisational, numerical and analytical skills.
• Teamwork skills.
• Experience of using information technology.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Distribution managers earn in the range of £24,000, rising to up to £48,000.

Managers usually work a 38-40-hour week. However, depending on the operation, they might be required to work evenings, at weekends or be on-call.

Employers include major retail companies, manufacturers and warehousing and distribution firms. Opportunities for distribution managers occur in depots in towns and cities throughout the UK, with most opportunities in hub centres near larger towns and cities. Some distribution centres are in rural areas near motorway junctions.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, on job boards and employers’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of supply chain practitioner is a good way to enter this career path through on-the-job training, as well as study towards a relevant qualification. Direct entrants also often have a degree or HND. Employers look for high-calibre applicants with good interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.

There are a few specialist degree courses that cover this area, including logistics and supply chain management. Other degree and HND courses in retailing or retail management might also have relevant options in distribution. Degrees in business studies and HND courses in business and finance are also appropriate as some of these include options in retail distribution or operations management. Some geography or economics degrees might also include relevant modules. Foundation degrees in logistics are available. There are also some postgraduate courses in logistics and supply chain management.

Some employers offer graduate training schemes. It might also be possible to work towards the level 2 or 3 certificate in logistics operations, or to take professional examinations such as those administered by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)), while in employment. Some employers also expect distribution managers to hold the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Distribution managers can progress to senior management posts, sometimes at a head office.

Qualifications

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

The usual minimum entry requirements for a degree course are:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some managers start out as warehouse assistants and work up through supervisory grades to management. Others have related qualifications and skills gained in transport and distribution.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (for example, Access to Business) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

A range of colleges and universities offer courses in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at undergraduate and postgraduate level including with part time/flexible and distance learning study options.

Related careers

• Buyer
• Export sales manager
• Manager
• Retail merchandiser
• Road transport manager
• Sales manager
• Warehouse manager
• Wholesale manager