Distribution managers, sometimes known as logistics or supply chain managers, plan and manage the flow of goods and materials from suppliers to customers. Customers include:

• manufacturing firms
• construction companies
• retail outlets.

Distribution managers work closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport managers to make sure goods and materials arrive at the depot as scheduled, are in good order, stored correctly and dispatched to customers on time.

They use computer software to monitor stock levels, re-order goods, and track the movement of goods through depots. They also oversee the ordering process and packaging of goods ready for dispatch.

An important part of the job is to analyse existing supply networks and systems and to develop new ones to improve efficiency.

Distribution managers also manage clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution staff, and deal with their recruitment and training.

Hours and Environment

Distribution managers normally work between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. However, depending on the operation, they may have to work evenings and weekends on a rota basis, or be on call to deal with emergencies. Many firms run 24-hour operations involving shiftwork. 

Managers work in an office, often based at a warehouse or depot.

Skills and Interests

To be a distribution manager, you should:

• be able to motivate and manage a team
• have good planning skills
• have good spoken and written communication skills
• have good analytical and numeracy skills
• be able to pay attention to detail
• be confident using computer packages, including spreadsheets
• be able to prioritise workloads and work under pressure to deadlines
• have good geographical knowledge.

European language skills may be useful for companies with overseas operations.  

Entry

You can get into this role by working for a company in a junior post, for example as a transport clerk, and with training and experience work your way up to supervisory and management positions. Young people can sometimes enter the logistics industry through apprenticeship schemes (see the Training section for contacts).

Most direct entrants to management jobs have a foundation degree, Edexcel (BTEC)/SQA HNC/HND or a degree. Relevant courses include:

• logistics
• international transport
• supply chain management
• transport management
• geography.

Colleges and universities throughout the country offer these courses. Please check with them for exact entry requirements.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Careers in Logisitcs and Skills for Logistics have detailed information about routes into this career, training providers and case studies. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

Some larger employers offer graduate training schemes. These are structured programmes lasting from a few months to two years. During this time, you have placements in several departments, gradually taking on more responsibility.  

Once working in the job, you can work towards one of several awards. These include:

• postgraduate degrees  - transport planning, supply chain management and logistics
• NVQs/SVQs - in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations Level 3, and Integrated Logistics Support Management Level 4
• Edexcel (BTEC) Professional Diploma in Logistics at Level 4

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) also offers certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses in Logistics and Transport. They also have a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for their members. See the CILT website in Further Information.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Opportunities are good with the expansion of supply chains across the European Union.

Distribution managers work for a wide variety of organisations. These range from small firms that operate locally, to national and multinational companies. Employers include:

• wholesalers
• warehousing and distribution firms
• manufacturers
• freight forwarders
• major retailers
• charities.

With experience and the right skills, distribution managers can progress to senior planning roles and consultancy.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for graduates are around £18,000 to £22,000 a year.
Experienced distribution managers can earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
Senior distribution managers earn up to £60,000 a year.

Further information

14 Warren Yard
Warren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314 Logistics and Transport Centre
Earlstrees Court
Earlstrees Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 4AX
Tel: 01536 740100