Distribution Manager Jobs
Among the better paying jobs in distribution are those performed by distribution managers. Distribution managers oversee the process by which goods are moved from where they are produced to where they are bought. This is called "logistics," and it generally involves several process points.
For example, if the distribution is wholesale, the goods arrive from a manufacturer and are inventoried. They are then shipped to where they're going to be sold. If the distribution takes place in manufacturing, those who manage the distribution are responsible for taking care of whatever raw material comes in, controlling inventory, and shipping finished products out.
Managing the Shipping Process
Distribution managers are responsible for more than the simple transportation of shipments. They must also figure out how much freight should be placed on each shipment and the routes to be traveled. They must also make sure that there is enough available transportation to ship the goods. If goods are going to be shipped on trucks, for example, enough trucks and drivers must be available to do this.
Besides making sure that the products ship out okay, they must keep track of the shipment while it's in progress to make sure that the products reach where they're going on time and without mishap. If a company is particularly small, the distribution manager and an assistant or two manage this task. If the company is particularly large, the distribution manager doesn't have direct contact with these tasks; instead, he or she directs a division of logistics and coordinates several departments for warehousing, receiving, and shipping products or raw materials. It's especially important to make sure a product gets to where it's going on time and at the lowest cost possible, especially if it's something that can spoil, such as fresh produce, or during the holiday season, when timelines are especially tight.
Training and Education
Those who undertake a distribution career, especially in management, must have excellent skills when it comes to managing the logistics of this particular field. Distribution managers must have college degrees in economics, business, or accounting to qualify. In addition, computer skills are a must, and a background in computer science is also desired.
If companies' logistics are especially complicated, as sometimes happens with very large corporations or multinational operations, distribution managers may need to have a master's degree in distribution management or business administration to qualify for jobs of this caliber.
Other Jobs in Distribution
There are also other jobs to be had within distribution. For example, one can be a warehouse supervisor, traffic manager, or inventory control analyst. With the proper background in education, you can work your way up from these positions into a position as a distribution manager, and may even go higher within the company. You may work your way up within a single company to become registration manager, or you may be recruited from another company.
Looking for Distribution Jobs
It's quite easy to find job listings online for experienced distribution managers, as they are usually in high demand; oftentimes, newspapers also list these types of openings.
Career Path and Outlook
Those who are successful as distribution managers can often work their way up to the top of a particular corporation. They can even move into vice presidential positions within corporations, or decide to work for themselves within logistics or transportation consulting once they have gained enough experience.
Because the economy at present is somewhat slow, distribution jobs, too, have taken a hit and are less available than usual. However, logistical efficiency within the transportation sector is going to become increasingly important to drive costs down; therefore, distribution managers will continue to be in demand and will be in even greater demand once the economy recovers.
Working Conditions and Salary
The conditions distribution managers work under depend on how big a company and its logistics operations are. With small companies, distribution managers do quite a bit of hands-on managing by working in both the warehouse and in the office. Hours also may fluctuate depending on what the particular volume is of incoming and outgoing goods. In general, managers work about 40 to 45 hours per week, on average.
Most distribution managers average roughly $70,000 a year in salary. They also usually get benefits such as medical insurance, vacations, and paid holidays. Retirement, too, is usually provided for.
Conclusion
Jobs in distribution can fluctuate depending on the economy, so that at present, they're less in demand than usual. However, the economy will improve and efficiency will continue to be the focus in the transportation and logistics of shipping, storing, and handling of raw materials, commercial goods, and finished products. This means that those who can fill distribution jobs will continue to be in great demand.
