Distribution manager

Description

Distribution managers plan the distribution of goods to various points of sales.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to distribution manager:

senior distribution manager
graduate distribution planner
trainee logistics manager
graduate distribution manager
assistant supply chain manager
assistant distribution manager
graduate supply chain manager
trainee supply chain manager
assistant distribution planner
assistant traffic office manager
trainee distribution manager
senior distribution planner
trainee traffic office manager
trainee distribution planner
assistant logistics manager
graduate traffic office manager
senior traffic office manager
senior logistics manager
graduate logistics manager
senior supply chain manager

Minimum qualifications

High school diploma is generally required to work as distribution manager. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Distribution manager is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Distribution manager career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to distribution manager.

agricultural machinery and equipment distribution manager
agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feeds distribution manager
beverages distribution manager
chemical products distribution manager
china and glassware distribution manager

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of distribution manager. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of distribution manager with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of distribution manager.

Freight transport methods: Understand different modalities of transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport. Specialise in one of the modalities and possess a deeper knowledge of the details and procedures of that modality.
Hazardous freight regulations: Know the most widely applied regulatory schemes for the transportation of dangerous materials. Know specific regulatory frameworks such as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport, or International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (“IMDG Code”) for transportation of hazardous materials by sea.
Supply chain management: The flow of goods in the supply chain, movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of distribution manager.

Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
Manage freight payment methods: Manage freight payment methods in accordance with the procedure that must be followed wherein payment is made around the time the freight is due to arrive, clear customs, and be released.
Perform multiple tasks at the same time: Execute multiple tasks at the same time, being aware of key priorities.
Minimise shipping cost: Ensure the safe and cost-efficient delivery of shipments.
Perform risk analysis: Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation’s functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
Track shipments: Track and trace all shipment movements on a daily basis by utilising information from tracking systems and proactively notifying customers about the location of their shipments.
Ensure customs compliance: implement and monitor compliance with import and export requirements in order to avoid customs claims, supply chain interruption, increased overall costs.
Perform financial risk management in international trade: Evaluate and manage the possibility of financial loss and non-payment following international transactions, in the context of foreign exchange market; apply instruments like letters of credit.
Develop financial statistics reports: Create financial and statistical reports based on collected data which are to be presented to managing bodies of an organisation.
Track shipping sites: Track the different shipping sites where packages arrive in order to maintain an efficient distribution system and on-time tracking systems for customers.
Carry out inventory control accuracy: Implement control procedures and documentation related to inventory transactions.
Forecast distribution activities: Interpret data in order to identify future trends and actions in distribution.
Manage financial risk: Predict and manage financial risks, and identify procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
Communicate with shipment forwarders: Maintain a good flow of communication with shipper and freight forwarders, who ensure a correct delivery and distribution of goods.
Adhere to organisational guidelines: Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
Handle carriers: Organise the transportation system through which a product is conveyed to its buyer, through which a product is sourced from a supplier, including customs.
Carry out statistical forecasts: Undertake a systematic statistical examination of data representing past observed behaviour of the system to be forecast, including observations of useful predictors outside the system.
Ensure regulatory compliance concerning distribution activities: Meet the rules, policies and laws that govern transportation and distribution activities.
Have computer literacy: Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Plan transport operations: Plan mobility and transport for different departments in order to obtain the best possible movement of equipment and materials. Negotiate the best possible delivery rates. Compare different bids and select the most reliable and cost-effective bid.
Implement strategic planning: Take action on the goals and procedures defined at a strategic level in order to mobilise resources and pursue the established strategies.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of distribution manager. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Transportation software related to an erp system: Business management software to collect, manage and interpret data related to shipping, payment, inventory, manufacturing applied in transportation and distribution.
Metal and metal ore products: The offered metal and metal ore products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Pharmaceutical products: The offered pharmaceutical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Chemical products: The offered chemical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products: The offered agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Textile industry machinery products: The offered textile industry machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Clothing and footwear products: The offered clothing and footwear products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Electronic and telecommunication equipment: The offered electronic and telecommunication equipment and products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Types of aircraft: The various types of aircraft, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Construction products: The offered construction materials, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Tobacco products: The varieties of products that can be manufactured using tobacco leaves as a base. The types of tobacco products which are smoked tobacco products, smokeless tobacco products, and byproducts of tobacco leaves.
Agricultural equipment: The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Types of maritime vessels: Know a large variety of maritime vessels and their characteristics and specifications. Use that knowledge to ensure that all security, technical, and maintenance measures are taken into account in their supply.
Dairy and edible oil products: The offered dairy products and edible oil products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Fish, crustacean and mollusc products: The offered fish, crustacean and mollusc products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Sugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery products: The offered sugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Textile products, textile semi-finished products and raw materials: The offered textile products, textile semi-finished products and raw materials, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
International commercial transactions rules: Pre-defined commercial terms used in international commercial transactions which stipulate clear tasks, costs and risks associated with the delivery of goods and services.
Machinery products: The offered machinery products their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Hides, skins and leather products: The offered hides, skins and leather products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Furniture, carpet and lighting equipment products: The offered furniture, carpet and lighting equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Meat and meat products: The offered meat and meat products, their properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Hardware, plumbing and heating equipment products: The offered hardware, plumbing and heating equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Beverage products: The offered beverage products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Employment law: The law which mediates the relationship between employees and employers. It concerns employees’ rights at work which are binding by the work contract.
Computer equipment: The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Fruit and vegetable products: The offered fruit and vegetable products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Electrical household appliances products: The offered electrical household appliances products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Industrial tools: The tools and equipment used for industrial purposes, both power and hand tools, and their various uses.
Teamwork principles: The cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.
Waste and scrap products: The offered waste and scrap products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
International import export regulations: Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.
Watches and jewellery products: The offered watches and jewellery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Wood products: The various wood products such as lumber and furniture, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Perfume and cosmetic products: The offered perfume and cosmetic products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products: The offered mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Coffee, tea, cocoa and spice products: The offered coffee, tea, cocoa and spice products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Household products: The offered household products or goods, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Live animal products: The offered live animal products, their specificity and legal and regulatory requirements.
Flower and plant products: The offered flower and plant products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Glassware products: The offered china glassware and other glassware products such as cups and vases, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of distribution manager. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Manufacture ingredients: Manufacture ingredients such as spices, additives and vegetables.
Monitor security procedures in warehouse operations: Supervise and enforce procedures for security purposes.
Ensure customer focus: Attitude that puts customers at the centre of the business in all cases.
Speak different languages: Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
Manage a warehouse management system: Use software in order to store materials within a warehouse; storing operations include shipping, receiving and picking.
Oversee freight-related financial documentation: Oversee freight billing and invoicing accuracy
Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
Think proactively: Take initiatives to come up with improvements.
Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

ISCO group and title

1324 – Supply, distribution and related managers

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Distribution manager – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022