Specialised goods distribution manager

Specialised goods distribution managers plan, coordinate and manage the distribution of specialised goods to various points of sales. They oversee employees and ensure that operations run efficiently such as the storage, transportation and delivery of specialised goods.

The following job titles also refer to specialised goods distribution manager:

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

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.

Specialised goods distribution manager is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to specialised goods 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

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of specialised goods 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 specialised goods distribution manager with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

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

Cost management: The process of planning, monitoring and adjusting the expenses and revenues of a business in order to achieve cost efficiency and capability.
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.
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.

These skills are necessary for the role of specialised goods distribution manager.

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 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.
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.
Manage contracts: Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes.
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.
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.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of specialised goods 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.
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.
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.
E-commerce systems: Basic digital architecture and commercial transactions for trading products or services conducted via Internet, e-mail, mobile devices, social media, etc.
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.
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.
Supplier management: The methods and techniques to ensure that external services and configuration items, which are necessary for the service delivery, are available as requested and as agreed at the service level.

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

Monitor security procedures in warehouse operations: Supervise and enforce procedures for security purposes.
Minimise shipping cost: Ensure the safe and cost-efficient delivery of shipments.
Handle customer complaints: Administer complaints and negative feedback from customers in order to address concerns and where applicable provide a quick service recovery.
Manage health and safety standards: Oversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support alignment of these requirements with the company’s health and safety programmes.
Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
Negotiate terms with suppliers: Identify and work with suppliers to ensure quality of supply and best price has been negotiated.
Manage a warehouse management system: Use software in order to store materials within a warehouse; storing operations include shipping, receiving and picking.
Negotiate price: Arrange an agreement on price of products or services provided or offered.
Manage resources: Manage personnel, machinery and equipment in order to optimise production results, in accordance with the policies and plans of the company.
Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Initiate contact with buyers: Identify buyers of commodities and establish contact.
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.
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.
Negotiate buying conditions: Negotiate terms such as price, quantity, quality, and delivery terms with vendors and suppliers in order to ensure the most beneficial buying conditions.

1324 – Supply, distribution and related managers

 

 

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References

1. Specialised goods distribution manager – ESCO