A distribution house is a big entity whose movement is made possible by hundreds (if not thousands) of people. To streamline the multiple operations – and to make sure that the warehouse is operating towards the right direction – is a middle manager also known as the distribution supervisor.

What is a Distribution Supervisor?

A distribution supervisor is in charge of leading and overseeing the day-to-day activities of a certain department within the distribution center. He works by supervising his employees, so that the department’s functions are carried out in an efficient and timely manner. He is also in charge of implementing programs that will ensure the smooth workings of the department.

Distribution Supervisor Job Description

The work of a distribution supervisor is more than just directing and guiding his workers. He is also expected to complete other tasks, such as:

Managing and Monitoring

• Manage warehouse activities.
• Ensures employee compliance to protocols and standards.
• Supervises inbound deliveries to ensure accuracy.
• Ensures the warehouse inventory is clearly identified and readily accessible.
• Ensures products for delivery are routed to the appropriate clients.
• Supervises document preparations for transfer to other departments/shipping.
• Monitors and tracks the progress of deliveries.
• Schedules counts with the Accounting Department.
• Maintains, if not surpasses, quality expectations and standards required from the department.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.

Leading and Training

• Identifies measures that can improve various warehouse processes without the additional financial burden.
• Fosters a high degree of morale among his people.
• Assists in the recruitment, hiring, promoting, and terminating processes as needed.
• Trains old employees to ensure that their skills are at par with the newest warehouse standards and regulations.
• Trains new employees to become a valuable part of the team.
• Reviews employee performances and provides feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Customer Service

• Caters to customers’ needs whilst adhering to company policies and stipulations.
• Ensures client satisfaction through efficient departmental activities.
• Addresses customer queries.

How to Become a Distribution Supervisor

The distribution supervisor oversees a lot of employees and activities, that’s why this post has advanced requirements, compared to other warehouse center jobs.

For one, applicants for the distribution supervisor position are usually required to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields. That’s because these degrees cover the key concepts of the warehouse business, such as sales, requisitions, packaging, shipping, transportation, among many other aspects.

There are employees, however, who permit aspirants with Associate Degrees and several years of warehouse work experience.

With that being said, it will help if you have first-hand experience of distribution center operations. If you are striving to become a distribution supervisor, it is advisable that you get a blue-collar warehouse job. Being a distribution center clerk will give you the strong skill set that employees are looking for in applicants.

Depending on where you will work as a distribution supervisor, some employers might require some licenses and certifications required by state regulations.

Apart from possessing a good education and a strong work background, a distribution supervisor also needs to have the following attributes:

• Excellent communication skills
• Stellar leadership skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Good customer service skills
• Exceptional problem-solving skills
• Computer literacy
• Eye for detail and accuracy

Distribution Supervisor Work Setting

As the overseer of the distribution center operations, a distribution supervisor can often be found in the office. However, he will need to go around the warehouse daily to ensure that all things are in place.

Distribution Supervisor Salary

A distribution supervisor takes home an average of $50,000 yearly. Newly-hired managers usually start at the $39,000 level, while veterans get to earn as much as $64,000 every year. This excludes additional revenues, including bonuses and profit shares – which can add as much as $6,000 and $2,500 respectively.