A distribution center is a warehouse or specialized building where a set of products or goods are kept. Here, items are stored before they are delivered to wholesalers, retailers, or consumers.

A principal aspect of the order fulfilling process, a distribution center needs a capable employee who can oversee its day-to-day activities. This is where the job of the distribution center manager comes in.

What is a Distribution Center Manager?

As the name suggests, a distribution center manager supervises the workers employed in a warehouse. This is a key position, as the warehouse manager is responsible for all distribution center activities – from receiving and storing to the shipping of goods.

He is also in charge of planning operations and activities, with the company’s budget in mind. At the same time, he needs to address any issues within the organization, and promulgate solutions that can resolve such problems.

Distribution Center Manager Job Description

A distribution center manager holds a key role in the supply chain management. With that being said, he is responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Reviews incoming and outgoing shipments.
• Monitors warehouse workers and associated activities; offers assistance to those with concerns or problems on the work floor.
• Ensures that products delivered are stored in an organized manner, so that its quality is maintained and accessibility is achieved.
• Creates a layout plan that streamlines the storage and retrieval of goods.
• Implements worker safety and health regulations.
• Plans projects and sets objectives for the employees to meet.
• Responds to orders efficiently so that products are delivered in a timely and accurate manner.
• Coordinates with store managers or customers regarding discrepancies and errors in the supply chain process.
• Addresses logistical problems and furnishes solutions to these issues.
• Meets with other managers to confer about products, shipping times, and distribution issues, among many other concerns.
• Improves business by opening new contracts and enhancing systems.
• Creates new supply strategies.

 

What it Takes to Become a Distribution Center Manager

While stressful, the work of a distribution center manager can be fulfilling. If you are interested in taking this supervisory job, then here are the requirements you need to meet:

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is a basic requirement, although some employers prefer managers with bachelor’s degrees.

Background

To become an effective leader, an aspiring distribution center manager should have prior experience in the fields of business, supply chain management, and operations management.

Work Experience

As it has been established, one must know the in’s and out’s of the distribution center before he can effectively supervise it. On the average, employers require distribution center managers to have at least 2 years of experience in the floor before promoting them.

Skills

With the numerous tasks required of a distribution center manager, he should possess the following competencies:

• Speaking, writing, and listening skills
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities
• Management skills
• Customer service skills
• Production process know-how

Technical Skills

In this very modern world, a distribution center manager should possess technical skills in order to hasten the warehouse logistics processes. To become an effective supervisor, he should be well-versed with supply chain, inventory management, material requirement and planning, and project management programs.

Work Hours

The work hours of a distribution center manager might vary depending on the industry that the warehouse services. The work schedule can range from 40 to 60 hours per week. But in warehouses where a 24-hour service is enforced, a distribution center manager might need to be present during evenings and weekends.

It cannot be denied that the work of a distribution center manager might be stressful. Although this is the case, it comes with a fulfillment that you will not find in other warehouse jobs. If you have got what it takes to become one, then apply for this position today!