How To Become A Distribution Centre Manager

How to Become a Distribution Centre Manager

Do you have an analytical mind and a love for maths? If the answer is yes and you want some career advice, you’ve come to the right place.

The role of Distribution Centre Manager is fast-paced, interesting, and engaging. If you want a job where no two days are the same, you might just have found it. In the following guide, we will cover what this role entails, the qualification you will need, and how to get started in this particular sector. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

What Does a Distribution Centre Manager Do?

As a Distribution Centre Manager, it’s your job to organise and oversee the storage and ultimate distribution of goods. You may also work under the title of logistics manager, warehouse manager, or supply chain manager, depending on the company at hand.

Should you gain a role in this fast-paced sector, your duties will be as varied as they are interesting. Before you start looking at vacancies, it’s worth gaining an understanding of the tasks that the job entails. Here’s what you can expect to see in the job description:

Oversee all of the warehouse operations on a day-to-day basis
Utilise available software to manage stock levels, distribution, and staff members
Collect data from the systems to make predictions about future stock levels
Set objectives for each of the teams (e.g. the forklift operators)
Manage the health and safety practices for the warehouse
Deliver staff training to new starters
Taking care of budgets and reordering stock as needed
Manage the available resources and continually undertake stock control
Take care of additional general management activities

When you start out as an entry-level Distribution Centre Manager, you will be learning the ropes. However, you will quickly become more confident in your leadership skills and so will be able to climb the career ladder. Armed with the right professional qualifications and years of experience in warehousing, you will be sure to go far in this career.

How Much Does a Distribution Centre Manager Earn?

Now that you understand what a Distribution Centre Manager does, let’s talk about their average salary. According to Payscale, these professionals can expect to make £32,594 per year. That is a good ballpark figure to use when you’re trying to find a job. Of course, the salary range may change depending on your location and the company you work for.

You should also keep in mind that the take-home pay will differ depending on whether you are a full or part-time worker. Of course, your salary will also climb as you gain years of experience. Should you reach senior management level, you can expect to make more money than you did when you gained your first entry-level role.

What Skills Are Needed to Become a Distribution Centre Manager?

Do you have what it takes to become a Distribution Centre Manager? Before you dive into logistics and transportation management, you need to make sure that you have the right skill set. Here are some of the talents you will need to thrive in the role:

Communication skills
High levels of logic
Leadership skills
Maths
IT management

Imagination
Willingness to take risks
Analytical skills
Problem-solving skills
Inventory management

Does Becoming a Distribution Centre Manager Need Any Work Experience?

If you’ve gained qualifications in logistics or supply chain management, you may already have the skills needed to apply for entry-level roles without the need for work experience.

When you first start applying for roles, you will be responsible for the team leader and warehouse staff in that role. In the years to come, you will be able to work your way toward senior management. Once you have done that, you will have further duties and responsibilities of which you should take care.

£0,594

Average Salary for a Distribution Centre Manager

Career Prospects For a Distribution Centre Manager

When you have spent a matter of years working as a Distribution Centre Manager, you will be able to apply for senior management positions. You may find yourself higher up in the company, overseeing a few different warehouses, for example. Since you will be using your analytical mind and working with IT systems, you may be ready to take on related jobs too.

Are you keen to start your journey and become qualified as a Distribution Centre Manager? Explore courses today and see how you can build a career in this exciting field.

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