Mid-Level

Distribution Operations Manager

The distribution operations leader โ€” managing daily distribution execution for performance and reliability.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
S
R
I
A
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Industries that often hire Distribution Operations Managers
Job markets for Distribution Operations Managers
Employment concentration ยท ~58 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Distribution Operations Manager

As Distribution Operations Manager, you manage the day-to-day execution of distribution activities. You oversee order fulfillment, shipping operations, and distribution staff, ensuring throughput and accuracy targets are met.

Your days focus on operational execution. You might review daily metrics, direct operations, manage supervisors, address issues, and ensure performance targets are met. You keep distribution running effectively.

The hardest part is maintaining consistent performance while handling daily variability. Distribution Operations Managers who thrive are strong operational leaders, adapt quickly, and build reliable teams.

IndependenceAbove avg
SupportAbove avg
Working ConditionsAbove avg
RelationshipsModerate
AchievementModerate
RecognitionModerate
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Operations scopeVolume intensityShift structureTeam sizeAutomation level
Distribution Operations Manager roles vary by operational intensity. High-volume environments are more demanding. Shift structures differ. Team sizes vary. Automation level affects management focus.
โœฆ Editorial โ€” written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape โ€” and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Distribution Operations Managers (SOC 11-9131.00), not just this title ยท BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Distribution Operations Manager career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit โ€” and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Distribution strategy
Manager roles require strategic thinking
2
Process improvement
Systematic improvement adds value
3
Analytics
Data-driven operations is important
What operations are managed?
What is the volume level?
What is the shift structure?
What is the team size?
What are the key metrics?
โœฆ Editorial โ€” career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape โ€” helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$81Kโ€“$109K
Salary Range
10th โ€“ 90th percentile
14K
U.S. Employment
-3.5%
10yr Growth
900
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$110K$107K$104K$101K$99K201920202021202220232024$99K$110K
BLS OEWS May 2024 ยท BLS Employment Projections 2024โ€“2034

Skills & Requirements

CoordinationTime ManagementActive ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionManagement of Personnel ResourcesCritical ThinkingMonitoringNegotiation
O*NET OnLine ยท Bureau of Labor Statistics
11-9131.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) ยท BLS Employment Projections ยท O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.