All About Storage and Distribution Managers
Occupation Description Plan, direct, or coordinate the storage or distribution operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that are engaged in storing or distributing materials or products.
A Day in the Life of a Storage & Distribution Manager
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
- Plan or implement environmental training programs and activities.
- Develop or implement plans for storage and distribution activities that emphasize technological solutions for sustainability, such as investment in smart or eco-friendly containers, dynamic distribution networks, warehouse renovations, or fuel efficient fleets.
- Develop storage and distribution models that include factors such as warehouse locations, customer locations, or available transportation modes to maximize operational efficiency or sustainability.
- Evaluate freight or inventory costs associated with transit times to ensure that costs are appropriate.
- Evaluate the environmental implications of new warehouses or distribution networks.
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Storage & Distribution Manager Needed Skills
These are the skills Storage and Distribution Managers say are the most useful in their careers:
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Warehouse Foreman
- Shipping Receiving Manager
- Dispatch Manager
- Shipping Manager
- Distribution Center Operations Manager
Job Demand for Storage and Distribution Managers
There were about 115,500 jobs for Storage and Distribution Manager in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,800 new jobs for Storage and Distribution Manager by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Storage & Distribution Manager are Utah, Nevada, and South Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Storage & Distribution Manager Make?
Storage and Distribution Managers make between $56,050 and $158,370 a year.

Storage and Distribution Managers who work in District of Columbia, Delaware, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Storage and Distribution Managers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $88,330 |
Alaska | $95,160 |
Arizona | $84,730 |
Arkansas | $110,300 |
California | $107,550 |
Colorado | $118,580 |
Connecticut | $116,730 |
Delaware | $132,320 |
District of Columbia | $141,040 |
Florida | $93,720 |
Georgia | $108,990 |
Hawaii | $91,630 |
Idaho | $78,130 |
Illinois | $98,210 |
Indiana | $95,120 |
Iowa | $84,960 |
Kansas | $103,660 |
Kentucky | $90,500 |
Louisiana | $86,750 |
Maine | $79,140 |
Maryland | $106,270 |
Massachusetts | $109,840 |
Michigan | $109,240 |
Minnesota | $102,500 |
Mississippi | $87,910 |
Missouri | $98,730 |
Montana | $89,920 |
Nebraska | $98,250 |
Nevada | $94,750 |
New Hampshire | $115,970 |
New Jersey | $124,130 |
New Mexico | $92,540 |
New York | $120,350 |
North Carolina | $107,080 |
North Dakota | $97,720 |
Ohio | $99,570 |
Oklahoma | $80,210 |
Oregon | $89,070 |
Pennsylvania | $112,170 |
Rhode Island | $127,240 |
South Carolina | $94,240 |
South Dakota | $95,330 |
Tennessee | $85,760 |
Texas | $105,320 |
Utah | $82,110 |
Vermont | $91,850 |
Virginia | $105,600 |
Washington | $116,690 |
West Virginia | $83,080 |
Wisconsin | $98,520 |
Wyoming | $91,070 |
What Tools do Storage and Distribution Managers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Storage and Distribution Managers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- IBM Notes
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Graphics software
- Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
- IBM Power Systems software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Hewlett Packard HP-UX
- CA Erwin Data Modeler
- WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
How do I Become a Storage & Distribution Manager?
What education is needed to be a Storage and Distribution Manager?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Storage and Distribution Managers?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many Storage and Distribution Manager in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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