How Do I Become a Distribution Supervisor?

People who work as distribution supervisors usually work in distribution centers, such as warehouses, where they oversee all shipments out to clients, retailers, and individual consumers. These professionals often have logistical tasks that require them to create strategies for shipping items to recipients in the most cost effective ways. They might also perform financial budgeting and market outlooks to determine inventory and labor numbers. To become a distribution supervisor, it almost always is necessary to have an undergraduate degree in a field such as finance, management, accounting, or logistics. Individuals who want to work in larger corporations or in industries that might require specialized knowledge should earn graduate degrees in related fields.

A person who wants to become a distribution supervisor should also be comfortable using complex computer programs. Individuals who enroll in academic programs in fields such as logistics, finance, and accounting are often trained to use common business and financial software. While these same exact programs might not be used in a distribution center where you work, it is important that you become comfortable learning programs that are used to make calculations.

Distribution supervisors are also responsible for managing distribution employees. For this reason, a person who wants to become a distribution supervisor should takes courses in management and leadership. A person with aspirations to become a distribution supervisor should feel comfortable developing strategies and giving orders. He or she might also be asked to participate in recruitment initiatives and employee training and assessment.

After earning college degrees, a person who wants to become a distribution supervisor should get a position as an inventory manager or warehouse supervisor. In many cases, it is important first to take an entry level position as an inventory worker. These lower level positions often serve as great introductions to workflow within distribution centers and also can help you to gain a clearer understanding of the distribution center's role in the supply chain. Many people take entry level positions while they are still in school; this ensures that they are qualified for higher level positions after they graduate.

A person who would like to become a distribution supervisor should plan on composing a cover letter and resume. These documents should highlight your business education to show employers that you have a keen understanding of financial principles. It is important that employers know that you are able to perform financial planning tasks. These documents also should describe your experience within distribution centers, ideally within a particular industry.