Distribution Managers organise the distribution of goods to customers or shops. They make sure that the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost – making the most efficient use of transport. They are also involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods.
Distribution Managers need to have a understanding of the whole supply chain to be able to co-ordinate it effectively.
You’ll need:
good communication and relationship management skills, working collaboratively with internal and external teams
excellent business management, planning and leadership skills
a knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
good time management, with the ability to work under pressure, maintain accuracy and keep to deadlines
good problem solving and decision making
commercial awareness and numeracy skills
good computer skills and knowledge of the main software packages
negotiation and analytical skills
to work well under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
understanding of risk management in the supply chain
NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills and experience of the employee.
40+ hours per week, usually Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. However, many companies run 24-hour operations, and this role may include shift work, with evening and weekend hours on a rota basis.
Manage stock, delivery times and transport arrangements to co-ordinate and control orders
Allocate and manage staff resources
Liaise and negotiate with customers and suppliers
Analyse and evaluate performance and quality and to plan improvements to resolve logistical problems
Improve and develop business performance within the constraints of legislation, fuel costs and rising environmental pressures
Implement health and safety procedures
Train and motivate other members of the team
The role is usually office based, although you may need to visit warehouses, suppliers and customers.
The industry can be fast moving, and work may be stressful.
Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Promotion and progression may involve movement into general management of larger units, specialised roles or taking a more overarching role in logistics management such as Operations Manager.
Distribution Manager will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.
Want to be part of a growing industry? Explore diverse opportunities in warehousing and logistics.
Warehousing and logistics are part of a company’s supply chain – the things a company needs to do to get their goods or services to their customers efficiently. It’s an important part of the UK economy – according to Logistics UK, the sector contributes £127 billion to the UK’s economy and employs more than 2.5 million people. For the Republic of Ireland, Ibis World reported in 2022 that the warehousing and storage industry is valued at €865.7m and ranked 9th in Europe.
Jobs are incredibly varied – you could work in a warehouse (a commercial building that receives, stores and distributes products) or you could focus on logistics (managing the storage and delivery of products). Both warehousing and logistics work closely together to help retail, manufacturers and food and drink producers get their goods to their customers.
Thanks to the rise of online shopping, British industry needs more and more warehouses, storage and supply chain activities to keep goods moving. Some careers options focus on reducing the environmental impact of this activity, looking at how to use less energy and fuel to help organisations come up with more sustainable and efficient ways of transporting goods.
The logistics sector contributes £127 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) to UK economy
There are 205,380 logistics enterprises in the UK
Within the UK there are almost 2000 individual warehouse units used for storage and distribution, which account for almost 566 million sq ft of warehouse space
The warehousing and storage industry in the Republic of Ireland has grown every year between 2017 and 2022, and currently employs almost 3,500 people
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
To find out more about qualification levels in England please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) .
To find out more about qualification levels in Northern Ireland please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
To find out more about qualification levels in the Republic of Ireland, please visit National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQIE)
To find out more about qualification levels in Scotland please visit Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
To find out more about qualification levels in Wales please visit Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
Title | Level | |
---|---|---|
BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management (with Placement Year) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Logistics and Transport Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
Canterbury Christ Church University Canterbury Christ Church University Canterbury Christ Church University Canterbury Christ Church University Canterbury Christ Church University | ||
BSc (Hons) Logistics with Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Logistics (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
FdSc Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
MBA Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
MSc Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
Level 5 Logistics and Transport Operations Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) | ||
Level 5 Professional Diploma Logistics and Transport | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management (with Placement Year) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Logistics and Transport Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics with Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Logistics (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
FdSc Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
MBA Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
MSc Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
Level 5 Logistics and Transport Operations Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
Level 5 Professional Diploma Logistics and Transport | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management (with Placement Year) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Logistics and Transport Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics with Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Logistics (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
FdSc Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
MBA Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
MSc Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
Level 5 Logistics and Transport Operations Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
Level 5 Professional Diploma Logistics and Transport | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management (with Placement Year) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Logistics and Transport Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics with Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Logistics (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
FdSc Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
MBA Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
MSc Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
Level 5 Logistics and Transport Operations Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
Level 5 Professional Diploma Logistics and Transport | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management (with Placement Year) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Logistics and Transport Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics with Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Logistics (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
FdSc Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
MBA Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
MSc Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
Level 5 Logistics and Transport Operations Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
Level 5 Professional Diploma Logistics and Transport | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management (with Placement Year) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Logistics and Transport Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Logistics with Supply Chain Management | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Logistics (Top-up) | RQF Level: Level 6 | |
FdSc Logistics Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
MBA Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
MSc Shipping and Logistics | RQF Level: Level 7 | |
Level 5 Logistics and Transport Operations Management | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
Level 5 Professional Diploma Logistics and Transport | RQF Level: Level 5 | |
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
Health and Safety for the Workplace
Master the basics of Health and Safety for the Workplace with our interactive course.
Type: Training (Only)
Emergency First Aid at Work
Show you are the first aider in your workplace with our Emergency First Aid at Work training course.
Type: Training (with Assessment) Competence
Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career. Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn, there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an apprenticeship if you already have a degree.
During an apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed regularly to make sure you’re gaining the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need. At the end of the apprenticeship, an End Point Assessment (EPA) will check you’re fully competent. EPAs are carried out by an independent organisation and will include a practical skills demonstration and discussion.
To become an apprentice in England you must:
There are four levels of apprenticeship:
Transport Planner (integrated degree) - 60 months
About
Transport Planners design and develop transport and travel systems that are safe to operate, environmentally sustainable and meet the needs of businesses and customers.
Find out more
Apprenticeships - HM Government
Work, earn and learn – no matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can set you up for a bright future.
Let’s get started!
Want to take on an apprentice? Employers start here.An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else. But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training. Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.
Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:
Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages - there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to gain experience, upskill or change career while working.
They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:
Interested in becoming an apprentice? Search for current opportunities and apply here.
Find your apprenticeship
You can also check vacancies on employer websites or get in touch with your local careers service.
What’s it like to work, earn and learn? Find out what apprentice life is really like.
Explore apprenticeship storiesNot quite sure if an apprenticeship is right for you? If you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, T Levels and Traineeships can be a great alternative.
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels – a two-year course for 16-18 year olds. Created alongside employers, they combine classroom learning with an industry placement and are a great way to prepare for work, further training or study. If you’re not quite ready for a T Level, the T Level Transition Programme is a 1-year post-GCSE course designed to prepare you for your chosen route. T Levels are available in Agriculture, Land Management and Production from September 2023, and in Animal Care and Management from September 2024.
Traineeships are a great option if you’re between 16 and 24 and don’t yet have the skills or experience to take on a job or apprenticeship. In a Traineeship, you complete an unpaid work placement alongside a training course to develop your skills. Traineeships last from six weeks to a year, though most last around six months.
United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA)
Find out more
Logistics UK
Find out more
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
Find out more
Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training - different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect you to support available:
Skills Hub Scotland is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills. Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.
Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech 5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations, Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource. If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider, list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner, use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!
STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals – this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships, further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!
STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences. They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes - Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:
Smart Futures helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them. Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM, the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.
Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.
If we can support you with any specific information, please click the button below to get in touch.