Profession distribution manager

Distribution managers plan the distribution of goods to various points of sales.

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Personality Type

• Enterprising / Conventional

Knowledge

• Supply chain management

  The flow of goods in the supply chain, movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.

• Freight transport methods

  Understand different modalities of transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport. Specialise in one of the modalities and possess a deeper knowledge of the details and procedures of that modality.

• Hazardous freight regulations

  Know the most widely applied regulatory schemes for the transportation of dangerous materials. Know specific regulatory frameworks such as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport, or International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code ("IMDG Code") for transportation of hazardous materials by sea.

Skills

• Ensure customs compliance

  Implement and monitor compliance with import and export requirements in order to avoid customs claims, supply chain interruption, increased overall costs.

• Carry out inventory control accuracy

  Implement control procedures and documentation related to inventory transactions.

• Perform risk analysis

  Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.

• Have computer literacy

  Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

• Plan transport operations

  Plan mobility and transport for different departments in order to obtain the best possible movement of equipment and materials. Negotiate the best possible delivery rates. Compare different bids and select the most reliable and cost-effective bid.

• Develop financial statistics reports

  Create financial and statistical reports based on collected data which are to be presented to managing bodies of an organisation.

• Track shipments

  Track and trace all shipment movements on a daily basis by utilising information from tracking systems and proactively notifying customers about the location of their shipments.

• Forecast distribution activities

  Interpret data in order to identify future trends and actions in distribution.

• Handle carriers

  Organise the transportation system through which a product is conveyed to its buyer, through which a product is sourced from a supplier, including customs.

• Manage financial risk

  Predict and manage financial risks, and identify procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.

• Minimise shipping cost

  Ensure the safe and cost-efficient delivery of shipments.

• Manage freight payment methods

  Manage freight payment methods in accordance with the procedure that must be followed wherein payment is made around the time the freight is due to arrive, clear customs, and be released.

• Adhere to organisational guidelines

  Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

• Communicate with shipment forwarders

  Maintain a good flow of communication with shipper and freight forwarders, who ensure a correct delivery and distribution of goods.

• Perform multiple tasks at the same time

  Execute multiple tasks at the same time, being aware of key priorities.

• Carry out statistical forecasts

  Undertake a systematic statistical examination of data representing past observed behaviour of the system to be forecast, including observations of useful predictors outside the system.

• Ensure regulatory compliance concerning distribution activities

  Meet the rules, policies and laws that govern transportation and distribution activities.

• Implement strategic planning

  Take action on the goals and procedures defined at a strategic level in order to mobilise resources and pursue the established strategies.

• Track shipping sites

  Track the different shipping sites where packages arrive in order to maintain an efficient distribution system and on-time tracking systems for customers.

• Create solutions to problems

  Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.

• Perform financial risk management in international trade

  Evaluate and manage the possibility of financial loss and non-payment following international transactions, in the context of foreign exchange market; apply instruments like letters of credit.

• Manage staff

  Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB