Distribution Manager CV Example + Template (2023 Guide)

Sobhan Mohmand, Career Expert          18 Nov 2022

As a distribution manager, you will be responsible for organising the storage, transportation and delivery of goods. In essence, you will ensure that the right goods reach the right people at the right time.

You will need to have a strong distribution manager CV to get hired for this highly sought-after job.

This guide has been written to give you all the necessary information, tips and examples to help you write an impressive CV and secure a job interview for this role.

Let’s get started!

• Distribution manager CV example
• Download CV template (Word format)
• How to structure and format your CV
• How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
• Personal profile statement example
• Distribution manager duties to add to your CV
• Useful skills to add to your CV
• Tips on making your CV more effective

Distribution manager CV example

Tip: Use the distribution manager CV template below as an example to help you write your own personal and fully-tailored CV.

Please note: the above CV example is presented in the UK format and layout.

Preview

Download CV template

Download

Are you writing your CV from scratch or is your CV template outdated? Download this professional CV template to impress employers!

• Free
• Save time and effort
• Guaranteed correct CV structure
• Word document (.docx) format
• Fully customisable

How to save your CV as a PDF document:

• Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.

How to structure and format your distribution manager CV

• Only include relevant information on your CV: Since you’re applying for a senior-level role, you may be running out of space to include all your information on your CV. You should carefully consider what information is absolutely necessary for inclusion and omit the irrelevant things from your CV such as your date of birth, age, photograph gender, marital status, national insurance number, nationality and salary requirements. Also, consider omitting old and outdated information such as school-level qualifications and part-time jobs.
• Improve the scannability of your CV: Studies have shown that employers tend to scan CVs rather than read them in great detail. You can improve the scannability and legibility of your CV by using a professional font, bullet points, short sentences, subheadings and plenty of white space. This will ensure the employer will easily find your most important information at a glance.
• Don’t use graphics, logos or images on your CV: The only thing that your CV should contain is information in text format. You may utilise some limited design features such as lines under subheadings but that’s about it.
• Print your CV on high-quality paper: If you’re invited for an interview, it is a good idea to bring two copies of your CV to the interview and give it to the interviewer(s). It is recommended to print your CV on 100-120gsm silk paper instead of the standard 80gsm photocopy paper. In today’s highly competitive job market, every little detail helps!

How to write a distribution manager CV (step-by-step guide)

Personal details

The first part of your CV is the personal details section, which contains your personal details such as your name and contact details, including address, telephone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).

Make your name the main heading of your CV instead of “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae.”

• John Baker
• 28 Redcliff Road, Leeds, L73 2FH
• Mob: 07978396392       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile

Next, you need to write a powerful personal profile to impress the employer.

A personal profile statement, also known as a CV summary, is a short paragraph that informs the employer about your personal characteristics, experience and abilities.

Guidelines for writing a perfect CV profile:

• Write a tailored statement for each job application
• Keep it brief (no more than 3-4 sentences)
• Use real-life examples, facts and figures to back up your statements

Distribution manager CV personal profile

I am a methodical and motivated distribution manager with more than 3 years of experience in the logistics and transport industry. In my current job, I am working in a busy distribution centre managing a team of 8 warehouse staff and 12 drivers. I have a proven track record of improving service levels and KPIs in transport, distribution, planning and health & safety. I possess strong IT skills and I am familiar with all the transport management systems to plan, manage and process deliveries.

Achievements

In this section of your CV, list down some of your important achievements or accomplishments. Employers love to know about your achievements because they are a testament to your determination, hard work, motivation, skills and abilities.

Example of achievements:

• Awards received
• Good grades
• Promotions
• Excellent customer feedback
• Improved processes or procedures
• Improved work efficiency
• Increased sales
• Led a team
• Met performance targets

• Successfully led and managed a team of 20 logistics staff
• Consistently hit my key performance indicator (KPIs)
• Promoted after ten months of starting the job

Employment and work experience

The employment and work experience section is the most important part of your CV. It contains details of your previous jobs, employment and work experience. This information is highly valued by employers because to secure a job as a distribution manager, you are required to have relevant work experience in the transport and logistics industry.

Types of work you can include in this section:

• Full-time jobs
• Part-time jobs
• Voluntary positions
• Work placements and internships

For each entry, you need to write the following information:

• Start and end dates (month/year format)
• Your job title
• Name of the company/employer
• Main duties, responsibilities or achievements

Distribution manager duties to add to your CV

• Be the main point of contact for all staff on site.
• Use IT systems to monitor and manage stock.
• Planning delivery routes in advance.
• Scheduling deliveries in a timely manner.
• Manage and supervise warehouse/logistics staff.
• Liaise with customers and logistics service providers.
• Negotiate contracts with clients and suppliers.
• Measure performance against agreed KPIs.
• Produce performance and financial reports.
• Attend senior management meetings.
• Ensure full legal compliance with health and safety regulations and relevant company policies and procedures.

Education and training

Next, write down details of your education, qualifications and training.

Things you can include in this section:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• College-level courses such as A-Levels and BTECs
• Technical and professional qualifications
• Work and vocational training received
• GCSEs or equivalent qualifications

As previously mentioned, you are applying for a senior-level position so you may want to omit old or outdated information such as school-level qualifications if you have got a university degree at level 6 and run out of space to include other important information.

Qualifications

The qualifications section of your CV should contain a list of additional qualifications such as professional training qualifications.

• Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 – Skills Training UK

Skills

The skills section, as its name suggests, contains details about your key skills, strengths, talents and abilities that are relevant to the job. It shows the employer, at a glance, what you are capable of doing and what you are good at.

Tips:

• Look at the job requirements and tailor your skills to the need of the job
• Briefly explain the skills and give real-life examples (don’t just write “communication skills” or “IT skills”!)
• Write a maximum of 5-6 skills in this section

• Comprehensive knowledge of the transport and logistics industry
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated in my ability to work with a variety of people including staff, customers and suppliers.
• Leadership skills, demonstrated in successfully managing a team of 12 staff
• Strong IT skills, demonstrated in using a variety of IT systems and solutions including Microsoft Office and major transport management systems.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety standards and regulations.

Useful skills to add to your distribution manager CV

• Competency in using IT systems (including Microsoft Office)
• Familiarity with transport management systems
• Leadership, management and negotiation skills
• Route planning and scheduling
• Analysing data and writing reports
• Multitasking and time management skills
• Experienced in first aid and health & safety procedures
• Keeping calm and professional under pressure
• The ability to meet tight deadlines
• Dealing with emergencies

Hobbies and interests (optional)

You may feel that it would be a bit childish to include your hobbies on your CV but, actually, it can add value to your CV and improve your chances for selection.

Employers understand that they are hiring humans, not robots, and they value applicants that engage in extracurricular activities outside of work.

For example, mentioning that you enjoy playing chess and solving puzzles indicates to the employer that you have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, both of which are essential requirements for being a successful distribution manager.

Guidelines:

• Only mention relevant hobbies and interests that add value to your CV
• Leave out the hobbies section if you require more space for your employment, education or skills sections. The hobbies section is less important and optional.

References

The last part of your CV contains details of your references.

Your references are people who know you well, have worked with you before and can vouch for your character, skills and abilities to prospective employers.

Each entry should contain the following information:

• Referee name
• Job title
• Company/organisation name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address

Note: If you decide not to include references on your CV at this stage of the recruitment process, you can simply write, “references available upon request.”

Tips to make your distribution manager CV more effective

• Focus on your skills: Being a distribution manager is a high-skilled job that requires a specific skill set to do the job well. You should focus on your key skills, strengths and abilities to demonstrate to the employer that you are a strong candidate for this position. Skills that are required for the job include leadership, organisational, interpersonal, analytical and IT skills. Studies have shown that applicants with skills-focused CVs are more likely to be shortlisted for interviews compared to applicants who have duties-focused CVs.
• Proofread your CV: The CVs of applicants applying for senior-level jobs are expected to be of a higher standard compared to average CVs. Any small spelling or grammar mistake, no matter how small, could ruin your chances of securing a job interview. You should double-check your CV for any mistakes and correct them. Ideally, let a family member, friend or careers advisor proofread your CV before you send it to the employer.
• Send a cover letter with your CV: You should always write a personalised, tailored cover letter to send alongside your CV for each application. In your cover letter, explain the reason for your application, mention some of your key selling points, explain what value you can add to the organisation and encourage them to invite you for a face-to-face interview.

If you have followed all the guidelines and tips in this guide, you should now have an impressive distribution manager CV that will get you job interviews in no time.

Good luck with your job hunt!