How to become a Supply and Distribution Manager
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the supply, storage and distribution of goods produced by an organisation.
Main tasks
- Determines, implements and monitors strategies, policies and plans for purchasing, storing and distributing goods
- Monitors inventory systems to meet supply requirements and control stock levels
- Tracks movements of supplies and goods
- Liaises with other departments and customers regarding outward goods and transportation
- Oversees the recording of purchase, storage and distribution transactions
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Materiel Logistics (TLI41522); Diploma of Logistics (TLI50224); Advanced Diploma of Materiel Logistics (TLI60122); Advanced Diploma of Supply Chain Management (TLI60222); Diploma of Materiel Logistics (TLI50422); Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30321); Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520); Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations (TLI40324)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $147,368 a year
- About 55,500 people work in this job group now, and about 64,100 are projected by 2035. (+15.5%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Supply and Distribution Manager?
Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Certificate IV in Materiel Logistics; Diploma of Logistics.
How much does a Supply and Distribution Manager earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $147,368 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Supply and Distribution Manager a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2035, from about 55,500 to about 64,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Supply and Distribution Manager?
Not always. 34% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Certificate IV in Materiel Logistics; Diploma of Logistics.
Will AI change the work of a Supply and Distribution Manager?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04