Distribution Manager Jobs in California
Distribution Manager jobs in California are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in logistics, consumer goods, e-commerce fulfillment, and food and beverage distribution serving both domestic and export markets, and openings at every level from assistant distribution coordinator to senior director of supply chain operations. The largest hiring centers are Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where companies like Amazon, Sysco, and Target have established significant distribution and fulfillment infrastructure across the state. The most sought-after specializations include cold chain and temperature-controlled logistics, last-mile delivery operations, and warehouse management system implementation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This hybrid role works in the DTLA Arts District office Tuesday through Thursday.
- Manage day-to-day operational activities owning corporate distributor accounts, ensuring timely execution of account requirements and resolution of operational issues.
- Oversee product and account setup, item maintenance, and accuracy of product and account data across customer portals and internal systems.
- Coordinate product availability, allocation, and inventory priorities with Sales and Supply Chain to support customer needs and business objectives.
- Manage pricing administration and analysis, including price changes, required customer notifications, contract alignment, and validation of customer and distributor pricing.
- Support trade planning and optimization through program setup, spend tracking, evaluation of program performance, and reconciliation of rebates, billbacks, and accruals in partnership with Finance.
- Oversee vendor compliance and monitor distributor service performance, coordinating corrective actions and resolution of supply, delivery, and product quality issues with the appropriate internal teams.
- Partner with Finance and Customer Service to validate, investigate, dispute, and resolve deductions, pricing discrepancies, compliance charges, and other account-related claims.
- Support annual planning and ongoing forecast updates by analyzing sales trends, distributor inventory, and changes in demand in partnership with Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain.
- Develop reporting and analysis to monitor account performance, identify trends and risks, and support business reviews and operational decisions.
- Coordinate contract administration, including internal review and approval, documentation, key deadlines, and implementation of approved pricing and program terms.
- Coordinate operational execution of product launches, item changes, and distributor transitions, ensuring alignment of pricing, inventory, forecasts, and trade programs.
- Establish and improve processes that strengthen execution, reduce administrative complexity, and support a growing Away from Home business.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in the food and beverage industry, preferably in sales operations, account operations, or commercial distribution.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Strong understanding of distributor and broker operating models and experience coordinating account execution.
- Strong account operations, process management, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including trade investment analysis, volume forecasting, and deduction management.
- Proficiency in Excel and experience using business intelligence, trade management, and customer portal systems.
- Strong time management and organizational abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear business insights and recommended actions.
- Up to 10% travel for customer company meetings, events, and food shows.
The expected salary range for this position is between $110,000 - $130,000 per year based on a full-time schedule. Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting the actual salary. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible to enroll in Califia’s employee benefits program. You may also be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus program which may be subject to change.
The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
This hybrid role works in the DTLA Arts District office Tuesday through Thursday.
- Manage day-to-day operational activities owning corporate distributor accounts, ensuring timely execution of account requirements and resolution of operational issues.
- Oversee product and account setup, item maintenance, and accuracy of product and account data across customer portals and internal systems.
- Coordinate product availability, allocation, and inventory priorities with Sales and Supply Chain to support customer needs and business objectives.
- Manage pricing administration and analysis, including price changes, required customer notifications, contract alignment, and validation of customer and distributor pricing.
- Support trade planning and optimization through program setup, spend tracking, evaluation of program performance, and reconciliation of rebates, billbacks, and accruals in partnership with Finance.
- Oversee vendor compliance and monitor distributor service performance, coordinating corrective actions and resolution of supply, delivery, and product quality issues with the appropriate internal teams.
- Partner with Finance and Customer Service to validate, investigate, dispute, and resolve deductions, pricing discrepancies, compliance charges, and other account-related claims.
- Support annual planning and ongoing forecast updates by analyzing sales trends, distributor inventory, and changes in demand in partnership with Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain.
- Develop reporting and analysis to monitor account performance, identify trends and risks, and support business reviews and operational decisions.
- Coordinate contract administration, including internal review and approval, documentation, key deadlines, and implementation of approved pricing and program terms.
- Coordinate operational execution of product launches, item changes, and distributor transitions, ensuring alignment of pricing, inventory, forecasts, and trade programs.
- Establish and improve processes that strengthen execution, reduce administrative complexity, and support a growing Away from Home business.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in the food and beverage industry, preferably in sales operations, account operations, or commercial distribution.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Strong understanding of distributor and broker operating models and experience coordinating account execution.
- Strong account operations, process management, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including trade investment analysis, volume forecasting, and deduction management.
- Proficiency in Excel and experience using business intelligence, trade management, and customer portal systems.
- Strong time management and organizational abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear business insights and recommended actions.
- Up to 10% travel for customer company meetings, events, and food shows.
The expected salary range for this position is between $110,000 - $130,000 per year based on a full-time schedule. Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting the actual salary. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible to enroll in Califia’s employee benefits program. You may also be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus program which may be subject to change.
The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
See All 61 Distribution Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Distribution Manager JobsDistribution Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Distribution Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in distribution manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field
- Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in distribution, warehousing, or logistics operations
- Proficiency with warehouse management systems such as SAP, Oracle WMS, or Manhattan Associates
- Demonstrated experience managing large hourly workforces in a high-volume distribution center environment
- Knowledge of California labor law compliance including meal and rest break requirements and wage-and-hour regulations
- APICS CSCP or CPIM certification preferred by many California employers in consumer goods and food distribution
Distribution Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a distribution manager in California?
Most distribution managers in California start with a bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, or business and work their way up through warehouse supervisor or operations coordinator roles. California does not require a state-issued license for distribution managers, but employers in food distribution and pharmaceutical logistics increasingly expect candidates to hold APICS certification such as the CPIM or CSCP. Building experience with California-specific labor compliance and a major WMS platform significantly strengthens a candidate's profile.
How much do distribution managers make in California?
Distribution managers in California earn a median of about $123,780 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $71,260 for the lowest 10% to over $208,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire distribution managers in California?
Employers hiring distribution managers in California right now include Target, Burns & McDonnell, and Molex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's combination of major seaports, a dense retail market, and a large food and beverage sector means hiring activity stays consistent across both large national operators and regional distributors headquartered in the state.
Which California cities have the most distribution manager jobs?
San Diego, Rialto, and San Jose have the highest concentration of distribution manager openings in California. Los Angeles and the Inland Empire drive volume through port-linked freight, retail fulfillment centers, and consumer goods companies, while the Bay Area generates demand from food distribution and technology supply chains tied to the region's large corporate campuses and dense urban delivery networks.
Are there remote distribution manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Distribution management is fundamentally an on-site role, requiring direct oversight of warehouse staff, inventory, and physical logistics infrastructure. About 70% of distribution manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be senior or regional roles focused on vendor management, network planning, or multi-site performance analysis rather than day-to-day floor operations.
How can I get hired as a distribution manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a warehouse associate, inventory control, or logistics coordinator role at a major California distribution operation, then moving into a shift supervisor or team lead position. Large California employers like Amazon and Sysco run internal leadership development programs that promote hourly workers into salaried roles. Earning an entry-level APICS certification and demonstrating hands-on familiarity with a WMS platform are the credentials that most accelerate that progression in California's competitive market.
Where can I find and apply to distribution manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to distribution manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to each one.
See All 61 Distribution Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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