Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: 3PL (Third Party Logistics) • Safety Stock • ABC Analysis

Distribution Network

Term from Logistics Consulting industry explained for recruiters

A Distribution Network is the complete system of warehouses, transportation routes, and delivery methods that a company uses to get their products from where they're made to their final customers. Think of it like a road map showing how products move from point A to point B, including all the stops in between. When someone mentions this on their resume, they're usually talking about their experience in planning or improving how companies deliver their products more efficiently, save money on shipping, or reach customers faster. This could involve deciding where to put warehouses, choosing shipping methods (like trucks, trains, or planes), or figuring out the best delivery routes.

Examples in Resumes

Redesigned Distribution Network to reduce delivery times by 30%

Managed regional Distribution Network operations across 5 states

Optimized company's Distribution Network saving $2M in annual costs

Led analysis of Logistics Network to improve efficiency

Restructured Supply Chain Network for better market coverage

Typical job title: "Distribution Network Planners"

Also try searching for:

Supply Chain Analyst Logistics Network Designer Distribution Operations Manager Network Optimization Specialist Supply Chain Network Planner Distribution Strategy Manager Logistics Consultant

Where to Find Distribution Network Planners

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you describe a time when you had to redesign a distribution network? What were the challenges and outcomes?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in managing large-scale network changes, considering factors like cost, service levels, and implementation challenges. They should mention concrete results like cost savings or service improvements.

Q: How would you approach optimizing a company's distribution network that's currently losing money?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should include analyzing current costs, identifying inefficiencies, considering warehouse locations, transportation modes, and delivery routes. They should mention gathering data, using analysis tools, and considering both short-term and long-term impacts.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating warehouse locations?

Expected Answer: Should mention proximity to customers, transportation costs, labor availability, real estate costs, and access to major transportation routes. Look for practical understanding of trade-offs between different factors.

Q: How do you measure the performance of a distribution network?

Expected Answer: Should discuss metrics like delivery time, shipping costs, inventory levels, customer satisfaction, and order accuracy. Should show understanding of both efficiency and effectiveness measures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main components of a distribution network?

Expected Answer: Should be able to identify basic elements like warehouses, transportation routes, delivery methods, and explain how they work together to move products from manufacturers to customers.

Q: What's the difference between direct shipping and hub-and-spoke distribution?

Expected Answer: Should explain that direct shipping goes straight from source to customer, while hub-and-spoke uses central warehouses to consolidate and redistribute goods. Should understand basic pros and cons of each.