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Distribution Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As part of a rapidly evolving Distribution Planning function, this role will play a key role in shaping processes, driving operational excellence and building scalable solutions to support future ...

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Distribution Planning information

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How much do distribution planning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution planning in the United States is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is distribution planning?

Distribution planning is the process of efficiently managing the movement of goods from manufacturers or suppliers to distribution centers, warehouses, and ultimately to customers. It involves forecasting demand, optimizing inventory levels, selecting transportation methods, and coordinating schedules to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. Effective distribution planning helps companies minimize costs, improve customer satisfaction, and respond quickly to changes in demand or supply chain disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced in a distribution planning role, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in Distribution Planning often encounter challenges such as balancing inventory levels, forecasting demand accurately, and coordinating logistics across multiple channels. Effective management involves leveraging advanced planning software, maintaining strong communication with suppliers and internal teams, and staying adaptable to sudden changes in market demand or supply chain disruptions. Developing strong analytical skills and fostering collaborative relationships across departments are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in distribution planning, and why are they important?

To excel in Distribution Planning, you need strong analytical abilities, supply chain knowledge, and typically a degree in logistics, business, or engineering. Familiarity with inventory management systems, ERP software (like SAP), and forecasting tools is highly valued. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you coordinate across teams and adapt to changing demand. These competencies are essential for optimizing inventory levels, reducing costs, and ensuring timely product availability throughout the supply chain.

What is the difference between Distribution Planning vs Logistics Coordinator?

AspectDistribution PlanningLogistics Coordinator
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing distribution strategies to optimize product deliveryCoordinating transportation, shipments, and delivery schedules
Required SkillsSupply chain knowledge, planning, analyticsCommunication, organization, logistics operations
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, distribution centers, planning officesTransportation hubs, warehouses, offices
Common CertificationsSupply Chain certifications (CSCP, APICS)Logistics or transportation certifications (CLTD, TLI)

Distribution Planning focuses on strategizing and optimizing the movement of goods across the supply chain, while Logistics Coordinators handle the day-to-day coordination of shipments and transportation. Both roles are essential in supply chain management but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What skills are needed for distribution planning jobs?

Distribution planning jobs require strong analytical skills, proficiency in supply chain management, and knowledge of logistics software such as SAP or Oracle. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are also essential for coordinating inventory, transportation, and warehouse operations.
More about Distribution Planning jobs
Infographic showing various Distribution Planning job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,480 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Distribution Planning Manager

Bethlehem, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Messer rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Messer

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Messer

  • 93%

    93% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 92%

    92% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 87%

    87% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

    say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

Featured by Messer, based on 21 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Why Messer? 

Messer is the world’s largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.

The true strength of Messer is our people—at every level and in every role.

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.

Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.

Principal Responsibilities: 

Planning and Organizing

• Identifies, develops and drives scheduling and service best practice initiatives inside the National Scheduling Center and with the other function of Supply Chain Planning and the Regional Sales organization.

• Ensures compliance with standard distribution procedures.

• Works with Distribution KPI’s and other scorecards to maximize continuous improvement efforts in reducing cost to serve at an agreed minimum service level.

• Assist the Director of National Scheduling Center in strategic resource planning, and motivates their direct team members to meet or exceed business KPIs and targets

• Collaborates with all Supply functions, Sales, HSEQ and field locations to regularly evaluate the most efficient way to schedule and dispatch the distribution resources within each merchant region

• Coordinate with field locations and distribution planners to fulfill Take-or-Pay obligations

• Coordinate with the field locations and distribution planners to execute outage plans and competitive product clearances

• Manage tactical communication and execution with Regional Sales and customers to ensure continuous customer supply

• Ensure product quality adherence and support Central quality on during any quality deviation

• Collaborate cross functionally to support customer supply plans for future growth or new customers; including but not limited to tank sizing, resource requirements, quality, etc.

 Day-to-Day Operations

• Manages emergency or upset conditions with plants or customers for their regional merchant team

• Distributes daily workload and maintains shift schedules of direct team members

• Serve as first line management escalation point to resolve customer or field distribution related issues

• Collaborates with logistics and regional management using proprietary software, monitors all internal and external levels of service, capacity, and key performance indicators (KPIs) used in the measurement of customer satisfaction

• Works closely with key-account customers, central transport, sales, product management, and process operations to collaborate regularly on a range of customer priorities, implications and initiatives.

 People Management

• Responsible for all managerial aspects and personnel administration for their Distribution Planning Team

• Involved in recruiting and orientation for vacant positions

• Trains develops, motivates and guides all distribution planners in the use of all systems and tools

• Identifies training requirements for distribution planners

• Provides quarterly feedback to distribution planners via scorecard

• Inspires Messer behavioral competencies, and customer ownership within distribution planners

• Cascades own goals and works with distribution planners in creating their development plan via the PMP process.

• Drives performance via various performance management tools, PMP, coaching/counselling, PIP, scorecard, KPIs, etc.

Additional Accountabilities

• Maintain safety standards; support Opex targets

• Increased level of customer and employee satisfaction

• Continuous process improvement and implementation of best operating practices

• Demonstration of ACTS competencies

• Optimal use of technology and systems

• Change management effectiveness

• Development of staff

• Ability to manage other project-oriented activities, for example, tube trailer scheduling, etc.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills: 

• 3-5 years of GOLD/Midas experience and Digital Deliver proficiency required

• Expert User of essential National Scheduling Center tools 

• Demonstrated skills in project/initiative management

• Strong analytical skills, math aptitude necessary and communication skills needed

• Strong mentoring and training skills

• Demonstrated capability to lead formulation and execution of improvement initiatives

• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt skills are a plus

• Minimum of 2-3 years of demonstrated leadership, forging good working relationships with team members and other functional areas as well as proven track record in managing change 

• Availability to work flexible schedule (one weekend every six weeks is required)

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or supply chain managements

• At least 5-7 years’ experience in dispatch, scheduling, or transportation/logistics

About Messer: 

Messer’s safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another. 

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization – the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030.


Working at Messer

Perks for frontline workers

From Messer, via Breakroom

  • Health insurance

  • Retirement Plan

  • Paid Time Off

  • Ongoing training & development opportunities

About Messer, in their own words

From Messer

Messer offers more than 125 years of expertise in industrial, medical, specialty and electronics gases. The company delivers quality gases, related services and technology via an extensive production and distribution network. Health and safety, sustainability practices and environmental protection are core Messer values that are embedded in the company’s daily operations.

Company values

From Messer

Our Mission: To become the premier supplier of choice for industrial, medical and specialty gas solutions, admired for our safety culture, customer focus, performance, and innovation.

Our Vision: ​As the leading privately held provider of industrial, medical, and specialty gas solutions, we are the first choice for customers and employees.

Our Purpose: We help people drive progress.

At Messer, we know people – who are welcomed and empowered – create our success. Whether you’re a recent graduate starting your career or returning to the workforce after a break, you might be the perfect fit to spark innovative thinking and bring creative new ideas to our growing team.

From ongoing training and development opportunities to tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs, you’ll feel valued and get to make a real impact.

We’re expanding into new markets and creating technologies that impact nearly every aspect of daily life, with new and exciting opportunities for you to thrive every single day. Will you join us?


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