What Is a Distribution Associate and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A distribution associate works in a warehouse or product distribution facility. As a distribution associate, your job duties are to receive customer orders, locate purchased items, and pack them for shipment. A career as a distribution associate does not require you to have formal education or qualifications, nor is previous experience necessary, though it may be helpful. You should have strong multitasking and organizational skills, as you deal with multiple customer orders simultaneously and may be required to find and restock items without looking through item location databases.

The primary qualifications for getting a job as a distribution associate are a high school diploma and some experience in a retail or warehouse environment. Depending on the job, you may also need a driver's license or a forklift certification. However, most companies can help you obtain the latter if you are otherwise qualified for the job. If you want to advance to a senior position, such as purchasing agent, take a look at their educational requirements to determine whether or not it makes sense to pursue a degree. Other helpful qualities for starting a career as a distribution associate include math skills, customer service skills, communication skills, and physical stamina.