Who Are Distributors and What Do They Do?

Industrial distributors are skilled professionals buying thousands of industrial parts and products from the manufacturers that make them and then marketing, stocking, selling and delivering those products to the industrial customers that use them.

In today's complex, fast-moving, ever-changing marketplace, perhaps the MOST important role of industrial distributors is providing the production and product solutions that are vitally important to the productivity and profitability of industry.

By becoming experts on industrial products from a variety of manufacturers and understanding how industrial clients use them, industrial distributors are invaluable business partners, salespeople and problem-solvers.

Industrial distribution companies employ inside sales and customer service representatives, outside sales associates and account managers, product and marketing specialists, purchasing associates and buyers, warehouse, shipping and order clerks, IT, finance and human resource professionals, and managers.

Check out job descriptions and career paths from first jobs to senior positions.
Learn more about the skills, training and preparation for sales and customer service positions in industrial distribution.

Check out industrial distribution salary levels and job outlook.