Delivery Lead vs. Delivery Manager: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A delivery lead and a delivery manager are both responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the differences between a delivery lead and a delivery manager, and we provide additional project management roles you may be interested in pursuing.
What is a Delivery Lead?
A Delivery Lead is responsible for leading a team of delivery drivers and ensuring that they are meeting all company standards for safety, customer service, and efficiency. They create and maintain schedules, dispatch drivers, and track deliveries. Delivery Leads also work with customers to ensure that they are satisfied with the service they receive. In some cases, they may be responsible for training new drivers or investigating customer complaints. Delivery Leads typically work for companies that offer delivery services, such as food delivery or package delivery.
What is a Delivery Manager?
Delivery Managers are responsible for the successful execution of projects and delivery of products or services to clients. They work with project teams to ensure that all aspects of the project are on track and within scope. Delivery Managers create and maintain project schedules, track milestones and deliverables, and report progress to clients and senior management. They also work with vendors and suppliers to ensure that all materials and resources are procured in a timely and cost-effective manner. In some cases, Delivery Managers may also be responsible for training and onboarding new team members.
Delivery Lead vs. Delivery Manager
Here are the main differences between a delivery lead and a delivery manager.
Job Duties
Delivery leads manage the entire delivery process for their company, from finding new ways to improve efficiency to ensuring that drivers are following all of the correct procedures. Delivery leads also make sure that customer orders are prepared correctly and that each driver has the correct paperwork before they leave on a delivery.
Delivery managers have more managerial duties than delivery leads. They’re in charge of making sure that each member of their delivery team is performing at an optimal level. This can include conducting performance reviews and training sessions with drivers. Delivery managers may also help find solutions to problems within the delivery department that they can then pass along to the delivery lead.
Job Requirements
The job requirements for a delivery lead and delivery manager vary depending on the company’s needs. However, most delivery leads and delivery managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Additionally, many delivery leads and delivery managers have experience working in project management, product management or a related field. Some companies also prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Work Environment
Delivery leads and managers typically work in different environments. Delivery leads often work from home or a small office, but they may also travel to meet with clients and vendors. They may spend most of their time on the road, driving between locations and meeting with customers.
Delivery managers usually work in an office environment where they can manage all aspects of the delivery process. This includes scheduling drivers, monitoring routes and ensuring that drivers are completing deliveries correctly.
Skills
Both delivery leads and delivery managers are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. They both work with teams of developers, designers and other professionals to coordinate the various tasks involved in a project.
Delivery leads typically have excellent communication skills, which they use to keep team members informed about deadlines and changes to the project scope. They also need to be able to motivate team members and resolve conflicts. Delivery managers usually have more experience than delivery leads and may be responsible for managing multiple projects at one time. As a result, they need to have strong organizational skills and be able to prioritize tasks.
Salary
Delivery leads can earn an average salary of $99,595 per year, while delivery managers can earn an average salary of $66,214 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.