Optimize your operations.

The Distributor Operations Leader Program

The Distributor Operations Leader program is designed to help you learn and implement best practices that optimize profitability and performance of independent distributors.

The courses in the Distributor Operations Leader certification are taught by some of Texas A&M’s top instructors from their Industrial Distribution program. We work in partnership with the instructors to create relevant classes for independent distributors that deliver actionable insights to maximize profits and sustain growth.

3 Days
In-Person
Maximize
Profit
Sustain
Growth

Program Details

The Distributor Operations Leader curriculum offers classroom and experiential learning to be applied across industries. The curriculum contains three master classes focusing on different competencies.

Texas A&M

Each course will be offered as a three-day, in-person session hosted at Texas A&M University and includes guidance on a best practice project with post-course instructor support and networking.

Completion of each course comes with its own certificate representing mastery of the competency, while completion of all three courses earns you the Distributor Operations Leader certification and designation.

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Criteria

This program is taught by some of Texas A&M’s top instructors. The Distributor Operations Leader program is for operational leaders responsible for driving continuous improvement and innovation to deliver sustainable growth for your company. Recommended candidates include:

  • Vice Presidents of Operations
  • Operations Managers
  • Supply Chain Managers
  • Logistics Managers
  • Business Analysts
  • Data Analysts

Available Courses

Inventory Optimization

The Inventory Optimization course delivers actionable insights and best practices for the stocking competency essential for successful operations leaders. Key curriculum for the course includes forecasting, replenishment policies, inventory stratification, and fulfillment.

COURSE FULL

Upcoming Course Date:

February 6-8, 2024

Course Description

The Inventory Optimization course, as part of the CIDL’s Distributor Operations Leader pathway, delivers actionable insights for participants to achieve best practices for the stocking competency. Key curriculum subjects include:

  • Forecasting
  • Replenishment Policies
  • Inventory Stratification
  • Fulfillment

Participants will work with an inventory dataset and learn to implement an inventory stratification model. Participants may consider bringing in their own inventory data as well.

Download Course Agenda

Criteria & Investment

The Inventory Optimization course is designed for high potential candidates (both current managers and emerging leaders) managing inventory and procurement policies. Attendees participate in 2½ days of on-campus, in-person learning at Texas A&M University.

The course investment is $2,750 per participant.

Texas A&M

Why your company should participate

To help develop and retain key people who are going to help you grow your business and prepare for the future.

What makes this program unique

  • Custom program built for and exclusively available to AD members.
  • Networking and relationship building opportunities with top talent at AD independent distributors across multiple divisions.
  • 30/60-day coaching component to help the learning “stick”.
  • Instructor is a forward-thinking academic with 20 years of experience in distribution from the top industrial distribution program in the U.S.
  • Discounted pricing (a program like this on the open market would likely cost >$4K/person).

Certificate

The class provides a stand-alone certification from Texas A&M and AD. The course also earns [1] of [3] credits toward the CIDL’s Distributor Operations Leader certification.

Application

The Inventory Optimization course requires an application process to balance participation across divisions and size of member to ensure the best learning experience for you.

Pricing Optimization

The Pricing Optimization course delivers actionable insights and best practices for the selling & shipping competencies essential for successful operations leaders. Key curriculum for the course includes customer stratification, pricing management, sales & marketing alignment, 3PL/carries management, fleet management, dispatch management, and order fulfillment.

COURSE FULL

Upcoming Course Date:

April 2-4, 2024

Course Description

The Pricing Optimization course, as part of the CIDL’s Distributor Operations Leader pathway, delivers actionable insights for participants to achieve best practices in pricing policies. Key curriculum subjects include:

  • Pricing Impact on Financials
  • Customer & Item Stratification
  • Building Pricing Optimization Model
  • Implementing Pricing Best Practices

Participants will work with a pricing dataset and learn to implement pricing best practices. Participants may consider bringing in their own pricing data as well.

Download Course Agenda

Criteria & Investment

The Pricing Optimization course is designed for high potential candidates (both managers and emerging leaders) managing pricing policies. Attendees participate in 2 ½ days of on-campus, in-person learning at Texas A&M University.

The course investment is $2,750 per participant.

Texas A&M

Why your company should participate

To help develop and retain key people who are going to help you grow your business and prepare for the future.

What makes this program unique

  • Custom program built for and exclusively available to AD members.
  • Networking and relationship building opportunities with top talent at AD independent distributors across multiple divisions.
  • 30/60-day coaching component to help the learning “stick”.
  • Instructors are forward-thinking academics with extensive experience in distribution from the top industrial distribution program in the U.S.
  • Discounted pricing (a program like this on the open market would likely cost >$4K/Person).

Certificate

The class provides a stand-alone certification from Texas A&M and AD. The course also earns [1] of [3] credits toward the CIDL’s Distributor Operations Leader certification.

Application

The Pricing Optimization course requires an application process to balance participation across divisions and size of members to ensure the best learning experience for you.

Supplier Optimization

The Supplier Optimization course delivers actionable insights and best practices for the sourcing competency essential for successful operations leaders. Key curriculum for the course includes supplier selection, right number of suppliers, supplier performance & relationship management, supplier stratification technique, and rebate optimization.

APPLY NOW

Upcoming Course Date:

September 24-26, 2024

Course Description

The Supplier Optimization course, as part of the CIDL’s Distributor Operations Leader pathway, delivers actionable insights for participants to achieve best practices in supplier relations and management. Key curriculum subjects include:

  • Manufacturer Cost Structure
  • Supplier Performance & Development
  • Risk Management & Right Sizing
  • Collaboration & Incentive Best Practices

Participants will work with a supplier dataset and learn to implement a supplier stratification model.

Download Course Agenda

Criteria & Investment

The Supplier Optimization course is designed for high potential candidates (both current managers and emerging leaders) managing supplier relationships as a core function of their responsibilities. Attendees participate in 2.5 days of on-campus, in-person learning at Texas A&M University.

The course investment is $2,750 per participant.

Texas A&M

Why your company should participate

To help develop and retain key people who are going to help you grow your business and prepare for the future.

What makes this program unique

  • Custom program built for and exclusively available to AD members.
  • Networking and relationship building opportunities with top talent and AD independent distributors across multiple divisions.
  • 30-60-day coaching component to help the learning “stick”.
  • Instructors are forward-thinking academics with 30+ years of collective experience in distribution from the top industrial distribution program in the world.
  • Discounted pricing (a program like this on the open market would likely cost >$4K/person).

Certificate

The class provides a stand-alone certification from Texas A&M University and AD. The course also earns [1] of [3] credits toward the CIDL’s Distributor Operations Leader certification.

Application

The Supplier Optimization course requires an application process to balance participation across divisions and size of member to ensure the best learning experience for you.