Route Manager

Route Manager Department: FS Administration 175009 Employment Type: Full Time Location: Groveport Reporting To: Erik Buckner Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 / year Description The Route Manager is the operational and leadership backbone of Continental's Market and Vending business.

You will drive excellence in Route Optimization, Employee Retention, Compliance, and Fleet & Driver Safety.

You will serve as the critical link between centralized support teams and field employees, ensuring seamless delivery, exceptional guest experience, and optimal operational efficiency.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Route Optimization (Market & Vending Routes) * Analyze and design efficient delivery and service routes leveraging route optimization tools.

* Continuously refine route schedules to maximize driver productivity while maintaining superior guest experience.

* Collaborate with the scheduling and product team to ensure proper fulfillment and client satisfaction.

* Monitor service frequency and adjust based on seasonal demand, traffic patterns, and customer preferences.

* Collaborate with internal teams on new installs, swaps, removals, etc.

to ensure inventory integrity and proper service level.

Employee Retention & Development * Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture among drivers and field personnel.

* Lead the full employee lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management.

* Implement incentive programs, mentorship models, and career pathways to boost retention.

* Serve as a role model by embodying Continental's values of respect, integrity, and innovation.

Market & Vending Procedure Compliance * Ensure strict adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all market and vending operations.

* Audit field operations for quality assurance, including food safety, merchandising standards (plan-o-grams), and cleanliness.

* Train staff regularly on operational updates, compliance requirements, and guest satisfaction benchmarks.

* Partner with Marketing to maintain a brand-consistent presence in client locations.

Fleet & Driver Safety * Enforce Continental's driver safety policies including vehicle inspections, safe driving practices, and accident reporting.

* Monitor fleet health and work proactively with maintenance teams for preventive servicing.

* Implement driver safety training programs and corrective action plans when necessary.

* Maintain compliance with vehicle regulations and ensure all drivers maintain required licenses.

Job Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Sales, or equivalent industry experience.

* 5+ years of experience in route management, field operations, or logistics in food services or retail vending.

* Proven leadership experience with teams in distributed, route-based businesses.

* Valid Driver's License and clean driving record.

* Strong analytical skills to optimize routes, manage KPIs, and drive efficiency improvements.

* Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

* Technology-savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and routing/logistics software.

Physical Demands * Climbing in-and-out of a vehicle * Loading and unloading products from the vehicle.

* Bending, stooping, pulling/pushing, and twisting required.

* Walking and standing required for long periods * Regular lifting 25-50 pounds Benefits We prioritize the health, wellness and work-life balance of our team members and designed our comprehensive compensation packages to reflect that.

* Full-time team members are eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, parental leave, 401(k) with company match, at-work dining perks, flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a total rewards program.

Team Members can also use our inclusive employee assistance program.

* Part-time Team Members are eligible for our 401(k) with company match, at work dining perks and team members can also use our inclusive employee assistance program.

Location-specific perks may also include wellness programming, on-the-job training, corporate-hosted courses, certifications and team events.

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