Route Manager

Continental Services•Groveport, OH

4d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Route Manager is the operational and leadership backbone of Continental’s Market and Vending business. This role drives route optimization, employee retention, compliance, and fleet and driver safety. It connects centralized support teams with field employees to support seamless delivery, an exceptional guest experience, and operational efficiency. The manager ensures that scheduled assets are completed on assigned dates, collaborates with scheduling and product teams on fulfillment and service frequency, and adjusts service logistics to reflect seasonal demand, account traffic patterns, and customer preferences. The role also coordinates installations, swaps, and removals to protect inventory integrity and service levels. The Route Manager leads recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management for drivers and field team members, and fosters a positive, collaborative, high-performance culture. The position oversees adherence to operating procedures, audits food safety, merchandising, and cleanliness, and trains staff on operational updates and guest satisfaction standards. It also enforces driver safety policies, monitors fleet condition, coordinates preventive maintenance, and ensures compliance with DOT regulations and applicable licensing requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 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, depending on state, and a clean driving record.
Strong analytical skills to optimize routes, manage KPIs, and drive efficiency improvements.
Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Technology proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite and routing or logistics software.
Commitment to achieving operational and client satisfaction goals.
Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment that changes with business needs and to work effectively across operations, marketing, and sales.
Commitment to exceeding client and end-user expectations.
Demonstrated trustworthiness, transparency, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, sales, or equivalent industry experience.
Seed software experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure assets scheduled by the scheduling team are executed and completed on assigned dates.
Work with scheduling and product teams to ensure proper fulfillment, service frequency, and client satisfaction.
Monitor service logistics and adjust routes based on seasonal demand, account traffic patterns, and customer preferences.
Coordinate new installations, swaps, and removals with internal teams to maintain inventory integrity and service levels.
Foster a positive, collaborative, high-performance culture among drivers and field team members.
Lead recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management.
Support engagement in incentive programs and implement mentorship models and career pathways to improve retention.
Model Continental’s values of exceptional service, responsibility, and innovation.
Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures across market and vending operations.
Audit field operations for quality, food safety, merchandising standards, and cleanliness.
Train staff on operational updates, compliance requirements, and guest satisfaction benchmarks.
Partner with Marketing to maintain a brand-consistent presence at client locations.
Enforce driver safety policies, including vehicle inspections, safe driving, and accident reporting.
Monitor fleet condition and coordinate preventive maintenance with maintenance teams.
Implement driver safety training and corrective action plans as needed.
Maintain DOT compliance and ensure drivers have required licenses, including Chauffeur licenses when applicable.
Cover routes as needed, including driver training or covering a call-off.