Route Manager

Continental Linen Services•Kalamazoo, MI

About The Position

Route Manager Reports to District Service Manager- Kalamazoo Lead From the Front. Coach a Team. Drive Customer Success. Ready to make a real impact? Step into a leadership position where you’re not behind a desk — you’re in the field, building relationships, developing people, and directly shaping customer satisfaction. Join Continental Linen Services (CLS) — a proud family-owned company serving Michigan since 1899 . For over 125 years, we’ve built our reputation on reliability, innovation, and strong relationships — with both our customers and our team members. At CLS, leadership is hands-on, supportive, and invested in your growth. Position Summary As a Route Manager, you’ll blend customer service excellence with frontline coaching and leadership . You’ll work closely with the District Service Manager (DSM) to: Ensure smooth daily route operations Handle service requests and customer needs Train and coach Route Service Professionals (RSPs) Drive performance and accountability Maintain high service standards You will become the expert on all routes in your area — spending the majority of your time in the field supporting drivers, riding routes, and making customer service calls. Some weeks may be primarily on-site. Other times, you may work on various local routes for several weeks at a time. Flexibility and adaptability are key to thriving in this dynamic role. Why This Role is Different ✔ Leadership without being stuck behind a desk ✔ Active, fast-paced, ever-changing environment ✔ Direct impact on team development and customer satisfaction ✔ Opportunity to improve processes and influence results ✔ Incentive programs that reward performance What We’re Looking For We’re searching for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment. The ideal Route Manager is: Outgoing and relationship-driven Energized by meeting new people Passionate about coaching and developing others Organized with strong follow-through Solutions-oriented and proactive You’ll support customer relations, safety initiatives, team growth, and execution of operational plans. About CLS CLS operates across six Michigan locations — Grand Rapids, Livonia, Cadillac, Alpena, Saginaw, and our hometown of Kalamazoo. We provide linen, uniform, mat rental, first aid, custom apparel, and facility service solutions. We are proud to be: ✔ Family-owned ✔ Community-focused ✔ Growth-oriented ✔ Committed to promoting from within Benefits & Perks Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Paid Holidays & Vacation 401(k) Uniforms Provided Incentive Programs Supportive, team-oriented culture Ready to Join CLS? At CLS, our people are the cornerstone of our organization. We value integrity, community, hard work, and leadership at every level. If you’re driven, customer-focused, and ready to step into a leadership role where you can truly make a difference — we want to hear from you. Apply today and transform your career with CLS.

Requirements

Minimum 1 year of Customer Service or Sales experience
Chauffeur License required
Clean driving record required
Ability to drive up to 10 hours per day
Ability to push/pull wheeled carts and lift 30 lbs repetitively (up to 75 lbs occasionally)
Strong communication skills (verbal & non-verbal)
Attention to detail with a strong sense of urgency

Nice To Haves

Prior route experience is a plus , including: Route Truck / Box Truck / Step Van / Service Van Hand Truck / Forklift / Pallet Jack

Responsibilities

Ensure smooth daily route operations
Handle service requests and customer needs
Train and coach Route Service Professionals (RSPs)
Drive performance and accountability
Maintain high service standards
Spending the majority of your time in the field supporting drivers, riding routes, and making customer service calls.
Support customer relations, safety initiatives, team growth, and execution of operational plans.