Route Merchandiser

Continental Services•City of Rochester, NY

9d•$45,000 - $55,000

About The Position

Continental is a contract dining and refreshment provider committed to high-quality culinary offerings and client and guest service. Its mission is to delight guests every meal, every day, guided by the values of exceptional service, hospitality, collaboration, responsibility, and innovation. The Route Merchandiser services and merchandises vending machines and markets, delivers OCS orders, and helps maintain clean equipment. The role uses a company vehicle and company-owned tablet or phone to track inventory, rotate products, check expiration dates, and accurately account for route proceeds. It also involves stocking and product presentation, safe handling and delivery of merchandise, route planning, equipment checks, cash handling, cleaning, and reporting service or safety concerns. The position may include training new Route Merchandisers depending on regional needs. This is a full-time position based in Rochester, reporting to Bill Sutherland, with compensation of $45,000–$55,000 per year. The work involves regular driving, loading and unloading products, prolonged walking and standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Strong communication and customer service skills, including the ability to read, speak, and understand English.
Proficiency with computers, iPads, GPS technology, and basic inventory systems.
Ability to balance business needs with customer requests, follow through consistently, and quickly apply new information.
Detail-oriented and professional, comfortable with routine tasks and structured environments, and able to follow written and verbal instructions.
Strong visual merchandising abilities and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, welcoming product presentation.
Ability to climb in and out of a vehicle; load and unload products; bend, stoop, pull, push, and twist; walk and stand for long periods; and regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate a company vehicle equipped with continuous driver-facing and road-facing video safety technology.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in delivery, route driving, merchandising, or customer service.
Ability to operate box trucks.
Ability to operate pallet jacks if applicable to the region.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate inventory levels across beverages, pre-packaged foods, fresh items, and snacks.
Count, record, and order inventory according to established protocols, and complete full inventory counts as required.
Restock shelves, coolers, coffee stations, and other displays; rotate products and follow inventory-tracking procedures.
Remove, document, and properly handle expired or rejected merchandise.
Load and unload products safely using proper lifting techniques and equipment.
Deliver merchandise using a company vehicle and ensure perishable items are handled and refrigerated appropriately during transit and stocking.
Optimize route efficiency to reduce drive time and improve productivity.
Check cooler and refrigeration temperatures and report deviations.
Collect money from kiosks and vending machines, follow cash-handling and loss-prevention protocols, and accurately record transactions.
Monitor and report unusual or concerning activity related to safety, security, or potential misconduct.
Clean coffee machines, microwaves, coolers, shelves, racks, counters, floors, windows, and surrounding areas.
Inspect product quality and appearance, report stale or defective items, and conduct a final walk-through to ensure standards are met.
Initiate service requests when equipment issues require technical support.
Provide training to new Route Merchandisers when regional needs call for it.
Perform additional assignments and projects as needed.