Route Manager

Route Manager Department: Akron Account Managers 165001 Employment Type: Full Time Location: Akron Reporting To: Tyler Wilhelm Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000 / year Description A Taste of Who We Are: Backed by a tireless commitment to high quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services, Continental consistently ranks among the top contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation according to Food Management Magazine, the industry’s source for food service news and trends. Our Mission Delight our guest. Every meal. Every day. Our Core Values Exceptional – We recruit and retain phenomenal people who consistently go the extra mile to deliver results that lead the industry. Hospitality – We are tirelessly committed to providing the highest quality food, beverages, and service by anticipating our guests' needs so they can count on memorable experiences every time. Collaboration – We prioritize working together with a shared vision and effective & transparent communication, we unite as one team to achieve remarkable experiences. Responsibility – we hold ourselves accountable to be there for our team and clients, to deliver what we say we will, when we say we will and check in on progress along the way. Innovation – We are forward-thinkers always looking for new processes, technologies, and techniques to increase efficiencies and scalability to improve our services. The Experience You’ll Create: 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. Shift: Monday - Friday Route Optimization (Market and Vending Routes) Accountable for ensuring that all assets scheduled by the scheduling team are efficiently executed and completed on the dates assigned. Collaborate with the scheduling and product team to ensure proper fulfillment, frequency, and client satisfaction. Monitors service logistics and partners with the scheduler to adjust based on seasonal demand, account-specific traffic patterns, and operational customer preferences. Collaborate with internal teams on new installations, 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 team members. Lead the full team member lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management. Participate and lead engagement in incentive programs, implement mentorship models, and career pathways to boost retention. Serve as a role model by embodying Continental’s values of exceptional, responsibility, and innovation. Market and Vending Procedure Compliance Ensure strict adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all markets 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 include vehicle inspections, safe driving practices, and accident reporting. Monitor fleet health and work proactively with maintenance teams for preventive service. Implement driver safety training programs and corrective action plans when necessary. Maintain compliance with DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations and ensure all drivers maintain required licenses, including Drivers licenses. Ingredients for Thriving: High school diploma or GED (required) Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, sales, or equivalent industry experience (preferred) 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, clean driving record. Strong analytical skills to optimize routes, manage KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), and drive efficiency improvements. Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Technology-savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and routing/logistics software. Seed software experience is a plus. Strong commitment to achieving operational and client satisfaction goals. Demonstrate success in a fast-paced environment that changes with the need of the business. Works effectively across operations, marketing, and sales. Deep commitment to exceeding client and end-user expectations. Upholds trust, transparency, and accountability in all actions. Location(s) & Logistics: Climbing in-and-out of a vehicle Loading and unloading products from the box truck or van. Bending, stooping, pulling/pushing, and twisting required. Walking and standing required for long periods Regular lifting 25-50 pounds Ability to cover route as needed, driver training or covering a call off. Savor the Benefits: Health Coverage – Medical, Dental and Vision Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness 401(k) Paid Time Off Wellness Programs Additional Perks To see a summary of current benefits, please visit continental/#benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr