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. 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. Monitor service frequency and adjust based on seasonal demand, traffic patterns, and customer preferences. Collaborate with the space planning and warehouse teams to align route structures with inventory flow. 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‑ograms), 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 DOT regulations and ensure all drivers maintain required licenses, including Chauffeur 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 Chauffeur’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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Continental Services