Route Manager

Route Manager Department: Buffalo Admin 310993 Employment Type: Full Time Location: Lancaster Reporting To: David Voigt Compensation: $61,000 - $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. Essential Duties & Responsibilities 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. * Collaborate with the scheduling and product team to ensure proper fulfillment and client satisfaction. * Monitor service frequency and adjust based on seasonal demand, traffic patterns, and customer preferences. * Collaborate with internal teams on new installs, 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 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-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 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. Job Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Sales, or equivalent industry experience. * 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 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. #IND103 #LI-KC1 #ZRCS