What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regional Route Manager position at Continental Canteen?
Description
The Regional 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 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 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.
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About Continental Canteen
The Great Lakes Food & Beverage Leader
Founded in 1989, Continental has grown from an office coffee and vending specialist to consistently ranking as one of the top events and contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation.
Guided by industry leaders and powered by the largest collection of culinary talent in the Midwest, our award-winning team has a tireless commitment to high quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services.
Our singular mission is to delight our guests, every meal, every day.
It’s no secret that food brings us together. A cup of coffee is a chance to meet someone new. A meal is an opportunity to collaborate. At Continental, developing experiences that connect people is at the heart of everything we do.
Discover first-hand the passion of a full-service team committed to your vision and customizing services to support it.
Micro-Markets • Food Delivery • Full-Service Dining • Innovative Vending • Office Coffee & Water • Pantry Services • Barista Bars • Catering • Premier Events
Looking to grow your career on your terms? Get to know us more.
We Are Curious.
Bold, original thinking, and an innate curiosity for what’s new and next drives us to shake things up and create remarkable experiences.
We Dream Big.
We embrace the unknown and adventures big and small, individually and collectively. By being proactive and continuously striving for more, we continue to grow personally and professionally. And we’re not afraid to dig into a challenge.
We Champion Each Other.
Collaboration, teamwork, and trust aren’t just buzzwords to us—they truly define our culture.
We do more than just dish up great meals. Continental creates memorable experiences every day at our markets, corporate cafés, premier events and more. If hospitality is in your DNA, if you’re passionate about making difference, if you’re eager to roll up your sleeves and be part of a team, we’re looking for you.
