Job DescriptionRouting LeaderEnsuring foodservice products are delivered safely, accurately, and on time to restaurant customers every day while balancing service, cost, productivity, and growth objectives.The
Routing leader leads the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of outbound delivery routing operations for a high-volume foodservice distribution center. This role is responsible for optimizing route performance, maximizing fleet and labor utilization, and ensuring exceptional customer service through efficient delivery planning and execution.
Partnering closely with Transportation, Warehouse Operations, Sales, and Customer Service, the Routing leader develops routing strategies that support operational excellence, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and profitable growth. This position combines leadership, transportation analytics, routing technology expertise, and hands-on operational support to drive continuous improvement across the delivery network.
Success in this role is measured by on-time delivery performance, route efficiency, transportation cost management, driver productivity, customer satisfaction, and the ability to support business growth while maintaining a safe and compliant operation.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development- Lead, coach, and develop routing personnel through hiring, training, performance management, and career development.
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards.
- Foster a culture of safety, execution, customer service, and continuous improvement.
- Serve as the routing subject matter expert for Transportation, Operations, Sales, and Customer Service teams.
- Partner with Distribution Leadership to support operational objectives and long-term growth initiatives.
Route Planning & Optimization- Own daily and strategic planning of outbound delivery routes serving restaurant customers.
- Design and optimize route structures to improve service levels, fleet utilization, labor productivity, and transportation efficiency.
- Balance customer requirements, delivery capacity, driver availability, and operational constraints to create executable delivery plans.
- Analyze route performance and implement improvements that reduce miles, overtime, route overlap, and transportation costs.
- Conduct territory reviews and route balancing to ensure equitable workloads and efficient fleet deployment.
- Develop routing strategies that support customer growth, new business implementation, and geographic expansion.
Transportation Analytics & Performance Management- Analyze routing, transportation, labor, and customer service data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Monitor and report key performance indicators including:
- On-time delivery
- Route adherence
- Cost per stop
- Cost per mile
- Route profitability
- Driver productivity
- Stops, cases, and miles per route
- Labor utilization
- Customer service metrics
- Conduct regular business reviews and provide recommendations to improve operational performance and customer outcomes.
Routing Systems Management- Maintain routing system integrity and master data accuracy.
- Oversee customer delivery schedules, time windows, service times, geocoding, delivery instructions, and account classifications.
- Manage route configurations, including:
- Driver and vehicle assignments
- Depot assignments
- Route start and end times
- Mapping and route visualization settings
- Road restrictions and vehicle limitations
- DOT and Hours of Service parameters
- Leverage routing technology and optimization tools to improve planning accuracy and efficiency.
Cross-Functional Operations Support- Partner with Transportation Operations to ensure route plans are executable and aligned with daily operational realities.
- Support dispatch, service recovery efforts, weather events, and peak volume periods.
- Conduct field observations and driver ride-alongs to evaluate route effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with Warehouse Operations to align routing plans with loading schedules and order fulfillment requirements.
- Support network optimization, territory redesign, and facility expansion initiatives.
Compliance, Safety & Continuous Improvement- Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, Hours of Service requirements, and company policies.
- Promote safe route design and realistic delivery schedules that support driver safety.
- Lead initiatives focused on improving service, reducing costs, and increasing operational efficiency.
- Identify and implement process, technology, and system enhancements that improve routing performance and network effectiveness.
Required QualificationsRequired Qualifications
High School Diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3+ years of transportation, logistics, routing, distribution, or related operational experience.
1+ years of leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred QualificationsPreferred Qualifications
5+ years of transportation, routing, logistics, or fleet management experience.
3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience with routing and transportation optimization software (Roadnet preferred).
Experience analyzing transportation, operational, and financial performance metrics.
Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours of Service requirements, and transportation compliance standa
