Route Manager

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Route Manager is responsible for supervising daily waste and recycling collection operations, ensuring all routes are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role provides direct leadership to subordinate manager and individual contributors, managing daily schedules, monitoring performance, and promoting a strong culture of safety and customer service.

The Route Manager plays a hands-on leadership role, supporting field operations, resolving service issues, and ensuring all equipment and personnel meet company expectations. This position serves as a key link between frontline employees and management, ensuring smooth communication, accountability, and execution of operational goals.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Manage daily collection routes to ensure safe, efficient, and timely service delivery
• Lead, coach, and develop front line supervisors drivers and/or support staff to achieve performance goals in safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction
• Ensure daily pre and post-trip inspections, safety meetings, and route audits are completed
• Monitor route performance through reporting, GPS data, and field observations, identifying and addressing issues promptly and proactively
• Collaborate with Dispatch and Maintenance to address route adjustments, missed stops, or vehicle issues
• Handle customer escalations and service complaints in coordination with Customer Service and Operations
• Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, FMCSA, and company safety programs
• Maintain accurate records (attendance, route sheets, safety inspections)
• Track and report key metrics including route completion, overtime, and service exceptions
• Support new driver onboarding, training, and performance evaluations
• Manage P&L performance for assigned operations and control operational expenses
• Participate in accident investigations, safety observations, and corrective action processes
• Promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention through effective communication and leadership
• Perform other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will manage 1-20 employees
• This position will oversee and direct other managers

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Strong leadership and development skills
• Solid understanding of route operations and route optimization
• Basic understanding of P&L
• Strong understanding of DOT regulations, FMCSR 391, and other compliance regulations
• Proven safety leadership and familiarity with DVIRs, ELDs, and dispatch systems
• Ability to effectively coach drivers and conduct performance feedback
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of Computer Systems

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• 3–5 years in solid waste, transportation, logistics, or similar field
• 1–3 years of supervisory or lead role experience 
• CDL Class B or A, or ability to obtain, preferred
• OSHA or Safety Management training highly preferred

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
• Occasionally lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 50 lbs
• Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
• Frequently working outside in changing temperatures
• Continuously working in wet/humid conditions and in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Frequently stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
• Frequently climbing and/or balancing
• Frequently sitting/standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be available for 24-hour emergency calls
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.