Route Service Manager Trainee - UniFirst (London, ON)

Job Description

As a Route Service Manager Trainee (RSM-T), you will participate in an intensive 9-month leadership development program designed to prepare you for a role as a full-time Route Service Manager (RSM) at Unifirst. This program emphasizes leadership responsibility, supervisory development, and strategic decision-making. During this program, you will work in tandem with an experienced Route Service Manager (RSM), gaining hands-on experience by performing all of the RSM duties. This will include route management, making independent judgements that impact customer service, team partner leadership, and operational coordination. On-the-job training will be supplemented by formal training, peer learning, and mentoring and coaching. <br><br> At the successful completion of the program, you will be transitioned into an RSM role, with the knowledge and expertise needed to lead a team, optimize route operations, manage business outcomes, and maintain high customer service standards. <br><br> <b>Key Focus:</b> <ul><li> <b>On-the-Job Training</b>: Work closely with an experienced Route Service Manager to learn and perform all responsibilities of the RSM role. This will include overseeing the day-to-day operations of a service department, managing routes, and ensuring high customer satisfaction levels. </li><li> <b>Route Coverage</b>: Gain hands-on experience covering routes during vacations, sick days, and holidays. Ensure all routes are completed on time, maintaining high standards of service. </li><li> <b>Supervision and Leadership</b>: Learn to supervise and provide on-the-job training for Route Service Representatives (RSRs), Route Coverage Specialists (RSC), and Route Service Supervisors (RSS). Develop skills in managing and motivating teams to meet operational goals. </li><li> <b>Customer Service Excellence</b>: Learn to manage client relationships and ensure that services are delivered consistently and meet customer expectations. Develop strategies to address any service issues or concerns. </li><li> <b>Staffing and Hiring</b>: Gain experience participating in the interview and hiring process for new team members, including Route Service Supervisors and Route Service Representatives. Learn best practices in recruitment, onboarding, and staff management. </li><li> <b>Problem Solving and Decision Making</b>: Develop skills in making on-the-spot decisions to resolve route issues, customer complaints, and other operational challenges. </li><li> <b>Performance Metrics</b>: Monitor and analyze performance data, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to optimize service delivery and operational efficiency. </li><li> <b>Health & Safety Compliance</b>: Ensure that all safety and regulatory guidelines are followed in all aspects of route management and customer service. </li></ul><br> <b>Key Responsibilities:</b> <br><br> <b>Leadership & Supervision</b> <ul><li> Learn to <b>supervise, coach, and evaluate</b> Route Service Representatives (RSRs), Route Service Supervisors (RSSs), and support staff. </li><li> Assist with workforce planning, including <b>interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and performance management</b>. </li><li> Develop leadership practices to motivate and engage Team Partners while maintaining accountability for results. </li></ul> <b>Operational Management</b> <ul><li> Partner with an RSM to <b>oversee daily operations</b>, ensuring service routes meet company standards for efficiency, safety, and quality. </li><li> Make decisions on <b>resource allocation, route adjustments, and staffing coverage</b> to support business continuity. </li><li> Analyze operational metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings, improved service delivery, and productivity gains. </li></ul> <b>Customer Relationship Management</b> <ul><li> Build and maintain long-term client relationships by providing proactive solutions and resolving escalated service issues. </li><li> Exercise independent judgment in negotiating resolutions, service terms, and problem-solving for customer concerns. </li></ul> <b>Strategic & Business Decision-Making</b> <ul><li> Learn to develop and implement initiatives that support territory growth, customer retention, and profitability. </li><li> Contribute to strategic planning discussions regarding service improvements, staffing levels, and process optimization. </li><li> Apply independent judgment when making operational decisions that affect service quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. </li></ul> <b>Compliance & Safety Leadership</b> <ul><li> Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, and company safety standards by monitoring and reinforcing adherence among Team Partners. </li><li> Promote a culture of accountability, safety awareness, and operational excellence. </li></ul><br><br><b>Qualifications</b><br> <b>Qualifications: </b> <ul><li> <b>Education</b>: High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or a related field is highly preferred. </li><li> <b>Experience</b>: 2 years prior experience in a customer service or operations management role is required. A strong desire to develop leadership skills and grow within the company is essential. </li><li> <b>Background</b>: Meet all DOT requirements. Driver's license and clean driving record. </li><li> <b>Skills</b>: <ul><li> Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. </li><li> Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and develop teams. </li><li> Ability to work independently and as part of a team. </li><li> Excellent organizational and time-management abilities. </li><li> Problem-solving mindset with a focus on customer satisfaction. </li><li> Ability to balance strategic planning, handling of multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. </li><li> Comfortable working in an office setting as well as in a physically demanding operational setting. </li></ul></li><li> <b>Willingness to Relocate</b>: Flexibility and willingness to relocate to various Unifirst locations as needed. </li></ul><br> <b>Program Benefits: </b> <ul><li> <b>Comprehensive Training</b>: Receive in-depth training on all aspects of route service management, from customer relations to operational efficiency. </li><li> <b>Career Growth</b>: Opportunity to transition into a full-time Route Service Manager (RSM) role upon successful completion of the program. </li><li> <b>Leadership Development</b>: Gain valuable leadership experience and build a strong foundation for a career with Unifirst. </li><li> <b>Competitive Compensation</b>: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package during the training period. </li><li> <b>Job Security</b>: Upon successful completion of the program, you will be placed into a full-time RSM role with Unifirst. </li></ul><br> <b>Upon Successful Completion: </b> <br><br> Graduates of the program will be fully equipped and eligible to <b>step into a full-time, Route Service Manager</b> role at a UniFirst Production facility - where they will lead with confidence and capability from day one. <br><br> <b>What Success Looks Like in This Role: </b> <ul><li> <b>Leadership & Team Development:</b> You inspire trust, build high-performing teams, and create a culture of accountability. </li><li> <b>Operational Excellence:</b> You take initiative to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and deliver measurable results. </li><li> <b>Strategic Agility:</b> You adapt to change, align priorities across departments, and help lead your team toward long-term success. </li></ul><br> <b>Additional Information: </b> <ul><li> The RSM-T role requires strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic environment. </li><li> The trainee program offers a structured path for career advancement within Unifirst, allowing you to learn from industry experts and gain the hands-on experience needed to excel as an RSM. </li></ul><br> If you're ready to take on the challenge of becoming a leader in route service management and make a lasting impact, apply today to start your career with Unifirst! <br><br> <b>UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual </b> <b>on the basis of</b> <b> race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.</b> <br><br>.