Strategic Routing Lead: Data-Driven Network Optimizer

Gordon Food Service; Wyoming (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Food Service is seeking a Strategic Routing Lead to optimize network-wide routes using data analytics, improving truck utilization and reducing miles. The role focuses on analyzing data, developing master schedules, and collaborating with field ops and sales to implement optimized reroutes.

The position requires 8+ years in routing/transport, a logistics degree, and strong Excel/Descartes tool familiarity. Hybrid schedule with 3-4 days at US distribution centers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics or Transportation required.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in routing or transportation, with expertise in food distribution and customer interaction required.
• Logistics Expertise: background in supply chain planning, routing, or dispatching.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: interpret massive datasets to maximize efficiency and reduce costs (e.g., fuel, maintenance).
• Communication & Negotiation: present data, gather feedback, and negotiate routing changes with local ops and sales teams.
• Leadership Potential: supervisory capability and potential to train and manage a team.
• Strategic Alignment: understand and align with corporate KPIs to drive ROI across the network.
• Change Management and Adaptability: guide digital transformation and adapt strategies to market conditions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills for senior management, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Descartes OnDemand: familiarity with daily/tactical routing software for daily execution.
• Descartes WinRoute: familiarity preferred as primary tool for routing optimization.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets: proficiency in data management and scenario tracking.

Responsibilities

• Perform Strategic Routing Optimization on a monthly cyclical basis, rotating through regional divisions to optimize each every ~3 months.
• Analyze historical delivery data (plan vs. actual, total route times, stops, travel time) to formulate a master routing schedule.
• Execute data collection and clean-up, align routing parameters, and run initial routing solutions across scenarios.
• Collaborate with local field operations and sales to refine the master reroute plan based on feedback.
• Create SOPs and socialize them with management to ensure KPI alignment.
• Standardize routing documentation for consistent rollout across operations.
• Provide an optimized template for daily/tactical routing software for dispatch.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Strategic alignment

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or Transportation

Tools

Descartes OnDemand

Descartes WinRoute

Excel or Google Sheets

Job description

Gordon Food Service is seeking a Strategic Routing Lead to optimize network-wide routes using data analytics, improving truck utilization and reducing miles. The role focuses on analyzing data, developing master schedules, and collaborating with field ops and sales to implement optimized reroutes.

The position requires 8+ years in routing/transport, a logistics degree, and strong Excel/Descartes tool familiarity. Hybrid schedule with 3-4 days at US distribution centers.