Manager, Distribution Planning (Route Optimization)

About the role

The Manager, Distribution Planning leads strategic route planning (reroutes) for assigned markets, collaborating with Operations Directors, Sales, and senior executives to improve service consistency, on‑time delivery and reduce waste and cost. The position is based in Cicero, IL and follows a flexible hybrid schedule.

Key responsibilities

• Execute reroutes to support new business growth, acquisitions, seasonal solutions and routine routing updates.
• Support capital and resource planning activities to determine appropriate numbers and types of vehicles and drivers.
• Deep‑dive into data and systems to analyze business challenges, provide root‑cause analysis and preventative solutions.
• Establish performance benchmarks, conduct regular routing performance reviews and close gaps.
• Gain alignment with state regulations on delivery routing and service policy management.
• Lead service‑level improvement initiatives across sales, operations, finance and leadership.
• Develop and train site routers and managers; act as subject‑matter expert for routing systems (Omnitracs Routing, Strategic Planner, Dispatch, Insight).
• Define and monitor goals such as delivery frequency, on‑time delivery, productivity targets and maintain routing SOPs.
• Create and deliver routing training materials and continuously update standard operating procedures.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in route planning.
• Strong analytical, mathematical and statistical abilities.
• Proven experience with routing systems and data analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to communicate analysis results clearly.
• Ability to gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data.

Required skills

• Omnitracs Routing
• Strategic Planner
• Dispatch
• Insight