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Route Service Manager

Interstate Batteries · Champaign, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role delivers batteries and also manages dealer accounts. Which part do you think is harder, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they see the account side as real work and are ready to sell and collect, not just drive.

Tell me about a time you had to ask a customer for money they owed.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle cash collection calmly and firmly without damaging the relationship.

Tell me about a time you built trust with a customer who started out skeptical.

What they are checking: Whether they earn trust through consistent follow-through rather than charm alone.

How do you make sure your invoices and route transactions are correct before the end of the day?

What they are checking: Whether they check their work, since billing mistakes damage dealer trust.

What would you do

A long-time dealer seems unhappy and is ordering less. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they would ask questions and fix the issue before the dealer leaves, since retention is part of the job.

You find damaged batteries on a dealer's rack. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they handle the hazard safely and take care of returns and warranty paperwork correctly.

How do you plan a full day of stops so you stay on time without cutting corners on safety?

What they are checking: Whether they plan routes and loading well enough to avoid rushing behind the wheel.

About the work

How would you help a dealer decide which batteries to keep on their rack?

What they are checking: Whether they would look at what sells locally and recommend a mix that reduces dead stock and missed sales.

How would you keep track of consignment stock, warranties and rotates on every stop?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay organized with company assets they are accountable for across many dealers.

What do you check on a truck before you head out on a route?

What they are checking: Whether they inspect their vehicle every day, which prevents breakdowns and accidents.

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The full job description

As published by Interstate Batteries.

Our mission is to be a trusted workplace for team members to be their whole selves at work. A company that people love and positively impacts the lives of all whom we touch. be your best self At Interstate Batteries, you have the chance to be excellent at work and excellent at life. We know that professional success depends on personal wellbeing. That's why we want to enrich your life with the tools and services you need to succeed in every area of your life. Join us! Purpose of Job: The Route Service Manager delivers batteries and provides exceptional customer service to a predetermined route of customers and dealers within their territory. This role collaborates with dealers to ensure the best mix of batteries on the rack, that battery quality programs are being executed, and builds strong relationships to foster improved dealer retention. Job Components: • Deliver batteries and provide service to each dealer on your route in a safe and timely manner. • Load and unload trucks safely and maintain an accurate account of all company assets. • Establish, build, and maintain dealer relationships. • Keep displays and product clean, full, and rotated per consignment agreements. • Accountable for managing a dealer account, including but not limited to: sales, consignment, warranties, rotates, cash collection, and invoicing. • Complete delivery/route transactions and other paperwork on a timely basis. • Collect and return junk and/or used batteries to the warehouse. • Interact professionally with all stakeholders, including team members, managers, and customers. • Follow / fulfill all driver program requirements, as specified by the manager. • Other duties as assigned Qualifications: • High school graduate (or equivalent). • Able to read, write, and compute basic math. • Excellent communication skills required. • Minimum one year of delivery and customer service experience required. • Working knowledge of computers or ability to learn applicable systems required • Working knowledge of electronic inventory management tools is required (tablets, scanners). • Demonstrates good organizational skills and can prioritize tasks. • Works with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. • Approaches tasks with a sense of urgency. • Able to work overtime if requested. Depending on location, the ability to work one or more overnight routes per week may be required. • Must have a clean drivers record AND meet driver qualifications requirements. • Must have and maintain a valid DOT medical card. Scope Data: • Works independently with limited supervision. • Accountable for accurate inventory management of company assets. • Uses frequent independent judgment when making decisions. • Operate with integrity and demonstrate a positive attitude. Work Environment: • Exposed to battery warehouse conditions, such as exposure to moving equipment, mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. • Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. • Regularly required to stand, walk, hear, talk, and use hands to grasp and handle objects. • Be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs, without assistance and occasionally lifting up to 75lbs • Repetitive lifting. • Consistent sitting, standing and walking • Use of “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required. • Exposed to the hazards of the road when operating or riding in a vehicle • Ability to operate a motor vehicle Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us. Interstate Batteries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstate Batteries complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Interstate Batteries expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal law.

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