Entry Level Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for our associates. We offer opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, a people first environment, and an opportunity to work alongside dedicated associates who share a passion for providing an exceptional experience and service to our rural communities. Whether you are starting an entry-level position or joining with professional experience, Rural King encourages professional growth and provides the necessary resource to help you succeed and grow with us.  When you join the Rural King team, you become a contributing member in supporting the needs of and making a difference in the lives of those within the people and communities we serve.  

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2% * Healthcare plans to support your needs * Virtual doctor visits * Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program * 15% Associate Discount * Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program (no cost to you!) * Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services

The purpose of the Front End Lead is to provide oversight and leadership to our front end operations. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service, you will lead the front end associates, ensuring seamless and efficient checkout process.

• Ensure comprehensive training for new front end associates and oversee their development.
• Oversee cashier transactions and customer service desk layaway transactions including monthly layaway audits.
• Empower Cashiers to effectively utilize the cashier script for seamless customer interactions, educations them on company programs such as loyalty program, RK Visa, and RK Plus Protection Plan (RKPPP).
• Provide additional assistance to cashiers by running a register to ensure the front-end runs smoothly without interruption.
• Establish and maintain margin bins to optimize product visibility and organization.
• Communicate professionally with all Rural King associates and customers.
• Aid customers by offering load outs, coordinating with Outside Recover Associates to ensure prompt response.
• Execute accurate cash management, returns, layaways. exchanges, and price dispute resolutions.
• Set up and manage tax-exempt customer plans, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure proper deactivation of either EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) devices or spider wrapped products as needed.
• Assist in shrink awareness by researching all cash shortages and taking corrective action in the register to resolve the problem.
• Maintain heightened awareness of your surroundings to prevent loss (shrink) and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Respond to incoming calls at the registers with impeccable phone etiquette, identifying the store and yourself as a representative of Rural King using a professional and friendly demeanor.
• Complete daily paperwork process including the bank deposit and safe audits.
• Oversee the popcorn and coffee stations to ensure they are maintained in a timely manner to meet customer demands and maintain a positive experience.
• Take initiative in ordering necessary store supplies for optimal front-end operations.
• Oversee the Buy Online Pick Up in Store (BOPIS) process, customer interactions with online transactions, and store fulfillment and customer pickups.
• Conduct a weekly BOPIS audit, comparing physical products to orders in the systems, identifying items beyond the 14-day pick-up window.
• Use general office equipment such as telephone, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, computer.
• Participate in cross-training for flexibility in various departments and responsibilities.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

None

• At least 3 years of retail cashier or retail supervisory experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong math skills for accurate cash handling.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly review and analyze information, identifying errors or inconsistencies to maintain high levels of accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills to implement policies and procedures, direct staff, and provide customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas, instructions, and information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to actively listen, ask relevant questions, and provide thorough and articulate responses.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
• Flexibility with hours: ability to work a 40-hour workweek with varied hours, days, nights, and weekends as business dictates.

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively and 31-50 pounds intermittently.
• Able to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.