Vendor Return Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

The Return to Vendor Specialist (RTV) works as a centralized specialist in the Distribution Center (DC) for returned product from all retail locations.  The RTV Specialist handles all the Company’s processing and sorting damaged or defective and/or returned merchandise, reducing salvage, and obtaining return authorizations from vendors in accordance with policy and procedures in a timely manner.  The RTV Specialist will also assist with DC Warehouse needs.   

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Separate merchandise into defective and non-defective categories
• Safely operate forklift, pallet jack, hand truck or other Shipping & Receiving equipment to transfer and process merchandise for returns/shipments in accordance with safety standards
• Manage the merchandise return process from beginning to end for each product in the Company’s online tracking system in accordance with vendor specifications and policies
• Obtain Return Merchant Authorization (RMA) number from the vendor and prepare RTVs using procedural guidelines
• Work closely with Sales Support and Logistics teams in retail locations to ensure seamless delivery of merchandise returns to Distribution Center for processing
• Handle all special shipping arrangements as needed
• Follow standard operating procedure (SOP) for all field destroy
• Anticipate contingencies and adapt to changes with solution-based problem solving
• Identify areas for improvement in lifecycle of RTV product and make constructive suggestions for improved processes
• Communicate discrepancies between system data and product model numbers to appropriate support partner
• Communicate with credibility and confidence, partner and respond appropriately and tactfully in all situations with internal partners
• Maintain high standards of integrity with customers, vendors, and coworkers; uphold Company values
• Respond promptly to customer needs, recognizing customer service as a critical factor in the Company’s success
• Fulfill responsibilities to a successful conclusion; utilize available resources to achieve results
• Forklift, electric pallet jack, and stock chaser certifiable
• Regular and predictable attendance
• All other duties as assigned

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• At least one year's experience in a Warehouse environment or knowledge of home improvement products/building materials
• A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required qualifications and skills are acceptable

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Windows Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) Teams, Planner, and D365 knowledge desirable
• Able to maintain an elevated level of output without sacrificing quality; initiative-taking to achieve optimal results and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills, specifically time management and attention to detail
• Adapt to changes in the work environment and effectively overcome roadblocks to achieve results
• Give and welcome feedback from retail store teams, with the goal of developing a strong working rapport with others across all functions and departments
  • Timely resolution of Accounts Payable inquiries
  • Frequent communication with Retail, Merchandising teams and Accounts Payable
• Work proactively and positively with a high-level of independence and motivation
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, with a strong drive for continuous improvement
• Openness and willing to learn from others

Work Location/Physical Demands

Work location is the Distribution Center located in Petaluma, CA.   Hours are to support the needs of the retail business and vary from 6:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday. 

The physical demands and work environment characteristic described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The Team Member is frequently required to walk; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and climb or balance. The Team Member is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Team Member must be able to lift and /or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this Job, the Team Member is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The Team Member could be exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; occasional extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills                                                    

Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions and correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information to customers, clients, and other Team Members of the organization.

Mathematical Skills                                             

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.

Reasoning Ability                                                

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Competencies                                                      

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Project Management - Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Visionary Leadership - Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.

Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change.

Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Managing People - Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; is available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Continually works to improve supervisory skills.

Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Aligns work with strategic goals.

Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Contributes to profits and revenue.

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.

Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality –Is consistently at work and on time; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

What’s in Friedman’s toolbox for Team Members:

• Medical, Dental and Vision bundled benefit plans
• Employee discount on all merchandise
• Store bonus eligibility
• Team Member of the Quarter opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement to further career path
• 401(k) 

This is a non-exempt position located in the Friedman’s Home Improvement Distribution Center, in Petaluma. Scheduling availability needs to mirror the DC’s operating hours of 4:30am-4:00pm, as well as be able to accommodate special projects and other shifts when necessary.  

Friedman’s Home Improvement is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Friedman’s Home Improvement will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal convictions in a manner consistent with AB 1008.