Product Return Associate

Ethnix Group•Smyrna, TN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Return Associate is responsible for receiving, inspecting, and processing returned finished goods from customers, e-commerce channels, and internal operations. This role ensures all returned products are accurately evaluated, sorted, and recorded in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in accordance with quality, inventory, safety, and expiration guidelines. The associate works closely with Quality, Inventory Control, and Operations teams to determine proper product disposition, maintains an organized and safe returns area, and follows all company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and warehouse safety standards. The Product Return Associate may also support general warehouse operations as needed.

Requirements

High school Diploma or GED.
Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to comprehend and complete documents, and answer questions in English.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence as needed.
Demonstrated mathematical skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percentages.
Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Demonstrated proficiency in software and able to use WMS and related software’s (office).
Must be able to meet predictable attendance and punctuality expectations and physical demands of the position complying with Ethnix Group’s policies and performance expectations.
Steel toe or composite closed-toe shoes (protective safety footwear) are required in select business units.

Nice To Haves

Warehouse and/or distribution work-related experience a plus.
Experience using a motorized pallet jack preferred.
Motorized pallet jack certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, verify, and process finished goods returns from customers, e-commerce, or others.
Physically inspect returned products to determine condition (restock, repackage, repair, quarantine, or disposal).
Sort and classify returned items according to expiration date, quality, inventory, and safety guidelines.
Accurately record all returns in the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Coordinate with Quality, Inventory Control, and Operations teams to ensure proper disposition of returned products.
Label and relocate approved products to designated areas for picking or further processing.
Ensure all returns comply with internal policies, customer requirements, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe returns area in compliance with 5S and safety standards.
Identify and report damages, discrepancies, shortages, or process issues to the immediate supervisor.
Follow all warehouse safety rules and material handling procedures.
Support internal inventory audits related to product returns.
Assist with basic reporting on return volumes and common root causes.
Provide support in general warehouse operations when required (picking, packing, cycle counts).
Operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts (if certified).