Returns Associate

Aesop Intermediate LLC•Brownwood, TX

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Returns Associate processes parts returned by customers by inspecting products, identifying defects or damage, documenting issues, and determining whether items can be restocked. The role supports inventory management by ensuring returned parts are accounted for, tracked, and properly restocked, sent to scrap, or cored as appropriate. It also documents return causes to help identify systemic issues, reduce costs, and improve product reliability and the returns process. The associate communicates with customers directly or through Sales Associates, provides updates and documentation, and processes RMAs and customer credits. The role maintains accurate returns and inventory records, supports returns data analysis, collaborates with warranty, quality control, customer service, and sales teams, and may assist with shipping, receiving, and inventory management. The position is located at Hi-Way Auto Inc in Brownwood, Texas, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and professionalism in internal and external transactions.
Sound judgment and ability to make decisions within company parameters and guidelines.
Ability to read, write, and understand instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, primarily Excel and Word, as well as All-data, Mitchel, and Outlook; aptitude to learn new systems and software.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Ability to collaborate across functions.
Self-starter with the ability to meet timelines and schedules related to essential job functions.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to ambulate throughout the facility for most of the workday.
Ability to operate equipment in a workstation.
Ability to use both hands regularly with sufficient dexterity to operate basic hand and power tools safely.
Ability to lift, move, and carry objects and materials up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of customer service, retail, warehouse, or related experience.
At least one year of automotive experience.
Forklift certification.

Responsibilities

Interact with customers directly or through Sales Associates to explain and guide them through the returns process.
Keep customers informed about return status and obtain additional information when needed.
Communicate in a timely manner, provide necessary documentation, and monitor performance against service level agreements.
Use customer and vendor guides to meet their respective requirements.
Inspect returned parts for defects or damage and determine whether they are eligible for restocking.
Verify that returned items meet return terms and conditions and determine appropriate actions.
Restock parts in the appropriate warehouse or core-area locations, using barcode scanning or other inventory tools as needed.
Send parts unsuitable for restocking to scrap or to be cored.
Refer warranty returns to the warranty team for investigation and resolution.
Receive RMAs and issue credits to customers for returned parts.
Collaborate with warranty, quality control, customer service, and other departments to investigate return reasons and help improve product reliability.
Identify and document return root causes and accurately log KPI data, including customer and return information, reasons, dates, and costs.
Help management identify opportunities to improve and optimize the returns process.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure returned parts are properly stored.
Maintain accurate and current returns and inventory records, supporting documents, correspondence, and resolutions.
Support an organized system for tracking and analyzing returns data.
Analyze returns data for trends, patterns, recurring product-quality issues, and potential improvements; suggest modifications as appropriate.
Support the sales team in initiating, processing, and closing RMAs efficiently and cost-effectively.
Follow management's compliance guidelines and applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards for returned products.
Perform other assigned duties, including possible assistance with shipping, receiving, and inventory management.