What are the responsibilities and job description for the DC Damages/Returns Associate position at Ashley Furniture Industries?
Key Responsibilities
Damages Processing
Education & Experience
Damages Processing
- Receive and log damaged product from inbound shipments, internal handling, or outbound issues.
- Inspect items to determine type and extent of damage.
- Accurately tag, label, and segregate damaged goods per company procedures.
- Determine disposition (repair, return to vendor, scrap, resale, or secondary channel) based on guidelines.
- Receive and verify returned merchandise against return authorizations, packing lists, and system data.
- Inspect returned items for completeness, damage, and resale condition.
- Process returns in the warehouse management or ERP system, including reason codes and status updates.
- Coordinate restocking of saleable product and proper handling of non-saleable product.
- Enter damage and return details in the appropriate systems accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintain organized records of damaged and returned inventory, including photos when required.
- Assist with reporting on damage trends, return reasons, and inventory write-offs.
- Help ensure that damaged and return inventory is controlled, secured, and accounted for.
- Support investigations into recurring damage, packaging issues, or handling errors.
- Follow company policies to minimize shrink, loss, and unauthorized removal of product.
- Communicate with customer service, wholesale, and inventory control teams regarding product status.
- Assist warehouse teams with locating and moving damaged/return items as needed.
- Participate in audits, cycle counts, or special projects related to damages/returns.
- Adhere to all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and clearly labeled damages/returns area.
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience in warehousing, returns processing, or inventory control preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
- Basic computer skills; experience with WMS/ERP systems preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret return documents, labels, and product information.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Problem-solving skills to assess product condition and determine appropriate disposition.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the shift.
- Ability to lift, move, or push product up to 50 lbs. as needed.
- Ability to work in typical warehouse conditions (noise, temperature variation, handling large items).