What are the responsibilities and job description for the Returns Specialist position at KDS Strategic Search Group?
Returns Associate (Warehouse / Plumbing Supply)
Location: Staten Island, NY
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with overtime available or required as needed.
Why this role
- Stable, established company with long-tenured team
- Clear expectations and consistent day-to-day workflow
- Hands-on role with ownership of a critical function
- Local opportunity with predictable hours (Mon–Fri, 9:00–5:30)
- Benefits from day one opportunity for overtime
Position Overview
This is a hands-on Returns Associate role within a plumbing supply distribution environment. You will own the returns function end-to-end, working independently to receive, inspect, process, and disposition returned materials.
This is not a passive warehouse role. The position requires strong product knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to make real-time decisions on returned inventory. You will interact with drivers, warehouse staff, and internal teams to ensure all returned materials are accurately evaluated and properly handled.
Success in this role comes down to understanding plumbing parts, staying highly organized, and taking full ownership of the returns process.
Key Responsibilities
Returns Processing and Inspection
- Receive and unload returned materials from drivers (pickups, refusals, returns)
- Inspect items for completeness, damage, and usability
- Determine disposition: restock, return to vendor, or discard
- Identify missing components or inconsistencies
Product Evaluation
- Apply working knowledge of plumbing parts and materials to assess returned goods
- Make informed decisions on whether products are sellable or not
- Flag recurring issues or product trends
Inventory and Documentation
- Record returns, quantities, SKUs, and reasons in internal systems or spreadsheets
- Update inventory status and communicate discrepancies
- Maintain accurate and organized documentation of all returns
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work with Receiving, Inventory, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance
- Ensure all returned materials are accounted for and properly resolved
- Communicate clearly on status, issues, and required follow-up
Warehouse Operations
- Operate forklift or assist with manual unloading as needed
- Stage and organize returned materials for next steps
- Maintain a clean, structured returns area
What the Hiring Manager Cares About
- Plumbing product knowledge is critical
- Ownership of a one-person function within receiving
- Hands-on, physical work in a warehouse environment
- Strong organization and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate across departments and close the loop on returns
Background That Translates Well
- Plumbing supply warehouse (receiving, returns, picking, loading)
- Counter sales at plumbing supply distributors
- Inside sales within plumbing or HVAC distribution
- Plumbers or plumber helpers with strong parts knowledge
- Warehouse roles within plumbing, HVAC, or building supply distribution
Qualifications
- Experience in plumbing supply, HVAC supply, or related distribution preferred
- Working knowledge of plumbing parts and materials strongly preferred
- Warehouse experience including loading/unloading and forklift operation
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment
- Basic computer skills for data entry and tracking