Hard Lines Merchandising Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Houston; Webster (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Houston is seeking a Hard Lines Merchandising Specialist to sort and price donated hard goods for the sales floor. You will research values, identify items for eCommerce processing, and maintain safety and organization in the backroom.

The role supports the Donated Goods Program by ensuring merchandise is cataloged, priced, and prepared efficiently to maximize profitability and mission impact.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with diverse personalities and communication styles.
• Retail sales experience is preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Sort and grade hard goods donations according to GWH quality guidelines to maximize production.
• Research merchandise value using GWH pricing guides or online platforms to price items.
• Recognize items to be treated as eCommerce and hand to the manager on duty for processing.
• Wear PPE as required, including cut-resistant gloves, while on duty.
• Keep a clean, organized workstation before, during, and after shifts.

Skills

Basic math

Effective communication

Retail experience

Flexible schedule

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Hard Lines Merchandising Specialist

Department: Donated Goods Program (DGP)

Reports To: Store Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Mission Support:

Goodwill Houston (GWH) is transforming lives by connecting people to opportunities that advance the future of work. Through education, training, and employment, we create pathways to success for individuals facing employment barriers. We empower people, strengthen families, and impact communities by addressing both immediate and future workforce needs. With the generous support of our donors and retail customers, we are changing lives through the power of work.

Position Summary:

Responsible for sorting hard goods donations, categorizing items as sellable, non-sellable, and high-value. Research and price items following GWH guidelines. Process hard good donations from the backroom to ensure merchandise is priced and prepared for the sales floor, handling them efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize profitability and support the mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for sorting and grading hard goods donations according to GWH quality guidelines to maximize production.
• Research merchandise value using current GWH baseline pricing guides or utilize Google Lens, eBay, and/or other resell platforms to price merchandise.
• Knowledge of items to be considered as eCommerce that should be given to the manager on duty to process (review training binder for detailed guidelines).
• Ensure designated personal protective equipment (PPE) is being utilized while on duty, including but not limited to cut-resistant gloves.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation before, during, and after the shift.
• Request additional production supplies from management when running low.
• Routinely monitor merchandise levels on the sales floor to increase production in specific categories and notify management when running low.
• Assist with product rotation and sales floor recovery to maintain a Full, Fresh, and Friendly shopping environment.
• Greet each customer and assist with basic questions about store operations and merchandise as needed.
• Assist with unloading donations from donor vehicles, accurately using the donation tablet, and assist donors as needed.
• Assist with loading and unloading equipment as needed.
• Perform housekeeping duties across assigned areas, ensuring spaces remain clean, safe, and free of clutter.
• Assist in maintaining the safety and security of GWH associates, customers, and company property.
• Perform necessary janitorial work.
• Must report all work incidents and injuries immediately.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Adheres to all GWH Policies & Procedures, Loss Prevention & Safety Regulations, and GWH Guiding Principles.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must perform safely; maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all aisles and pathways to fire exits are clear and free of clutter.
• Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to perform basic math functions (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with individuals with diverse personalities and communication styles.
• Retail sales experience is preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

• Production Standards: Sell through %; Average Price Piece-APP (based on company average)
• Work Integrity: Follows established procedures and processes donations timely with a sense of urgency
• Quality of Work: Attitude, sense of urgency, productivity, individual safety performance, etc.