Returns Associate

S&S Activewear, LLC; Lockport (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team spirit and culture

Career growth opportunities

Apparel discounts

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) plan

Employee events

Job summary

S&S Activewear is seeking a Returns Associate to handle high-volume product returns and support warehouse operations. You will process returns, input data, and assist with related duties in a fast-paced environment.

This full-time role requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and adherence to safety procedures. The position offers benefits and opportunities for growth within the company.

Qualifications

• Experience in a distribution, warehouse, or inventory handling environment.
• Ability to operate inventory control software and related computer systems.
• Strong team collaboration and clear communication with teammates.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain productivity.

Responsibilities

• Unpack returned merchandise and verify return paperwork.
• Process returned goods promptly and accurately.
• Inspect condition of returned items to determine handling.
• Receive and sort returns, follow safety and security procedures.
• Document customer notes in systems and communicate return reasons.
• Operate warehouse equipment safely and efficiently.
• Identify distribution issues and report to supervisor.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the warehouse.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Inventory software

Team communication

Detail oriented

English fluency

Read instructions

Tools

Warehouse management system

Job description

WHY JOIN?

Be part of something special - a place where work feels like a community, not just a job. We're a vibrant and innovative crew united by a shared passion for creativity, growth, and collaboration. S&S is expanding, and we want to connect with dedicated individuals to join our team and create a best place to work. Our team is driven by innovation and partnership, where your ideas are heard and celebrated. We're building an inclusive environment that values every voice and fosters a culture of mutual support and respect. If you're ready to dive into a dynamic work environment where every day brings new personal and professional growth opportunities, we'd love to hear from you if you're enthusiastic about being part of a company that values its employees and rewards hard work. Take the next step in your career with us, where you're not just an employee but an essential part of our journey toward success.

WE OFFER

• Incredible team spirit - At the heart of our success is a culture that cherishes teamwork.
• Opportunities for professional growth - Your contributions are integral to our growth. As we expand, so do your career opportunities to develop and advance.
• Exclusive apparel discounts - Ready to upgrade your wardrobe?! As part of S&S, you'll enjoy special discounts on our trendy, high-quality apparel. Stay stylish and save big!
• Top-notch employee benefits - We prioritize the health and well-being of our team members with an extensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, along with retirement planning options.
• Fun employee appreciation events - We love celebrating you! Regular events are our way of saying 'thank you' for your hard work and dedication. Prepare for some memorable moments of appreciation and fun.
• State-of-the-art equipment - Experience the best in technology and equipment. We provide cutting-edge resources to make your work life safe and efficient!

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Returns Associate will process product returns and information while supporting the warehouse staff and other departments, High-volume, fast-paced working environment. The Returns Associate will answer questions, input accurate return information on customer accounts and perform general warehouse duties, including material picks and deliveries, and warehouse cleanup. The Returns Team Member at S&S Activewear and all employees must adhere to the guidelines presented in the S&S Activewear Employee Handbook.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE

$21.12 per hour Monday - Friday (4:30 AM - 1 PM) Full-Time, non-exempt

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your life, health, and future. Benefits begin 0–90 days after hire and include Vacation, Personal, and Sick time; Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Disability coverage; Flexible Spending Accounts; and a 401(k) plan. You’ll also enjoy discounts on brand‑name apparel, fun employee events, and meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. Join a company that invests in you from day one.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Unpack returned merchandise and assess paperwork sent in with return instructions for proper return procedures.
• Process returned goods in a timely manner.
• Inspect returned merchandise, checking for quality and condition of product to determine return category.
• Receive merchandise, following all security and safety return procedures for each product type.
• Distribute returned items to their proper location considering all factors including the value of the product, its condition and type of return.
• Input clear customer account notes in internal computer systems, communicating return reasons, customer feedback and instructions to ensure accurate processing.
• Identify critical distribution issues and report them to the team lead/supervisor.
• Data entry as needed.
• Identify and input defective products to be returned to mills.
• Act professionally and remain focused while working.
• Safely operate all warehouse equipment.
• Follow directions of leadership.
• Perform cleaning activities as required.
• Maintain a safe and clean warehouse.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Prior experience in a distribution, warehouse, or other inventory handling environment.
• Knowledge and ability to operate inventory control and related computer software.
• Actively support team concepts and effectively communicate with team members.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Maintain individual productivity and quality standards according to department.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Six months experience in a similar Warehouse position
• Ability to read and speak English.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to operate a warehouse equipment and machinery.
• Must be comfortable using electronic devices.
• Can lift and carry up to 50lbs on occasion with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Basic math skills, ability to count, add, and subtract numbers quickly and accurately.
• Ability to identify colors, sizes, quantity, label, and SKU information.
• Must be flexible with start and departure time changing.
• Ability to work overtime when needed.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.
• Responsible for any additional duties assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In performing the job of a Returns Associate, the employee must stand and walk for an 8+ hour shift. Additionally, the position requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching and handling of items up to 50 lbs. Moderate Hand‑Eye coordination, near vision, far vision and hearing is required for the operation of warehouse machinery.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The job will be performed entirely in the warehouse where conditions can range from warm to cool. The job will be performed around warehouse machines and equipment with a moderate level of noise.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

S&S conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. S&S's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons. S&S participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER S&S Activewear welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating a diverse culture and supporting human growth.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We conduct business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer, and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons. S&S participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

S&S is more than a source for apparel and accessories. We're a supply chain built for blazing speed. A technology platform built for your workflow. A sales organization structured around your market. And a partner invested in your growth. To create the future of branded merchandise, empowering our customers and partners to make their vision a reality Our Values capture the beliefs and behaviors that underpin how we work and how we interact with each other, our customers, our suppliers, and our communities. Staying true to our values defines us and our culture just as much as the products we sell and the service we provide.