Returns & Inventory Operations Specialist

Lowe's Companies, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

401(k) match

Employee assistance

Tuition assistance

Education support

Discount platform

Travel insurance

Parental leave

Adoption assistance

Associate discount

Bonuses program

Stock purchase plan

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. in Rockford, IL is seeking a Back-End Clerk to support Receiving Office operations, including processing returns, RTV/RTM, and inventory movement.

You will handle documentation, coordinate with vendors, assist with receiving shipments, maintain records, and help ensure safe, organized backroom and return areas. This entry-level role offers exposure to retail logistics with Lowe’s benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1 year of experience processing and filing merchandise receiving paperwork.
• 1 year of experience with store inventory receiving and administration.
• 6 months of experience in warehouse data entry/bookkeeping.
• 6 months of experience communicating with vendors or customers regarding returns, payments, or contract fulfillment.
• 6 months of retail experience accepting or processing returns.

Responsibilities

• Process customer returns in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Execute Return-to-Vendor (RTV) and Return-to-Manufacturer (RTM) processes, including documentation, packaging, and shipment preparation.
• Coordinate vendor credits and replacements as required, following established guidelines.
• Sort and disposition returned merchandise (restock, return, dispose) based on condition and policy.
• Maintain accurate records of all return transactions and associated documentation.
• Assist with receiving shipments, including unloading trucks and verifying merchandise against shipping documentation.
• Process receiving paperwork and update inventory systems accurately.
• Ensure merchandise is properly labeled, stored, and routed to appropriate locations (sales floor, backroom, or return processing).
• Support inventory accuracy through routine checks and report discrepancies to leadership.
• Generate and review standard reports related to returns, damaged goods, and inventory exceptions.
• Coordinate with receiving and store teams to ensure efficient product flow.
• Maintain organization of backroom and return areas.
• Follow all safety procedures related to material handling, hazardous materials, and equipment use.
• Identify and properly handle hazardous or restricted items in accordance with guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Provide basic support for customer return inquiries when needed.
• Communicate with vendors or manufacturers to facilitate returns, credits, or replacements following standard procedures.
• Back-End Clerk supports Administrative and logistical functions in Receiving Office, including record retention, inbound/outbound truck schedules, and daily/weekly reports.
• Manage items out for repair, handle claims and inventory adjustments, and assist receiver/stocker teams with PO processing as needed.
• This individual may be held accountable for other duties as assigned.

Skills

Merchandise receiving experience

Vendor/customer communication

Data entry

Inventory administration

Record keeping

Able to work in a team

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. in Rockford, IL is seeking a Back-End Clerk to support Receiving Office operations, including processing returns, RTV/RTM, and inventory movement.

You will handle documentation, coordinate with vendors, assist with receiving shipments, maintain records, and help ensure safe, organized backroom and return areas. This entry-level role offers exposure to retail logistics with Lowe’s benefits.