Senior Hardware Returns Lead: Multi-Facility Ops

AHEAD; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental and caregiver leave

Job summary

AHEAD is seeking a Lead Hardware Returns Specialist to oversee the daily processing of defective, damaged, and customer-owned computer hardware for return to manufacturers and vendors. This role guides the returns team, ensures accurate verification, and coordinates across campus facilities in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, process-driven, and able to lead by example while maintaining inventory accuracy and timely shipping.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three or more years of experience in warehouse operations, electronics repair, reverse logistics, hardware returns, or a related field preferred.
• Prior lead, coordinator, trainer, or informal team‑lead experience preferred.
• Experience working with computer hardware, including servers, PCs, components, and related configurations, strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with inventory systems, ERP systems, warehouse management systems, vendor portals, or RMA platforms.
• Experience supporting operations across multiple work areas, buildings, or facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the hardware returns function, including work assignment, queue prioritization, workload balancing, and facility coverage.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource for Hardware Returns Specialists and provide guidance on procedures, systems, documentation, and vendor requirements.
• Monitor open RTV and RMA queues to ensure timely processing, accurate status updates, and effective resolution of aging or escalated items.
• Support achievement of department goals, service levels, quality standards, inventory accuracy, and shipping deadlines.
• Identify operational constraints and coordinate with warehouse, supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and other internal teams to maintain workflow continuity.
• Work as a Hardware Returns Specialist or support other warehouse functions as needed to meet business requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Process improvement

Cross-functional communication

Training/coaching

Problem solving

Time management

Mentoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

WMS

RMA portals

Job description

AHEAD is seeking a Lead Hardware Returns Specialist to oversee the daily processing of defective, damaged, and customer-owned computer hardware for return to manufacturers and vendors. This role guides the returns team, ensures accurate verification, and coordinates across campus facilities in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, process-driven, and able to lead by example while maintaining inventory accuracy and timely shipping.