Softline Merchandising Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Houston is seeking a Soft Lines Merchandising Specialist to sort and price donated soft goods, hang items by department and size, and ensure backroom readiness for the sales floor. The role emphasizes efficient processing, adherence to quality standards, and responsive customer service in a busy retail setting.

The position requires basic high school education, ability to work flexible hours, and commitment to safety and PPE protocols while contributing to the mission of

Qualifications

• Sort soft goods donations to maximize turnover.
• Price items according to guidelines and tag accordingly.
• Assist customers and maintain store presentation.
• Follow safety policies and PPE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Sort soft goods donations (clothing, linens, etc.) by quality guidelines.
• Hang and organize items by department, category, and size.
• Process donations in backroom to prepare for sales floor.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of work area and aisles.

Skills

Merchandising

Sorting donations

Pricing

Customer service

Safety compliance

PPE usage

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Soft 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 sellable soft goods donations, separating sellable, unsellable, and high-value items. Hang sellable items and organize items by department, category, and size. Responsible for processing donations in the backroom to ensure merchandise is ready for the sales floor, ensuring goods are handled efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize profitability and support the GWH mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for sorting soft goods donations (clothing, linens, etc.) according to GWH quality guidelines to maximize production.
• Stay current with market trends, merchandising, and competitive pricing.
• Thoroughly examine all items to ensure they meet GWH quality standards.
• Responsible for hanging all approved, sorted goods on appropriate hangers and ensuring that all hung items are arranged in size order by department.
• Price soft goods merchandise according to the current GWH baseline pricing guidelines and use the tagging equipment to place price points on items.
• 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.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation before, during, and after the shift.
• Request additional production supplies from 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 in assigned areas to keep spaces clean, safe, and clutter-free.
• 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 work 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 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.
• Safety Culture
• Attendance: Work schedule as assigned, notify leadership as needed, and no recurring issues
• Image: Personal image, keeps work area/location clean, safe, and organized with no donor creep
• Equipment Management
• Production Management

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Ability to stand, twist, bend, squat, reach, kneel, push, and pull.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and, occasionally, lift/move items up to 100 lbs. (e.g., large bags of donations, televisions, furniture, etc.)
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Moderate indoor noise with periodic exposure to outside temperatures.

I understand this job description and requirements, and that I am expected to complete all assigned duties. I understand that the job functions may change and that I may be transferred to another location at management's discretion.

I have read this job description and can perform the essential functions of this position with or without accommodation.

Associate: ________________________________________________ Date: _______________

Manager: ______________________________________________________ Date: ______________