Returns at KDS Strategic Search Staten Island, New York

Returns Associate (Warehouse / Plumbing Supply)

Location: Staten Island, NY
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with overtime available or required as needed.
Why This Role

Stable, established company with long-tenured team
Clear expectations and consistent day-to-day workflow
Hands-on role with ownership of a critical function
Local opportunity with predictable hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:30)
Benefits from day one + opportunity for overtime
Position Overview

This is a hands-on Returns Associate role within a plumbing supply distribution environment. You will own the returns function end-to-end, working independently to receive, inspect, process, and disposition returned materials. This is not a passive warehouse role. The position requires strong product knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to make real-time decisions on returned inventory. You will interact with drivers, warehouse staff, and internal teams to ensure all returned materials are accurately evaluated and properly handled. Success in this role comes down to understanding plumbing parts, staying highly organized, and taking full ownership of the returns process.
Key Responsibilities

Returns Processing and Inspection

Receive and unload returned materials from drivers (pickups, refusals, returns)
Inspect items for completeness, damage, and usability
Determine disposition: restock, return to vendor, or discard
Identify missing components or inconsistencies
Product Evaluation

Apply working knowledge of plumbing parts and materials to assess returned goods
Make informed decisions on whether products are sellable or not
Flag recurring issues or product trends
Inventory and Documentation

Record returns, quantities, SKUs, and reasons in internal systems or spreadsheets
Update inventory status and communicate discrepancies
Maintain accurate and organized documentation of all returns
Cross-Functional Coordination

Work with Receiving, Inventory, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance
Ensure all returned materials are accounted for and properly resolved
Communicate clearly on status, issues, and required follow-up
Warehouse Operations

Operate forklift or assist with manual unloading as needed
Stage and organize returned materials for next steps
Maintain a clean, structured returns area
What the Hiring Manager Cares About

Plumbing product knowledge is critical
Ownership of a one-person function within receiving
Hands-on, physical work in a warehouse environment
Strong organization and attention to detail
Ability to communicate across departments and close the loop on returns
Background That Translates Well

Plumbing supply warehouse (receiving, returns, picking, loading)
Counter sales at plumbing supply distributors
Inside sales within plumbing or HVAC distribution
Plumbers or plumber helpers with strong parts knowledge
Warehouse roles within plumbing, HVAC, or building supply distribution
Qualifications

Experience in plumbing supply, HVAC supply, or related distribution preferred
Working knowledge of plumbing parts and materials strongly preferred
Warehouse experience including loading/unloading and forklift operation
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment
Basic computer skills for data entry and tracking