Role Purpose
The Returns & Quality Operative is responsible for processing all returned goods efficiently, accurately, and in line with company quality standards. The role ensures returned stock is inspected, graded, and routed correctly to minimise loss, protect product integrity, and support excellent customer experience.
Key ResponsibilitiesReturns Processing
- Receive, log, and process customer returns in the warehouse management system (WMS).
- Verify returned items against order details, return notes, and system records.
- Identify incorrect, incomplete, or unauthorised returns and escalate where required.
- Ensure all returns are processed within agreed SLAs to support customer service and stock accuracy.
Quality Inspection & Grading
- Conduct detailed visual and functional inspections of returned products.
- Grade items according to company criteria (e.g., resaleable, refurbish, damaged, scrap).
- Identify manufacturing faults, transit damage, or customer misuse.
- Photograph defects and record findings to support claims, investigations, or supplier feedback.
Stock Handling & Disposition
- Repackage, relabel, or prepare items for resale where appropriate.
- Segregate stock requiring refurbishment, repair, or disposal.
- Update inventory records to ensure accurate stock levels and traceability.
- Support stock movements between returns, QC, and main warehouse locations.
Compliance & Reporting
- Follow all Health & Safety procedures, including safe manual handling and PPE use.
- Report recurring issues, product faults, or trends to the Returns Supervisor or Quality Lead.
- Maintain accurate documentation for audits, supplier claims, and internal reporting.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the returns and QC process.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to assess product condition and make sound quality decisions.
- Good communication skills for liaising with warehouse, customer service, and suppliers.
- Basic IT literacy (WMS, tablets, scanners, photo capture).
- Organised, methodical, and able to work independently.
- Positive team attitude and reliability.
Experience & Requirements
- Previous experience in returns, QC, or warehouse operations preferred.
- Comfortable with manual handling and working in a fast‑paced environment.
- Understanding of product quality standards (training provided).
- Ability to work to deadlines and maintain high accuracy levels.
Performance Indicators
- Returns processing accuracy and speed.
- Quality grading accuracy and consistency.
- Stock integrity and correct disposition of returned items.
- Compliance with safety and operational procedures.
- Contribution to reducing avoidable losses and improving customer satisfaction.
Pay: From £9.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Castle Donington DE74 2PY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Clothing Returns: 1 year (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
