Position Overview
The wonderful people who process and unload store inventory are actually backroom associates, who are integral parts of any retail environment.
The main work of a backroom associate is to ensure that incoming goods are properly received, and safely stored, apart from ensuring that vendor relations are maintained.
Eligibility Criteria
AdvertisementTo be eligible to work as a backroom associate, you do not need a specific educational background.
However, previous experience in a similar capacity is usually considered a plus point but is not always necessary.
In order to work as a backroom associate, it is imperative that you know the work a little bit. This includes maintenance, cleaning, record keeping, and inventory management.
Also, physical agility and strength are required to work as a backroom associate, as you often have to lift and move heavy objects.
Here is a list of some duties that a backroom associate performs:
Backroom Associate Duties and Responsibilities
• Create and maintain effective liaison with vendors and suppliers.
• Follow up with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Assist in unloading trucks, and moving merchandise to appropriate locations.
• Check all goods to ensure that they are not damaged.
• Create and maintain inventory of received goods in accordance with set protocols.
• Stock shelves, and remove items that are nearing expiry.
• Assemble goods such as furniture, and fittings, and properly display them in the store.
• Ensure that the stock room is maintained properly, and cleaned on a regular basis.
• Create lists of merchandise, to determine where each product will move to.
• Deliver, or make arrangements to have goods delivered to sales floors.
• Spend time on sales floors to respond to customers’ queries and concerns.
• Use carts, dollies, hand trucks, and forklifts to move stuff around the backroom.
• Scan, process, and count products, and put information into the inventory management system.
• Identify and communicate problems and barriers to supervisors.
• Replenish inventory in the backroom, and communicate low stock situations to supervisors.
• Ensure the complete organization of backroom and sales floors.
• Assist sales associates in determining goods placement work processes.
• Assist in floor moves, ensuring consistently high-end support services.
• Ensure that all company protocols for safety are followed through.
• Share information regarding available products with sales staff members.
• Support visual merchandising efforts.
• Assist in setting up merchandise on the sales floor during special occasions such as promotions, and holidays.
Backroom Associate Skills
Organization:
The ability to keep track of inventory, maintain records accurately, and ensure the backroom is always orderly.
Time Management:
Efficiently managing time to complete various tasks, from stocking shelves to assisting with deliveries.
Physical Stamina:
The backroom associate role often requires physical strength and agility to lift and move heavy objects.
Attention to Detail:
Ensuring that all goods are received in good condition, recording inventory accurately, and noticing when items are nearing expiration dates.
Problem-Solving:
Quickly identifying and resolving issues related to inventory, vendor relations, and stock placement.
Communication:
Effective verbal skills to liaise with vendors, suppliers, sales staff, and customers.
Teamwork:
Ability to work well with other associates to ensure the smooth functioning of the inventory process.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in using inventory management systems, scanners, and potentially handling machinery like forklifts.
Customer Service:
Providing support to customers and sales associates, addressing their concerns, and offering information about products.
Adaptability:
Flexibility to support various tasks, from unloading trucks to setting up merchandise during special occasions.
Safety Awareness:
Knowledge and application of safety protocols to prevent injuries and ensure a safe working environment.
Merchandising:
Assisting in the visual presentation of merchandise to enhance the shopping experience.