The Opportunity

Reporting to the Distribution Centre Manager, the Returned Goods Associate is responsible for physically coordinating customer and vendor returns within established warranty and return procedures. This includes receiving material, verifying condition of products, refusing unacceptable merchandise, preparation and shipping to suppliers, and providing support to our purchasing and pricing departments throughout the process. This role is a day shift from 6AM to 2:30PM.

Responsibilities

- Receive the customer’s returned merchandise, verify the condition, applying and supporting the company’s policy and that of the concerned supplier for the return of merchandise.
- Refuse unacceptable merchandise, exchange the authorized material, and review the credit pick slip for all accepted material.
- Return to stock material, and put aside special or damaged material to be returned or inspected by various suppliers according to procedure.
- Prepare and ship to the suppliers the temporary or defective materials and complete the “Vendor Return”, negotiate the return and the handling of charges with the suppliers.
- Ship to the supplier or the agency, the defective materials to be repaired and obtain the prices of repairs from the Sales Department.
- Obtain from the Purchasing and the Sales Departments, their cooperation or suggestions to support the position of the company towards the suppliers or the customers.
- Receive the exchanged or repaired merchandise from the supplier, make sure that everything is confirmed in the documents, and stock the material or return it to the customer, by completing the invoice to the customer and writing all charges due, if applicable.
- See all the supplier’s representatives to inspect returned customer merchandise and negotiate the credit to be received from the supplier and the handling charges. Escalate to the Distribution Centre Manager when the response from suppliers is not satisfactory.
- Prepare the material and related documents for a supplier’s inspection.
- Consider and apply warranty on returned products where applicable, requesting information and assistance from buyer to settle any disputes with the supplier.




- Apply the policies of returned merchandise and refer, after research, any doubtful situations to the Distribution Centre Manager.
- Research all documentation concerned with the returned merchandise.
- Ensure that appropriate documents are forwarded to the Sales or Purchasing Departments.
- Maintain returned merchandise files to the suppliers and open returns from customers.
- Execute minor repairs of defective products for a customer.
- May decide upon replacement of material when necessary, and ensure the company is reimbursed by the supplier.
- May, when required or instructed, act as a counter person and or an order picker, or assist in the receiving of stock.
- Participate in inventory taking.
- Perform other warehouse functions such as receiving, order picking, or loading as required.
- Perform other duties, as required based on business needs.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and use required protective equipment.
- Report any hazards, defective equipment, or contraventions to the employer or supervisor.
- Maintain safety protocols by not removing protective devices and avoiding unsafe practices or conduct.

What You Offer

- 1-2 years warehouse experience, including forklift/tow motor.
- 1-2 years customer service/counter experience.
- Forklift license for Counterbalance and Raymond Reach, with at least 1 year's operating experience.
- At least 1 year's experience handling returned inventory.
- Experience using RF scanners.
- AS400 system experience an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Mechanical/Technical aptitude.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Positive attitude and customer service oriented with a sense of urgency.
- Computer literate, with Basic MS Outlook, Word, and Excel skills.

Why Desco may be right for you





- Canada's Best Managed Companies - Platinum Member
- Employee Focused Programs
- Charity Day
- Supportive and Positive Work Environment

As a leading Canadian owned plumbing, HVAC and hydronics wholesale distributor, we are comprised of 17 locations and 3 luxury showrooms and are a proud supporter and supplier to the essential Plumbing and Heating trade contractors in the Ontario market.

Desco is committed to providing accessible employment practices, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Applicants are asked to make accommodation requests to Desco, and we will make every effort to ensure that accommodation requests are met throughout the recruitment process.

This posting is for a current opening. By selecting “Apply Now”, you as an applicant hereby give free and express consent for all the information you have provided and will provide to Desco Heating and Plumbing Supply Inc. to be recorded in a file that will be created concerning your application for the position applied above. You have been informed that the file created for your application will be accessible to company personnel involved in the selection and hiring process. It will then be stored for at least 36 months in the company’s candidate database, in accordance with applicable security and confidentiality standards, unless you request its withdrawal and destruction in writing. We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, or interviewing.

Job Types: Full time, Permanent

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Mississauga, ON L5S 1S6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

- Warehouse: 2 years (preferred)
- Customer service: 2 years (preferred)
- Returned goods: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Counterbalance and Raymond Reach forklift license (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Returned Goods Warehouse Associate (Mississauga)
🏢 Desco Plumbing and Heating Supply
📍 Mississauga