Returns and Quality Control Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Returns and Quality Control Specialist

Department: Distribution Center

Reports To: Warehouse Operations Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exemp t

Compensation Base Range: $20-$22 hourly

WHO WE ARE:

REP designs world-class, innovative gym equipment that is sold around the world, and we are now expanding into apparel, supplements, athletes, and events. REP was established in 2012 by two brothers who shared a deep passion for fitness. From our humble beginnings of selling bumper plates out of a small garage, REP has experienced remarkable growth, now occupying over 300,000+ square feet of office and distribution space in the USA and internationally. With a dedicated team of over 180+ fitness enthusiasts, our mission is to "Improve Lives by Sharing our Passion for Strength." Our commitment to innovation, customer service, and value sets us apart.

We believe in building a culture centered around fitness, so we specialize in outfitting home gyms, commercial gyms, and strength and conditioning facilities. Our dedication to excellence has been recognized many times - as one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing private companies; as Newsweek's Reader's Choice Best Exercise Equipment Brand; and as the most popular brand in the home gym market (with cost in mind) by Garage Gym Experiment. From Men's Health to Self.com, Garage Gym Reviews, and Men's Journal, REP's products are consistently named the best in their class . We also boast impressive partnerships, such as providing F45's functional racks worldwide. Our team works out together, and we regularly invite fitness superstars to join us. We organize fun challenges to test our limits - and the limits of our equipment .

At REP, we continue to grow and bring new opportunities for those who want to be a part of a winning team. We firmly believe that being surrounded by like-minded individuals fuels creative energy and fosters a fun and collaborative work environment. This role is based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Carlisle is considered one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania, and USA Today even nominated it as one of the Best Historic Small Towns in 2022. Carlisle is also a history lover's dream, as it played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. Amid this charming town, the REP kitchen is always stocked with healthy snacks, energy drinks, and protein. This is not a remote position and requires you to work in the office five days a week (but that endless stream of healthy treats in a supportive and fun environment makes this office experience a reward, in and of itself). For a closer look at the Carlisle showroom, check out this blog.

OUR CORE VALUES:

Think Like a Customer - We empathize with our customers; understand the " why" behind every decision we make.

Progress not Perfection - We don't let perfect get in the way of good ; we are better today than we were yesterday.

Positive Attitude - Be a glass half-full kind of person and remember to have fun.

Teamwork without Ego - We put the team above ourselves; we only win together.

Take Initiative - We drive momentum; if there is an opportunity to make us better, we want to hear it.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

Our commitment to quality and transparency applies not only to our products, but also to our people. We are focused on creating a fun, exciting, collaborative space that's centered around health and well-being. We empower everyone on our team to take control of their careers and balance their work and life in a modern, fast-paced environment.

We offer an exceptional compensation package that includes:

DAY ONE BENEFITS!

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (Competitive Benefits packages Offered) 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options 
• LTD/STD, Life and AD&D (100% premiums covered by REP)  
• 401k and Roth options with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

RECHA RGE YOURSELF!

• 3 weeks of PTO a ccrued during your first year 
• 48 hours of sick leave annually 
• 7 paid company holidays with an additional floating holiday 
• Paid parental leave starting day one 
• Birthday - Paid day off 

PUMPED-UP PERKS!

• Unique bonus structure that rewards exceptional individual performance , as well as company-wide performance 
• Full access to employee gym 
• Employee discount on REP equipment and apparel 
• Daily snacks and drinks provided by REP (for on-site employees) 
• Fitness-casual attire 
• Company- and team-building events  
• Professional growth and development within the organization 
• Life-work balance 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As the Returns Specialist at REP Fitness, you will play a critical role in managing customer returns within the Pennsylvania distribution center. This role requires a hands-on and analytical approach to evaluate, process, and disposition returned goods with the goal of completing all inspections & corresponding actions within the service level agreed upon. You'l l work closely inventory control teams & QC to identif y product or packaging issues and support continuous process improvement efforts. This includes reworking or re - boxin g viabl e inventory, clearing goods for resale, or determinin g if items should be liquidated or scrapped. Your decisions directly impac t inventory accuracy, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative, and is passionate about improving reverse logistic s .

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: include the following. Other duties may be assigned .

• Process all customer returns efficiently and accurately within 1 business day of receipt .
• Perform detailed ass essments to determine disposition: restock, rebox , rework, clearance, or scrap .
• Own the end-to-end return workflow, including labeling, staging, physical movement, and system updates .
• Maintain accurate records of all return activities in WMS system .
• Identify trends in return reasons and collaborate with QC on recurring product or packaging issues .
• Assist with product Quality Control Department through quality functions, including .
• Conducting dock audits by assembling new product launches per manual and documenting feedback .
• Performing inspections for first and second manufacturing runs when needed .
• Executing spot checks as directed by QC leadership .
• Managing rework projects when necessary .
• Participating in weekly MRB (Material Review Board) meetings to disposition held inventory .

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required . Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability .
• Proven ability to work independently while maintaining collaboration with cross-functional teams .
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially around inventory assessment .
• A drive for process improvement and a continuous improvement mentality
• Basic understanding of warehouse systems, inventory control, and quality assurance practices .
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environment and be open to cross-training with other essential distribution center activities when needed (picking, packing, unloading) .
• Physical ability to perform warehouse tasks including lifting, sorting, and handling products .
• Previous experience in reverse logistics , returns processing, or QC/QA roles is highly preferred .

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Experience with Microsoft Suite (Excel, word, and Teams) - preferred
• Experience with NetSuite - preferred

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• 2-4 years related experience

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Decision Making - The ability to evaluate information, assess risks and opportunities, and choose the best course of action in a timely manner. Strong decision-making involves balancing logic and intuition, considering short- and long-term impacts, and taking responsibility for the outcome.

Problem-Solving & Root Cause - The skill of identifying challenges, analyzing contributing factors, and developing effective, sustainable solutions. This includes using structured methods (such as the "5 Whys" or fishbone diagrams) to pinpoint the root cause of an issue rather than only addressing symptoms.

Operational Flexibility & Adaptability - The capacity to adjust strategies, priorities, and approaches in response to changing conditions, demands, or unforeseen challenges. This includes staying productive and positive during transitions, learning new processes quickly, and embracing continuous improvement.

Self-Motivated - A strong internal drive to take initiative, remain productive without constant supervision, and actively seek ways to improve performance or contribute to team success. Self-motivated individuals consistently follow through on commitments and pursue personal and professional growth.

Inventory & Quality Control Accuracy - The ability to maintain precise inventory records and ensure products meet quality standards through consistent monitoring, verification, and corrective actions. This competency minimizes errors, reduces waste, and ensures customers receive products that meet expectations.

Process Optimization - The skill of evaluating workflows, systems, and resources to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and maintain or improve quality. This includes applying data-driven analysis and best practices to streamline operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to sit and use hands to operate the telephone, type and operate the computer and mouse. Physical effort may include stooping, kneeling, touching, feeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions . The employee is frequently required to talk, hear, and bend and t wist neck. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and rarely lift and/or move up to 100 pounds assisted . Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

REP provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, REP complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at REP.