Retail Merchandise Recovery Associate

Goodwill is one of the leading non-profit brands in the world and one of the largest non-profits in Southern California. We are a rapidly evolving organization and yet we have never been more focused on our Mission, on our people, and on our future. It’s always a GOOD day in SoCal! 

The Retail Merchandise Recovery Associate is a full-time, warehouse-based role focused on enhancing merchandise recovery and supporting operational excellence across the retail system. This position is responsible for inspecting merchandise and Mobile Unit Transports (MUTs) designated for the Outlet Center to identify high-value items that can be rerouted to retail locations. The Associate also identifies and documents processing errors, provides visual evidence to support leadership training efforts, and ensures adherence to established operational standards. Through consistent recovery efforts and quality control support, this role plays a key part in driving revenue retention, improving store performance, and advancing continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Merchandise Evaluation & Recovery

• Inspect merchandise and MUTs prior to Outlet sale to identify brand-name or sellable items suitable for reallocation to retail stores.
• Build and maintain “second chance” MUTs containing items designated for return to the retail stores.

Process & Compliance Review

• Review MUT assembly and labeling for accuracy; report inconsistencies to retail leaders for process improvement.
• Document and photograph process errors, including mislabeling or mishandling, and submit reports to District Managers.

Reporting & Communication

• Utilize company-issued devices to complete reports, transmit images, and communicate findings to key retail stakeholders.
• Maintain an organized system for error tracking, salvage recovery, and ongoing documentation.

Safety & Operational Support

• Perform all tasks using appropriate PPE and in accordance with safety protocols.
• Work independently while contributing to a culture of accountability, operational compliance, and merchandise recovery.

 Computer Skills

• Operate an iPhone or Tablet to navigate apps and manage basic settings.
• Send and receive emails using a mobile device.
• Take clear photos with the iPhone or Tablet camera.
• Send text messages through standard messaging apps.
• Maintain basic reports using digital forms or apps.

Education & Experience

• Ability to read, speak and write Basic English.
• Ability to work with a diverse team.
• Some retail and sales experience helpful.
• Some warehouse experience preferred.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Ability to work with moderate supervision.
• Spanish / English bilingual preferred.
• Must be safety conscious.
• Excellent people skills and always maintains courteous disposition.
• Ability to follow written and oral instruction consistently.
• Shift flexibility and overtime when needed.

• Punctual and dependable attendance.
• Free from alcohol and drug abuse.
• Adheres to Goodwill’s values of Respect, Integrity, Service, & Excellence.

• Background Check
• Drug screen 8-panel

#LI-DNI

Goodwill Industries in Southern California is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here:

Goodwill gives preferential consideration to persons with barriers to employment.   Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Goodwill is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees. 

Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.  

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities

In furtherance of our commitment to end discrimination against qualified disabled individuals, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all regulations properly issued thereunder to protect the rights of qualified disabled persons, it is Goodwill's policy that no program or activity administered by it shall exclude from participation, deny benefits to or subject to discrimination any individual solely by reason of his or her disability.   Equal employment opportunity will be extended to qualified disabled persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination.   We further affirm that we will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified disabled employee or applicant.  

It is the policy of Goodwill to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment.  If you need assistance for accommodations to interview because of a disability, please notify the Human Resources Department. 

Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a disability.