Retail Production Associate

Job Location

Cookeville

Job Summary:

The Retail Production Associate supports efficient store operations by preparing donated Softline and Hardline merchandise through accurate sorting, pricing, and production activities during assigned shifts. This role focuses on meeting quota driven production expectations while maintaining the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and safety, following established processes aligned with Goodwill’s mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment.

Under the direction of store management, this role focuses on consistent task completion and quality first production, supporting backroom and production operations to ensure merchandise is processed accurately, efficiently, and ready for the sales floor throughout the day, grounded in Goodwill’s values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.

Job Description

Essential Functions

Production & Merchandise Preparation

• Support the delivery of efficient, high‑quality production output during assigned shifts by helping maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment.
• Accurately sort, tag, price, and prepare donated Softline and Hardline merchandise according to established production and quality standards.
• Work in a quota‑driven production environment, consistently meeting productivity expectations while maintaining quality as the top priority.
• Use approved pricing tools or point‑of‑sale (POS) systems to ensure accurate and consistent pricing.
• Prepare merchandise to be shop‑ready, ensuring accuracy, presentation, and compliance with established guidelines.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety across all production and backroom areas to support efficient workflow.
• Support store readiness by ensuring merchandise is processed accurately and available for timely placement on the sales floor.

Production Operations & Daily Workflow

• Complete assigned production tasks to support overall store readiness, sales, and inventory flow throughout the shift.
• Support opening and closing routines related to production and backroom operations to ensure consistent daily readiness.
• Assist with material movement, staging, and coordination between production, backroom, and sales floor areas as directed by store leadership.

Compliance, Safety & Operational Standards

• Follow all company policies, safety guidelines, and operational procedures during assigned shifts.
• Practice safe work behaviors, including proper lifting techniques and use of equipment and tools.
• Report hazards, injuries, equipment concerns, or quality issues to store leadership promptly.
• Follow production standards, pricing integrity, and merchandise handling procedures to support a safe, compliant, and high‑quality operation.

Schedule & Flexibility

• Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall store operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience in retail, production, warehouse, or customer-facing roles preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to follow established production processes, procedures, and safety guidelines with consistency and attention to detail.
• Ability to work accurately in a quota‑driven environment where quality is the top priority.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate sorting, pricing, and preparation of Softline and Hardline merchandise.
• Ability to remain focused while performing repetitive production tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move items as required in a production and retail setting.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certifications & License

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience working in quota‑driven or manufacturing‑style production environments preferred.
• Experience working in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments with productivity expectations preferred.
• Prior nonprofit or mission‑based retail experience is a plus.
• Experience using pricing tools, point‑of‑sale (POS) systems, or handling transactions preferred.
• Experience with task‑based, repetitive work requiring consistency, accuracy, and quality control preferred.
• Bilingual language skills are preferred.