Retail Associate

General Purpose The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all customers in a courteous and friendly manner, treats fellow Associates with respect, efficiently follows all company best practice standards as outlined in all work centers, maintains a clean work area at all times, and ensures proper merchandise presentation. The Retail Associate is expected to be engaged in these tasks as assigned during all working hours and will be expected to perform a range of functions in all areas of the Store as business needs require. The Associate may be requested to perform additional tasks in specific situations, if performance of these tasks will help achieve our Customer service and operational goals. Essential Functions Understand that safety is the number one priority and practices safe behaviors in everything they do. Maintain a high level of awareness on the sales floor to create a safe and secure shopping environment for everyone. Maintain clutter free, clear egress to emergency exits, and immediately correct or report any unsafe conditions or practices to Store Leadership. Treat all Customers and Associates with respect and courtesy; be friendly and professional at all times. Recognize fellow Associates using Company recognition programs. Assist Customers in any way necessary – be register‑trained, assist Customers with merchandise, and answer Customer questions in a polite and knowledgeable manner. Greet all Customers by making eye contact, smiling, and saying "hello" throughout the Store, as well as saying "thank you" with every register transaction. Provide prompt and efficient responses to Customers at all times. Respond to Customer Service calls immediately; handle all Customer issues in a courteous and helpful way, calling a member of the Store Leadership when needed. Represent and support the Company brand at all times. Perform cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping counters and mirrors, replenishing restroom supplies, and disinfecting high‑touch areas including the front‑end, sales floor and restrooms to help maintain merchandise, customer and Team areas. Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the Company’s dress code at all times. Perform daily assigned sizing and recovery per company best practice to ensure a neat, clean and organized store that is well‑maintained and efficiently merchandised to standards. Expedite newly received merchandise receipts to the sales floor with a sense of urgency, merchandising all items per company best practice to the monthly presentation guidelines and maintaining merchandise/brand name familiarity within departments to assist Customers. Understand the Loss Prevention Awareness program, the Shortage Highway, the Store Protection Specialist (SPS) position (where applicable), and merchandise protection standards. Demonstrate integrity and honesty in all interactions with Associates, Customers, and safeguard confidential information, cash and credit card information, and merchandise. Follow all Mark‑Out‑of‑Stock (MOS) policies, including identification of MOS merchandise, proper processing of each piece and notification of Store Leadership to review and approve all disposals. Follow all policies and procedures concerning cash, check, charge card and refund transactions, voids and offline procedures; maintain a high level of awareness and accuracy when handling bankable tenders. Demonstrate a sense of urgency to efficiently perform each role; maximize productivity by executing all Store best practices and minimizing steps and touches in the workflow. Competencies Manages Work Processes Business Acumen Plans, Aligns & Prioritizes Builds Talent Collaborates Leading by Example Communicates Effectively Ensures Accountability & Execution Qualifications and Special Skills Required Effectively communicate with Customers, Associates and Store Leadership in a friendly, respectful, cooperative and pleasant manner. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations commonly used in retail environments. No degree required, no prior experience required, no certifications required. Physical Requirements / ADA Ability to use all Store equipment, including PDTs, registers and PC as required. Ability to spend up to 100% of working time standing, walking, and moving around the Store. Ability to regularly bend at the waist, squat, kneel, climb, carry, reach, and stoop. Ability to occasionally push, pull and lift more than 25 pounds. Ability to use janitorial equipment, rolling racks, ladders and other assigned supplies. Associates who work Stockroom shifts: Ability to regularly push, pull and lift more than 20 pounds. Other assignments may require additional qualifications and skills. Benefits The base pay range for this role is $15.00 - $15.50, dependent on experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. Other rewards vary by position and location. Benefits offered to all Associates include Accident, Critical Illness, Vision, Auto, Home, and Pet insurance programs; Associate Discount; Identity Protection; Associate Purchase Program; Benefit Hub Discount Mall; Employee Assistance Program; and Commuter Benefits; 401(k) (service requirements); Employee Stock Purchase Program; Ross Cares Fund; College Discounts; Sick Pay (where legally required) and Referral Bonuses. Full‑Time Associates, including FT Retail Associate, Area Supervisor, Assistant Store Manager and Store Manager, are eligible for extended benefits offered including Medical/Dental/Vision, Legal Insurance, Vacation Buy, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Life/ADD Insurance, Long‑Term Disability, Enhanced Maternity and Parental Leave; Vacation Pay accrued at a rate of 10 days/year after eligibility commences; and 9 Personal and Company Holidays. AS, ASM and SM Associates in Stores and Exempt Corporate and Buying Office roles are also eligible to receive a Bonus based on individual and business performance. Disclaimer This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at management’s discretion. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Ross is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. We believe that it is an essential part of the Company’s overall commitment to attract, hire and develop a strong, talented and diverse workforce. Ross is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ross Stores