An Overview of HomeGoods Career Positions

With hundreds of stores across America, HomeGoods is one of the largest home furnishing retailers in the country. HomeGoods has numerous job openings available — both full-time and part-time — ranging from entry-level retail jobs all the way up to management and corporate positions. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about common HomeGoods positions and what to expect in terms of salary, job duties, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a good idea of the types of jobs that HomeGoods offers and which ones might be a good fit for you.

What is HomeGoods?

HomeGoods is a discount home furnishing retailer that operates as part of a larger retail network. The first HomeGoods store opened in 1992 and it has been growing steadily since. As a result, the company offers numerous job opportunities across its 450+ stores. HomeGoods offer their customers small to medium sized furniture, art, and other home accessories. As a result, their stores can cover a large amount of square footage and require a significant number of employees. The company regularly hires new staff to support its operations including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Working at HomeGoods can act as a stepping stone to another job while giving you valuable retail experience, or it can be a long-term career. HomeGoods’ parent company is TJX, a Fortune 100 company with nearly 4,700 stores in 9 countries as of January 2022. In addition to HomeGoods, TJX owns T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Winners, Sierra, and HomeSense. TJX has built its success on providing customers with high-quality products at discounted prices. TJX’s off-price model allows it to offer a wide range of products at prices that are up to 60% lower than those found in department and specialty stores. This, combined with the company's focus on creating a pleasant shopping experience, has helped it attract a loyal customer base and generate strong financial results. Reasons to consider working for HomeGoods With hundreds of locations, there is probably a HomeGoods store near you. And while they’re a large company that hires regularly, there are plenty of other reasons to work for HomeGoods as well. We’ll outline some of these reasons below.

Inclusion and diversity

One study by The McKinsey Global Institute found that for every 10% increase in diversity on executive teams, organizations saw an 8% increase in profitability. Diversity is a win-win for everyone. HomeGoods recognizes that a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to a better experience for their associates, which in turn leads to better service for their customers. This commitment is reflected in their policies and practices, which aim to create an environment where all associates feel welcome and valued. HomeGoods provides equal opportunity for all applicants, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, and marital or military status. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, HomeGoods also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Training and development

68% of employees want to learn or train in the workplace. HomeGoods is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for training and development. The company offers a variety of training programs and resources to help its associates learn new skills, advance in their careers, and grow as individuals. These programs are designed to foster a culture of learning and development and create a positive work environment that encourages employees to thrive. One of the ways that HomeGoods supports its employees is through mentoring. The company pairs experienced associates with newer employees, providing them with guidance, support, and advice. These relationships help employees learn from each other, develop new skills and enhance existing ones, and gain insights into the company's culture and business practices. Another important aspect of HomeGoods' approach to teaching and development is its focus on championing its culture. The company works hard to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment centered around its values and beliefs. This includes promoting diversity, respect, and collaboration, as well as encouraging employees to take ownership of their work and be proud of the contributions they make to the company. HomeGoods encourages new hires to join them not just for a job but to build a career.

Corporate responsibility

HomeGoods strives to be a responsible corporate citizen, and it takes its role in the communities where it operates seriously. In addition to investing in its associates, HomeGoods strives to minimize its impact on the environment. HomeGoods is taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint, including implementing eco-friendly practices in its supply chain and distribution processes, as well as reducing waste and conserving resources in its stores. HomeGoods employees are also committed to operating their business ethically. That means holding themselves to a high standard of honesty, integrity, and transparency in everything they do. They’re committed to treating their employees, customers, and business partners with respect and fairness, and they take concerns and complaints seriously.

Competitive benefits

HomeGoods employees receive a number of benefits, including:

• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• A retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Flexible schedules
• A health savings account
• Parental leave According to the insurance and employee benefits provider MetLife, employees are 70% more likely to remain loyal to their employer if they’re satisfied with their benefits.

Careers available at HomeGoods

HomeGoods offers a wide range of career options for people of many different education and experience levels.

Retail

In 2018, 9.8 million workers in the US had jobs as cashiers, retail salespersons, or first-line supervisors of retail employees — up from 9.6 million in 2010. Altogether, these occupations account for 6.3% of the total US labor force. Retail positions make up the majority of the careers available at HomeGoods. Below are some details about retail positions at HomeGoods. The following is an example of what your career path may look like if you start off working as a store associate at HomeGoods:

Store associate

If you start off working at a HomeGoods retail location, chances are your first position will be as a store associate. Store associate positions can be either part-time or full-time. This is an entry-level position, and pay usually starts at minimum wage. Store associates may be required to work nights, weekends, and some holidays. This position involves some manual labor, such as lifting boxes, helping customers put merchandise into their cars, and stocking shelves. You can also expect to spend most of your shift on your feet. Store associates at HomeGoods are expected to have a pleasant attitude, especially when interacting with customers. To be a good fit for this position, you should be able to work efficiently and well in a team environment.

Cashier

A cashier position may be a dedicated role at HomeGoods locations, or, depending on the location, sales associates may be assigned cashier shifts. Like store associates, cashier positions can be part-time or full-time, and they also have similar expectations. Cashiers interact enthusiastically with customers while promoting the company’s credit and loyalty programs. To work as a HomeGoods cashier, you’ll need to be able to accurately ring customer purchases and returns through, as well as count change. You’ll also be expected to maintain and clean your station. You may also need to process and prepare merchandise for the sales floor, participate in store recovery as needed throughout your shift, and perform other duties as assigned.

Department supervisor

Department supervisors hold full-time positions. HomeGoods often promotes store associates to department supervisor positions, but they also hire external applicants with similar retail experience. Supervisors take an active role in hiring, training, and mentoring store associates. They’re responsible for creating and maintaining weekly schedules for all of the associates in their department. They also regularly place inventory orders and prepare merchandise for the sales floor in line with company standards and procedures. To be a department supervisor, you’ll need to promote a culture of honesty and integrity, as well as provide exceptional customer service. Strong communication skills are important for a supervisor, as you’ll be communicating with both associates and higher management.

Store manager

HomeGoods store managers work a consistent full-time schedule. Depending on the location, a HomeGoods store may also employ assistant store managers on either a part-time or full-time basis. Store managers receive competitive pay, weekly paychecks, associate discounts, and career development opportunities. To become a HomeGoods store manager or assistant manager, you'll need three to five years of retail leadership experience and a proven ability to manage a large team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must. Store managers have a wide range of responsibilities, including merchandising, operations, customer service, payroll, and human resources. Some tasks a HomeGoods store manager is responsible for include:

• Coming up with plans to increase store sales
• Improving store layout and efficiency
• Coordinating loss prevention programs
• Hiring, training, and supervising a team of associates and supervisors
• Managing daily activity of the sales floor, front end, cash office, and back room
• Ensuring every customer has a positive shopping experience

Cleaning associate

HomeGoods cleaning associates focus on keeping the store clean and organized. Cleaners need:

• Excellent customer service skills
• The ability to work a flexible schedule
• Close attention to detail
• Physical stamina to perform cleaning tasks
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at a time As a cleaning associate, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the overall cleanliness of the store. This includes the sales floor, cash registers, associate lounge, back room, and restrooms. A cleaning associate’s responsibilities include mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, floor buffing, and cleaning glass and windows. You’ll also need to adhere to company Health and Safety policies, including refilling all essential items in restrooms, lounge areas, and front end.

Corporate

In addition to retail locations, HomeGoods has corporate offices. Most jobs in these offices revolve around supporting store locations and helping to ensure their success.

Finance and accounting

Finance and accounting roles include accountants, tax accountants, financial analysts, purchase managers, and auditors. These professionals put together and analyze operational data from store locations and identify areas for improvement or audits. They also help store managers with creating and maintaining budgets, as well as identify budgetary risks and opportunities. Employees in these roles also recommend solutions for operational improvement and areas where efficiency can be improved, as well as contribute to long-term strategic plans.

Marketing

The marketing and digital team is responsible for crafting HomeGoods’ communications and marketing materials. This includes things like maintaining the HomeGoods website, weekly flyers, radio advertisements, and other promotions. The work of marketers at HomeGoods helps to achieve brand goals as well as drive increased traffic both online and in-store.

Logistics

Careers in logistics at HomeGoods include carrier management, modeling, project engineering, and analytics. Logistics is the main point of contact for HomeGoods’ logistics providers. Logistics employees create strong relationships with them and regularly meet to discuss capacity information and forecasts. This allows for efficient planning when it comes to shipments. Logistics is responsible for negotiating and maintaining contractual agreements with logistics providers, as well as looking into new logistics opportunities.

Human resources

Human resources positions at HomeGoods include HR generalists, analysts, business partners, and managers. Human resource employees assist with the hiring of store managers and other full-time positions, providing guidance to store managers and department supervisors when it comes to hiring associates, and complying with local labor laws. These workers handle workforce planning and talent acquisition (recruitment), associate and labor relations, and learning and development. They also track various HR metrics.

Information technology

IT positions with HomeGoods include IT support, data center technicians, and network engineers. Most of these positions require education or experience in a relevant IT field. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029 — much faster than the average for all occupations. Employees in IT (information technology) roles help HomeGoods to:

• Tackle cybersecurity challenges
• Protect customers’, associates’, and suppliers’ data
• Design, implement, measure, and monitor infrastructure processes
• Manage physical infrastructure, facilities, servers, storage, and databases
• Provide functional and technical support for all business applications, including stores, distribution and processing centers, and corporate offices

Distribution

Jobs in a HomeGoods distribution center revolve around delivering orders to store locations and shipping orders to customers who’ve ordered online.

Warehouse associate

Warehouse associate positions can be part-time or full-time and don’t typically require any education or experience. Wages as a HomeGoods warehouse associate start at $16.50 per hour and reach up to $23.00 per hour, depending on the location and CBAs. Warehouse associates can perform the following tasks:

• Loading and unloading merchandise from trailers
• Counting, selecting, and sorting items by color, style, store order, or other criteria
• Matching receipts against purchase orders
• Packing or unpacking merchandise
• Ticketing clothing, accessories, and other items
• Manual lifting and handling of objects

Forklift operator

Forklift operators at HomeGoods have an average pay range of $14 to $23 per hour. Additionally, they have more requirements than other positions. Forklift experience and a driver’s license are required. You must also be able to lift 50 pounds regularly and work on your feet all day. If you have a fear of heights, a forklift operator position might not be for you. Forklift operators put away product that has been received, pull and restock product, and unload pallets from trucks. The productivity expected for putting away is 100 cartons per hour, and the productivity level expected for pulling is 60 cartons per hour.

Distribution management

Managers within HomeGoods’ distribution centers are responsible for millions of units of inventory. They manage the day-to-day activity in the company’s distribution centers, including planning, flow, and resource allocation. They develop plans to optimize the flow of merchandise, motivate associates, and foster morale. Distribution management roles include warehouse supervisor, warehouse department supervisor, distribution operations specialist, and operations manager.

Start your career at HomeGoods today

Whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time job, HomeGoods is a great place to work. The company values inclusion and diversity and is committed to corporate responsibility. HomeGoods also provides ongoing training and development for its staff. With hundreds of store locations, distribution centers, and corporate offices, there’s likely a HomeGoods location hiring near you. In this article, we’ve highlighted a number of different career options at HomeGoods so that you can determine which job might be right for you. Use the Jobcase job board to search job titles at HomeGoods locations near you. Plus, check out our resources and tips to help you land that interview and get a job today.