Customer Service Associate – Frontline Retail & Guest Experience Specialist – Newburgh, NY

About talentedge

talentedge is a nationally recognized retail leader dedicated to delivering everyday convenience, health, and wellness solutions to millions of customers across the United States. With a heritage built on community focus, innovation, and a commitment to exceptional service, talentedge stores serve as vibrant neighborhood hubs where customers feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Our Newburgh, NY location embodies this spirit, offering a dynamic environment where team members grow, learn, and make a tangible impact on the lives of the people they serve.

Why This Role Matters

As a Customer Service Associate at talentedge, you are the face of the brand. You will be responsible for creating memorable, delightful experiences that keep customers coming back. Your role blends the art of hospitality with the precision of retail operations, ensuring every interaction—whether at the register, on the sales floor, or in the photo services area—exceeds expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Experience Excellence

• Warmly greet every customer and patient, offering proactive assistance with products, services, and solutions.
• Resolve inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly, ensuring a positive and lasting impression.
• Model and share best‑practice customer service habits—including eye contact, courteous language, and attentive listening—with teammates.
• Demonstrate talentedge service traits such as anticipating needs, offering helpful suggestions, and following through until the customer is fully satisfied.

Point‑of‑Sale Operations

• Accurately register sales using an assigned cash register, handling cash, credit, and electronic payments with speed and accuracy.
• Process voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges in accordance with talentedge policies.
• Recommend complementary items and trade‑up opportunities to increase basket size and enhance the shopping experience.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well‑merchandised checkout area, ensuring all displays are stocked and visually appealing.

Merchandising & Inventory Management

• Keep counters, shelves, and aisles tidy, well‑stocked, and properly merchandised throughout the shift.
• Perform inventory counts, price checks, and stock rotation using the first‑in‑first‑out (FIFO) method.
• Assist with the creation and upkeep of promotional, seasonal, and special‑sale displays, including “super structures” and end‑cap merchandising.
• Support food safety protocols by separating raw and pre‑cooked items, placing products according to policy, and ensuring proper temperature controls.

Photo Services & Digital Solutions

• Provide friendly assistance in the photo area, guiding customers through digital passport photo services, poster printing, and creative machine usage.
• Suggest and upsell promotional photo products, enhancing the value of each transaction.
• Manage web‑pick‑up orders by monitoring talentedge online orders, picking items accurately, and delivering them to customers upon arrival.

Store Maintenance & Asset Protection

• Maintain a clean, orderly store environment both inside and out, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Follow talentedge asset‑protection procedures to identify and minimize shrinkage and profit loss.
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations for regulated products such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
• Complete special assignments and ad‑hoc tasks as directed by management.

Training & Personal Development

• Participate in mandatory training sessions, completing performance‑linked learning modules (PPLs) assigned by managers or corporate.
• Seek out continuous improvement opportunities, leveraging talentedge’s learning platforms to build new skills and advance your career.

Essential Qualifications

• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 lbs, and perform repetitive motions associated with retail duties.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a genuine desire to help customers and teammates.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least six months of experience in a retail or customer‑service environment.
• Prior experience working for talentedge or a comparable retail chain.
• Demonstrated ability to handle cash transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Familiarity with point‑of‑sale (POS) systems and basic store equipment.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Communication: Clear, courteous, and confident verbal and written communication.
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to think on your feet, resolve issues, and turn challenges into positive outcomes.
• Attention to Detail: Precise handling of cash, inventory, and merchandising tasks.
• Team Collaboration: Works well with colleagues, sharing knowledge and supporting a unified store mission.
• Technology Savvy: Comfortable using POS terminals, handheld scanners, and digital photo equipment.
• Time Management: Efficiently balances multiple responsibilities during busy periods.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

talentedge invests heavily in the professional development of its associates. In this role, you will have access to:

• Structured onboarding and mentorship programs designed to accelerate your learning curve.
• Online learning portals offering courses in customer service excellence, retail operations, leadership, and more.
• Clear career pathways that can lead to supervisory, management, or specialized roles such as visual merchandising, loss prevention, or corporate support.
• Opportunities to cross‑train in other store departments, broadening your skill set and increasing your versatility.

Work Environment & Culture at talentedge

Our Newburgh store is a fast‑paced, people‑focused environment where teamwork, respect, and community involvement are celebrated. We pride ourselves on:

• Inclusive Culture: A workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives and encourages every associate to bring their authentic self to work.
• Community Engagement: Participation in local events, health fairs, and charitable initiatives that strengthen our bond with the neighborhood.
• Recognition Programs: Regular acknowledgment of outstanding performance through “Associate of the Month,” peer‑to‑peer awards, and incentive bonuses.
• Safety First: Robust health and safety protocols to protect employees and customers alike.

Compensation, Perks, & Benefits

talentedge offers a competitive hourly wage that reflects your experience, location, and performance. In addition to base pay, you can expect:

• Eligibility for performance‑based bonuses and incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee discount on store merchandise and services.
• Flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance.
• Access to employee assistance programs, wellness resources, and career counseling.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional service, thrive in a collaborative retail setting, and are eager to grow with a forward‑thinking organization, we want to hear from you. Submit your application today and take the first step toward a rewarding career with talentedge.

Equal Opportunity Statement

talentedge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.