Job Description

Job Location: Food Service Intl (FSI) - Seattle, WA 98108
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $28.86 - $41.84 Hourly

Job Shift: Any (Hours May Vary)About Us: Uwajimaya is more than just a grocery store — we’re a vibrant cultural destination with a rich history rooted in family, community, and food. Since 1928, we’ve grown into the Pacific Northwest’s premier Asian retailer, known for our wide selection, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to sharing the diverse traditions of Asian cultures. We take pride in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for customers and employees alike — one that’s centered around food, culture, and people.
Why Join Uwajimaya?
At Uwajimaya, we believe in nurturing growth — in our communities, our customers, and our team members. We foster an environment built on collaboration, curiosity, and care. Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to make a meaningful impact in a workplace that values tradition, innovation, and connection.
Who We're Looking For
We’re looking for team members who are collaborative, thoughtful, and passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re serving customers, supporting operations, or leading a team, you bring a people-first mindset and a strong work ethic. If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and believe in the power of inclusion, community, and connection — you’ll feel right at home here.
To thrive at Uwajimaya, you should embody our core competencies:
- Functional/Technical Skills: You possess the necessary functional and technical knowledge to perform your job at a high level.
- Customer Focus: You are dedicated to meeting customer expectations and requirements, using feedback for improvements, and building effective relationships based on trust and respect.
- Action Oriented: You enjoy working hard, are full of energy for challenging tasks, and seize opportunities with minimal planning.
- Peer Relationships: You can find common ground with peers, solve problems collaboratively, and are seen as a cooperative team player who encourages collaboration.
- Self-Development: You are committed to continuous self-improvement, adapt to different situations, and work to develop your strengths while addressing weaknesses.
We offer:
- A flexible, inclusive, and friendly work culture
- Competitive starting wages
- Paid holidays from day one
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
- A generous retirement plan
- Paid time off, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Employee discounts on food and gift items
- Supplemental insurance options
- Opportunities for growth and advancement

Position Summary:
The Merchandise Assistant Produce Manager – FSI is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the purchasing and merchandising functions of the produce division at Food Service International (FSI), Uwajimaya’s wholesale food distribution subsidiary. This role is based in a warehouse and cold storage environment supporting FSI’s food service and distribution operations.
Schedule:
- Monday–Friday: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday: Every other week
Position’s Key Responsibilities:
- Determine and develop appropriate sources of supply and maintains cooperative working relationships with suppliers to stay current with trends, products, and services.
- Prepare and process purchasing orders and obtain proper business documentation to validate order information.
- Pricing daily to accommodate the changing marketplace; react accordingly to maintain margin.
- Maintain proper inventory levels to maximize fill rates and minimize shrink.
- Respond to inquiries from a variety of internal and external sources to provide information, direction, and referrals.
- Educate and train produce team on perishable product handling, quality control, inventory, and customer protocol.
- Maintain a safe working environment. Ensure employees are meeting the department/company standards and safety & security compliance in the proper use of equipment, when applicable.
- Oversee the operations and daily activities of the department including inventory control issues and major purchasing processes.
- Monitor the flow of product movement and purchase quality products to be distributed to branches/restaurants.
- Other Duties as assigned.
Starting Pay: $28.86/hr., Depending on Experience
Pay Range: $28.86 – $41.84/hr.
Uwajimaya participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Please review the E-Verify Participation Poster and Right to Work Poster before proceeding with your application
IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish) (PDF, 322.73 KB)
E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish) (PDF, 259.92 KB)
Uwajimaya is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

QualificationsPosition Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age with a Minimum of a High school diploma or its equivalent plus 4-5 years of experience in area of specialization.
- Experience in inventory field not required but recommended, plus demonstrated management qualifications preferred.
- Strong leadership, excellent customer service communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong knowledge and skills in warehousing and distribution of food and food-related products.
- Experience in purchasing perishables, preferably produce.
- Knowledgeable about methods and techniques utilized in analyzing the quality of services and supplies, sources of purchasing information, operation of personal computer software programs, and database management.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook as well as 10 key.
- Basic understanding and skills in accounting and math is required.
- Ability to operate forklifts, pallet jacks and hand trucks.
- Logistics and transportation experience is a plus.
- Flexible schedule, ability to multi-tasks and prioritize.