PRODUCE ASSISTANT MERCHANDISING MANAGER - FSI

About Us: Uwajimaya, a family-owned business, and a cornerstone of Asian grocery retailing since 1928, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our dynamic team. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, Uwajimaya has grown to become the premier destination for Asian food culture in the Pacific Northwest.

Who We're Looking For: We are seeking individuals who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, driven to excel in their roles, and motivated to contribute to our vibrant team. Whether you're a seasoned professional or eager to start your career, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our enthusiasm for food, customer service, and Asian culture.

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, friendly, and diverse work environment

• Competitive starting wages

• Employee discounts on food and gift items

• Paid holidays from day one

• Excellent health benefits

• Retirement plan

• Paid time off

• Long term disability

• Life insurance

• Opportunities for growth and advancement

• Supplemental insurance options available

Position Summary:

Responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising the comprehensive purchasing and merchandising functions of the produce division of FSI in adherence with mandated requirements.

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 at $23.59/hr., Depending on Experience.

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_Eng_Es.pdf

Position 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.