MERCHANDISE ASSISTANT PRODUCE MANAGER - FSI

Uwajimaya; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays from day one

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Uwajimaya's Food Service International (FSI) Seattle-based Merchandising Assistant Produce Manager leads purchasing and merchandising for the produce division in a warehouse environment, supporting FSI's wholesale distribution. Based in Seattle, WA, this full-time role emphasizes accuracy, supplier relations, and inventory control to maximize freshness and margins.

You will coordinate sourcing, process orders, monitor inventory, train staff, and ensure safety standards while contributing to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 4-5 years in the area of specialization preferred.
• Experience in inventory control and warehousing is advantageous.
• Strong leadership and customer service skills; ability to negotiate and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Determine and develop sources of supply; maintain relationships with suppliers to stay current with trends.
• Prepare and process purchasing orders and validate documentation.
• Price adjustments to maintain margins in a dynamic market.
• Maintain inventory levels to maximize fill rates and minimize shrink.
• Educate and train the team on perishable product handling and safety standards.
• Oversee department operations and daily activities; manage purchasing processes.
• Monitor product movement and ensure high-quality distributions to branches.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Inventory control

Perishables purchasing

Warehousing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Word

Excel

Outlook

10-key

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Food Service Intl (FSI) - Seattle, WA 98108

Position Type: Full-Time Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Salary Range: $30.30 - $43.93 Hourly

Job Shift: Any (Hours May Vary)

About Us: Food Service International (FSI) is Uwajimaya’s wholesale food service and distribution subsidiary, supplying high-quality products to restaurants, businesses, and internal operations across the Pacific Northwest. Backed by Uwajimaya’s legacy since 1928, FSI operates in a fast-paced warehouse and cold storage environment where accuracy, food safety, and strong supplier partnerships are essential.

Why Join Food Service International?

FSI offers hands-on, operational roles where your work directly impacts supply chain performance and customer success. We value teamwork, accountability, and people who take pride in delivering quality products efficiently in a dynamic distribution environment.

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 Merchandising 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: $30.30/hr., Depending on Experience

Pay Range: $30.30 - $43.93/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.