ASSISTANT MERCHANDISING MANAGER - FSI

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 Assistant Merchandising Manager at Food Services International (FSI) plays a key role in supporting the Merchandise Manager in managing purchasing operations, inventory control, and supplier relationships. This position assists in maintaining efficient workflows within the purchasing department, monitoring product availability and pricing, and ensuring alignment with company goals and policies. The Assistant Merchandising Manager works closely with the Merchandise Manager, General Manager and cross-functional teams to support cost-effective purchasing decisions, ensure accurate inventory levels, and contribute to smooth project execution across the organization.

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday: 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  
  
  • Hours may vary depending on business needs throughout the week
  • Flexible scheduling applies
• Saturday: Every other week (as scheduled)

Work Environment:

• This position is based at Uwajimaya Food Service International (FSI), a wholesale food service and distribution operation and subsidiary of Uwajimaya.
• Work is performed in a warehouse and cold storage environment.
• This is not a retail grocery store position.

Position's Key Responsibilities :

• Support the Merchandise Manager in overseeing daily purchasing operations, with a focus on inventory control, supplier relationships, and product flow.
• Assist in the preparation and processing of purchase orders to ensure timely and accurate procurement.
• Support inventory management efforts to maintain appropriate stock levels, optimize turnover, and minimize excess inventory.
• Communicate with suppliers to ensure accurate cost information, product availability, and timely deliveries.
• Monitor market trends and pricing to support purchasing decisions and maintain competitive product costs.
• Collaborate with other departments to support project implementation and ensure alignment with company-wide objectives.
• Assist in negotiating pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules with suppliers to support cost-effective purchasing.
• Monitor product quality and work with vendors to resolve issues related to damaged or unacceptable goods.
• Support the Merchandise Manager in ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory guidelines related to purchasing and inventory.
• Maintain accurate and organized purchasing and inventory records to support reporting and audit requirements.
• 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.

Position Requirements :

• Minimum of a High school diploma or equivalent required plus 4-5 years of experience in purchasing, inventory, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in purchasing or inventory management preferred.
• General knowledge of purchasing processes, inventory control, and food service operations.
• Familiarity with Asian food products and merchandising techniques preferred.
• Experience using inventory management systems (AS400 or similar) is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database systems.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, perform basic math, and manage costs effectively.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Occasional travel to vendors or customers may be required.