ASSOCIATE

Job Location : Corporate Headquarters - Seattle, WA

Position Type : Full Time

Salary Range : $32.56 - $47.21 Hourly

Job Shift : Any

Description

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 :

As the Associate Category Manager – Gift Department at Uwajimaya, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to drive sales, profitability, and market share within the Gift Department, which includes Health & Beauty Care, Housewares, and General Merchandise Categories. You will collaborate with stores and suppliers, analyze market trends, and lead cross-functional teams to optimize the product assortment and merchandising strategies. This role requires a deep understanding of Japanese culture, Japanese brands, as well as retail grocery consumer behavior, and import supply chain. Candidates must be fluent in Japanese and should have strong interpersonal communication skills.

Position’s Key Responsibilities :

Develop and implement category strategies that align with overall business objectives. Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive insights. Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions to drive sales and profitability. Analyze sales performance and customer feedback to make data-driven decisions.

Work with store Gift Department managers and teams to execute product assortment.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors. Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to ensure favorable pricing and supply chain efficiency.

Work closely with corporate marketing and merchandising teams to execute category plans. Coordinate with store operations to ensure effective in-store execution and presentation.

Monitor and report on category performance metrics, including sales, margins, and inventory turnover. Develop and implement action plans to address underperforming areas.

Conduct consumer research and gather insights to understand shopping behaviors and preferences. Leverage insights to influence category strategy and drive customer satisfaction.

Other duties as assigned.

Starting at $32.56 / hr., Depending on Experience.

Uwajimaya is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualifications

Position Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

3 years of experience in retail merchandising or purchasing, within retail industry. Store experience is a plus.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.

Experience in negotiating with suppliers and managing vendor relationships.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and Power Point.

Fluent in Japanese.

Full-time office position based in Settle Washington.

Occasional travel to supplier sites, trade shows, or store locations in Washington and Oregon may be required.

Hybrid work model with one day per week work from home.

Employment Type : Full Time

Salary : $33 - $47 Hourly

Salary : $33 - $47