ASSISTANT STORE DIRECTOR - GREATER PUGET SOUND

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 growing your leadership 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 an Assistant Store Director who is a strong operator and people leader — someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and enjoys developing teams, driving results, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

This role is a key leader within the store, partnering closely with the Store Director to oversee daily operations and ensure strong execution across all areas of the business. You bring a hands-on approach, a focus on accountability, and the ability to lead through influence.

You’re energized by being on the floor, making real-time decisions, and supporting teams to deliver a great customer experience. You value teamwork, follow-through, and contributing to a collaborative, service-oriented store culture. Flexibility to support different store locations as business needs evolve is important for success in this role.

Position Summary

The Assistant Store Director (ASD) partners with the Store Director to drive operational excellence, financial performance, and talent development within the store.

This role holds shared accountability for achieving sales, gross margin, labor productivity, inventory control, and customer experience standards. The ASD plays a critical role in strengthening store operations, supporting Department Managers, and ensuring consistent execution across all areas of the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role, operating on the floor and balancing real-time operational decision-making with business performance management. The ASD also plays a key role in building leadership bench strength and is expected to step in and lead store operations as needed.

Position’s Key Responsibilities

• Co-lead daily store operations, ensuring strong execution across merchandising, safety, service, and operational standards

• Monitor and respond to key business metrics including sales, gross margin, and labor to drive store performance

• Analyze store performance and partner with Department Managers to identify and implement operational improvements

• Coach, support, and influence Department Managers to drive performance and team development

• Reinforce customer experience standards and quickly address service gaps

• Support workforce planning, staffing, and succession readiness within assigned areas

• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements

• Partner on employee relations matters, providing coaching and performance feedback as needed

• Serve as acting Store Director when required

• Other duties as assigned

To Thrive at Uwajimaya, You Should Embody Our Core Competencies:

• Functional/Technical Skills: You understand retail operations and can effectively manage performance, metrics, and execution

• Customer Focus: You prioritize the customer experience and lead teams to deliver a welcoming, high-quality environment

• Action Oriented: You take initiative, solve problems, and drive results in a fast-paced setting

• Peer Relationships: You build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across teams

• Self-Development: You are committed to growing as a leader and developing others

Qualifications

• 3 years of progressive retail management experience

• Experience in grocery, specialty retail, or high-volume store environments strongly preferred

• Experience in a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or equivalent leadership role preferred

• Demonstrated ability to interpret financial reports and key performance indicators

• Proven ability to drive accountability and operational execution

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

• Proficiency with business systems and Microsoft Office

• High school diploma required; additional education or coursework preferred

We Offer

• A collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment

• Competitive compensation

• 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

• Salary range is $80,168.40 – $106,790 annually, depending on experience, with eligibility for a bonus.

• May require the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a physically active retail environment, including standing, walking, and varying temperature conditions.

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

Salary : $80,168 - $106,794