SENIOR HR GENERALIST - CORPORATE

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 starting your 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 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 Senior Human Resources Generalist is responsible for a variety of duties, including coordination and administration of employee relations, staff training and development, leave administration, rewards and recognition, and reporting. The Senior Human Resources Generalist position involves a high degree of interface with all departments and locations and frequently participates as a team member across functions. The role requires strict adherence to confidentiality, advanced communication skills and follow-through. The Senior Generalist works independently using technical judgment and overall knowledge of the Human Resources field and how it relates to Uwajimaya’s mission and strategies.  This position provides employee assistance and policy interpretation throughout the organization.  Position will also have contact and coordinate with various government agencies, community organizations and vendors.

Position’s Key Responsibilities: 

• Actively pursues continuous improvement to meet or exceed customer needs and company objectives.

• Manages employee leave requests, including required documentation, staff and manager communications, confidential tracking, and compliance with federal and state programs. 

• Manages tracking for new employee orientations, onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions, including introductions to company policies and procedures, and support for acclimating to the organizational culture.

• Manages employee relations, conducting investigations into workplace matters as necessary to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations, while providing coaching and guidance to managers on employee relations issues as needed.

• Serves as primary contact for unemployment claims and compliance related information requests.  

• Maximizes HRIS efficiency by maintaining policies, exploring enhancements, providing training, and liaising with consultants to optimize system utilization.

• Assist HR leadership with Annual Performance Management cycle, communications, materials distribution, calibration exercises, merit increase recommendations and reporting. 

• Partners with senior leaders and store managers to strategically identify, scope, coordinate, facilitate and deploy learning and development initiatives.

• Initiates and conducts post-learning surveys to disseminate feedback and identify positive outcomes and Return on Investment (ROI), as well as opportunities for future process or program improvements. 

• Assists HR leadership and Store Managers with talent planning, staff engagement and retention initiatives. 

• Liaises with Safety department staff to assist with coordination of injury claims, reporting, compliance and posting requirements. 

• Leads and administers Uwajimaya’s rewards and recognition program, including staff newsletter content.

• Proactively partners with HR leadership and store managers to communicate and disseminate applicable policy, practice and legal updates. 

• Other HR duties as assigned.

Starting Pay: $80,000 annually, Depending on Experience Bonus Opportunities
Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000

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:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business (preferably in Management/Human Resources), Social Science or related field.

• Three to Five years of Human Resource experience or related experience.

• Familiarity with Continuous Improvement theories preferred.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.

• Ability to take ownership of responsibilities, meet deadlines with an appropriate sense of urgency, and maintain interpersonal relationships.

• Excellent collaboration skills with diverse backgrounds.

• Proficient in office applications (Excel, Word) and other business software tools.

• Quick learner, able to follow instructions, and work independently.

• Skilled in working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• This position will primarily be required to work in-person at company locations. However, there may be opportunities for remote work based on business needs and team formation, providing flexibility.

• This role requires frequent travel to various company locations. Candidates must have reliable transportation to fulfill this requirement effectively. Travel frequency may vary based on business needs.

Salary : $80,000 - $95,000