Bilingual Purchasing Assistant - JP/CH Food Trade

Mutual Trading Co., Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Life Insurance

401k Plan with company match

Job summary

Mutual Trading Co., Inc. is seeking a proactive Procurement Specialist to support purchasing of food and non-food items across locations and vendors nationwide.

You will monitor inventory, develop purchasing plans, and address shipment issues to ensure timely restocking and product availability. The role requires strong English communication, basic Japanese/Chinese knowledge is a plus, and a Bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of purchasing experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, major in Business or relevant fields preferred.
• 1+ years of purchasing experience preferred.
• 2+ years of longevity within a company preferred.
• Business level English required - read/write/speak/listen.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and sakes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with procurement of food and non-food items from other MTC locations and vendors nationwide to secure supplies.
• Monitors and analyzes daily inventory and creates purchasing plans based on order volume, assortment and lead time for products.
• Handles shipment issues in a timely manner and escalates issues to management when needed.
• Assists with food safety related issues and handles customer returns and complaints with Sales.
• Negotiates price and deals with vendor for competitive cost.
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor negotiation

Inventory management

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who we are:

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We've grown nearly 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as "Culinary Ambassador" promoting Japanese foods worldwide. Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 7,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

Benefits:

• All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Hours: M-F: 9AM – 6PM; 1 hr. lunch. OT may apply

Essential Job Functions:

• Assists with procurement of food and non-food items from other MTC locations and vendors nationwide to secure supplies.
• Monitors and analyzes daily inventory of products and creates purchasing plans based on order volume, assortment and lead time for products.
• Handles shipment issues in a timely manner and escalates issues to management when needed.
• Answers questions in regards to products, shipping schedules, item statuses, inventory discrepancies, substitute items.
• Assists with food safety related issues and works with Sales Department to handle customer returns and complaints; escalates issues to management when needed.
• Works with the Warehouse Department to ensure correct inventory quantity, satisfactory quality for physical inventory, expiration dates, damages, missing products and conducts adjustments as needed.
• Assists in developing new suppliers and procurement resources.
• Assists in researching new products, and provides sales representatives with information of products and how to introduce them to customers.
• Negotiates price and deals with vendor for competitive cost.
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to sit in an office setting for an extended period of time.
• Able to type and use a computer for extended periods throughout the day.
• Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Working Conditions:
  • Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office.

Other Requirements:

• Business level English required – read/write/speak/listen.
• Business level Japanese or Chinese Required– read/write/speak/listen.
• Able to work with a positive attitude independently and as a team.
• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• Bachelor's Degree required, major in Business or relevant fields preferred.
• 1+ years of purchasing experience preferred.
• 2 + years of longevity within a company preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Intermediate mathematical knowledge – profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organization and time management skills.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and sakes preferred.

Disclaimers
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.