Japanese BIlingual Purchasing Assistant

Staffmark Group; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffmark Group in Torrance, CA seeks a Japanese/English bilingual Purchasing Assistant to support international and domestic purchasing operations. The role involves handling quotes, orders, shipping documentation, supplier coordination, and translation for cross-border communications.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), purchasing experience or strong interest in the field, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English (reading, writing, speaking) to communicate with teams in the U.S. and Japan.
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, and/or supply chain roles, OR a strong interest to pursue a purchasing career.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid California Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Support International Purchasing: quotes from freight forwarders, process orders, track status, and prepare shipping documentation.
• Support Domestic Purchasing: coordinate with co-packers/vendors, verify pricing and quantities, and manage invoices.
• Administrative duties: maintain supplier/pricing lists, process inventory adjustments, and request purchase orders.
• Provide fluent English and Japanese translation support for cross-border communications.

Skills

Bilingual Japanese/English

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bilingual Purchasing Assistant (Japanese / English)

Location: Torrance, CA (Onsite)

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedules: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Note: Working schedule may fluctuate with rotating shift start times, such as an 8:00 AM start, to be finalized at a later date.)

Summary:

global food & beverage manufacturing and distribution organization is seeking a self-motivated Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Assistant to join their team in Torrance, CA. This role provides essential administrative and operational support to the Purchasing Department across domestic and international functions. This is an ideal position for a bilingual individual with strong communication skills and a keen interest in growing a career within the food and beverage supply chain industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• International Purchasing Support:
  • Obtain quotes from freight forwarders for air shipments, process orders, and track status through delivery.
  • Review forwarder invoices for accuracy, receive products into the system, and route invoices to accounting.
  • Calculate shipping costs, quote sales teams, and prepare shipping documentation for international destinations.
  • Coordinate label and packaging material orders and maintain adequate inventory levels with overseas headquarters in Japan.
• Domestic Purchasing Support:
  • Communicate with co-packers, vendors, and logistics personnel to ensure timely product deliveries and adherence to quality standards.
  • Generate discrepancy reports for shortages, delays, or damaged goods.
  • Process co-packer and vendor invoices, verifying pricing and quantities before receiving products into the system.
  • Track raw material inventory (flavors, ingredients, components) with co-packers and assist management with co-packer performance evaluations.
  • Print and order product pouches, inner case labels, and shipping labels, maintaining adequate U.S. inventory levels.
• Administrative & Relationship Support:
  • Research required materials and ingredients, request samples, and follow up as needed.
  • Maintain supplier and pricing lists, process inventory adjustments, and prepare requisitions/purchase orders.
  • Build and maintain positive communication channels with vendors, clients, and cross-functional teams.
  • Provide fluent English and Japanese translation support for cross-border communications.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of, or keen interest in, the dynamics and trends of the food and beverage industry.
• High ethical standards, strong organizational abilities, and meticulous data entry accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a moderate-noise office environment and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Required

• Language: Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English (reading, writing, and speaking) to communicate effectively with teams in the U.S. and Japan.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Interest/Background: Experience in purchasing, procurement, and/or supply chain roles, OR a strong interest and eagerness to pursue a purchasing career.
• Software/Technical: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• License: Valid California Driver's License.

Preferred

• Minimum of 1 year of office experience preferred.
• Experience in food and beverage ingredients, value-added ingredients, or nutraceutical industries.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar ERP systems.

The base pay range listed reflects what we reasonably expect to offer for this role. Actual pay may vary based on location, experience, and performance. Depending on the position, benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement and savings plans; paid holidays and time off; supplemental insurance; and additional wellness or incentive programs.

About Us

Staffmark is an equal opportunity employer. Allapplicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Staffmark offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact your local branch for inquiries. Staffmark is an E-Verify employer. See our Privacy Notice for Candidates and Employees/Contractors at https://smgroupna.com/privacy-notice-for-candidates-and-employees-contractors. By applying, you consent to receive AI-generated and non-AI-generated calls, texts, or emails from Staffmark Group, its affiliates, and partners. Frequency varies and message/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help.