Purchasing Agent/Assistant - Japanese Bilingual

A-STAFFING, INC.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A-STAFFING, INC. is seeking a Purchasing Agent/Assistant to manage purchasing in the food and beverage industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing products, overseeing inventory, and collaborating with suppliers while ensuring quality. Ideal candidates are fluent in Japanese with experience in food purchasing and strong organizational skills.

Benefits

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401K with company matching

Qualifications

• Business level Japanese required.
• 2+ years of food purchasing experience preferred.
• Experience in logistics or import/export a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manages purchasing of food and non-food items, including sourcing and negotiations.
• Analyzes sales volume and market demands.
• Ensures product quality through sampling and supplier collaboration.

Skills

Organizational skills

Mathematical knowledge

Customer service skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree in business

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title:Purchasing Agent/Assistant

Industry: Japanese Food and BeverageDistributor

Location: Houston, TX

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-6PM with a 1 hour lunch break

【Essential Job Functions】

• Manages purchasing of frozen, dry foods, and Non-food items, including sourcing, price
  negotiations, transportation logistics, and product development
• Analyzes and forecasts product sales volume and market demands, and creates purchase ordersbased on sales volume, demands, and inventory level
• Calculates product costs and prices to determine profit margin
• Ensures product quality by sampling and customer feedback; works with suppliers for qualityassurance
• Frequently reviews inventory for discrepancies, large volume outbound orders, slow sellingitems, and expired items; works with the warehouse department for resolutions
• Develops and executes purchasing strategies to support the organization's business objectives
• Evaluates and assures the qualities of received items are consistent with the descriptions onpurchase orders
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours
• Other duties as required
• Obligation to answer to all upper management as requested

【Physical Requirements】

• Able to sit and work in an office setting for the majority of the day
• Able to use the computer and type for extended periods
• Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Working Conditions
  o Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office
  

【Other Requirements】

• Business level Japanese required
• Maintains a positive attitude
• Able to work independently and as a team
• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelors Degree in business preferred
• 2+ years of Food purchasing experience or training preferred
• Experience in logistics or import/export is also aplus and may qualify candidates for a Purchasing Assistant role

【Knowledge and Skills】

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Possesses basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
• Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills
• Has strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency
• Communications and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of ERP systems
• Knowledge of Japanese foods/non-foods and kitchen supplies preferred

Compensation: $18-24/hour, depending on your experience and qualifications. +Benefit package, including health, vision, dental, and 401K with company matching.