Purchasing Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Mutual Trading Co., Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Agent for the Houston branch to manage end-to-end purchasing of food, beverages, and non-food items. You will negotiate with suppliers, forecast demand, and coordinate logistics to optimize inventory and margins.

The role requires strong English communication and ability to work in a team. The position offers full-time hours, standard business days, and opportunities to engage with suppliers and internal departments to ensure quality and timely

Qualifications

• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree in Business preferred.
• 2+ years of food purchasing experience or training preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP systems is important for daily tasks.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods/non-foods and kitchen supplies is advantageous.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manages purchasing of frozen, dry foods, and Non-food items, including sourcing, price negotiations, transportation logistics, and product development.
• Analyzes forecasts and creates purchase orders based on sales volume, demands, and inventory levels.
• Calculates product costs and prices to determine profit margin.
• Ensures product quality by sampling and coordinating with suppliers for QA.

Skills

Purchasing

Negotiation

Forecasting

Inventory management

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree in Business

Tools

ERP software

Excel

Job description

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.

We are looking for a Purchasing Agent for our coming-son Houston branch in the state of Texas. The position is responsible for performing all purchasing duties for all food and non-food items.

All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents

Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Location: Houston, Texas (Near George Bush International Airport)

Hours: M-F: 9AM - 6PM, 1 hour lunch break, OT may apply

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 orders based 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 quality assurance
• Frequently reviews inventory for discrepancies, large volume outbound orders, slow selling items, 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 on purchase 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 Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office

Other Requirements

• Business level English required
• Other language such as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese preferred
• 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. Bachelor’s Degree in business preferred
• 2+ years of Food purchasing experience or training preferred

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

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.