Japanese/Chinese Bilingual Purchasing Assistant Manager

2 weeks ago

Houston, Texas, United States Mutual Trading Co., Inc. Full time
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.

We are looking for a bilingual Purchasing Assistant Manager for our Houston branch in the state of Texas. The position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of purchasing functions and transportation arrangements.   

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

Location: Houston, TX.

Hours: M-F: 9AM - 6PM.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Issue purchase orders to suppliers based on the designated stock level and lead-time. 
  • Assist department manager to manage all purchasing department personnel matters and job performances.
  • Maintain and analyze order receiving records from different suppliers, including but not limited to quality and quantity, and determine the best procurement option for the company.
  • Evaluate and assure the qualities of received items are consistent with purchase orders. 
  • Ensure product quality by sampling and customer feedback; address problems to suppliers and resolve the issues.
  • Research and select prospective vendors and negotiate prices/contracts.
  • Coordinate with purchasing team to build and maintain relationships with suppliers; assure the quality of products, timely delivery, and compliance of contracts are consistently addressed. 
  • Set up vendor numbers and item stock numbers in a timely manner.
  • Analyze and forecast product sales volume and market demands, and create purchase orders based on sales volume, demands, and inventory level.
  • Assist department manager to manage all aspects of liquor, refrigerated, frozen, and dry food, non-food purchases, including sourcing, price negotiations, transportation planning, and product development. 
  • Count item inventory whenever the numbers are inconsistent to the warehouse inventory records. 
  • Frequently review inventory for discrepancies, large volume outbound orders, slow selling items, and expired items and work with the warehouse for resolutions.
  • Develop and execute purchasing strategies to support the organization's business objectives.
  • Coordinate quality inspections of incoming materials, verifying that goods meet required specifications and standards.
  • Maintain and review supplier documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COAs), safety data sheets (SDS), and audit results.
  • Collaborate regularly with purchasing teams across branch locations in Texas; responsibilities include but are not limited to, coordinating supply planning, maintaining consistent stock levels, sharing best practices, identifying cost-saving opportunities and improving procurement efficiency.
  • Attend Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
  • Other duties as required.
  • Obligation to answer to all management as requested.

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to sit and work in an office setting for extended periods.
  • Able to use type and use the computer for extended periods. 
  • Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 40 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.
  • Maintain a positive attitude. 
  • Able to work independently and efficiently as a team. 
  • Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload. 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business or other related field required.
  • 3+ years of Japanese food purchasing experience required.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Demonstrate excellent organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail.
  • Possess intermediate mathematical knowledge - profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
  • Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.
  • Knowledge of ERP systems.
  • Knowledge of Japanese foods/non-food items and kitchen supplies.

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 Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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