Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Coordinator

Job Description

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 8,000 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.

Location : El Monte, CA.

Hours : M-F: 8AM – 5PM. 1 hour lunch.  OT as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinate with department manager and Purchasing Agent colleagues to manage relationship with suppliers to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery, and compliance with contract terms.
• Issue purchase orders to suppliers.
• Assist department manager to set up stock numbers for new items and products.
• Research and develop products for the Company to sell by tasting and evaluating sample products, visiting production companies, and working with the sales departments and warehouse to identify customer needs and preferences.
• Work with group companies and affiliated companies to assist with processing and shipping orders to their locations.
• Collaborate with the department manager and Purchasing Agent colleagues to negotiate bulk discounts by coordinating with MTC Group for bulk purchases.
• Conduct inventory checks whenever there are discrepancies in the warehouse inventory.
• Assist with annual Food Expo preparations.
• Attend Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
• Attend semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend.
• Other duties as required by department manager.
• Obligation to answer to all management as requested.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to sit and work in an office setting for an extended period of time.
• Able to type and use a computer for extended period of time. 
• Able to talk, hear, walk, stand, smell, taste, reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally. 
• Working Conditions:
  • Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office.
  • Location: Indoors and travel to vendor sites when necessary.

Other Requirements:

• Business level English - Read/write/speak/listen required. 
• Business level Japanese - Read/write/speak/listen required.
• Maintain 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 purchasing experience preferred, preferably in food industry. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possess basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, especially Microsoft Dynamics NAV, highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and liquors 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.