Purchasing Assistant

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.

Benefits

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

Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Hours : M-F: 8AM - 5PM

Essential Job Functions
• Monitor and analyze product inventory, ensure adequate stock levels and create purchase orders based on sales volume and inventory needs.
• Coordinate with Los Angeles and New York branches regarding transportation and delivery of products.
• Coordinate with local vendors for product supply, including vendor relationship development, quality assurance, price negotiations, transportation logistics, and product development.
• Calculate costs and set product pricing to determine profit margins.
• Process receipts and invoices in a timely manner for payment.
• Set up and maintain stock numbers.
• Work with warehouse department to ensure accurate inventory quantities, satisfactory quality, proper tracking of expiration dates, and correct receiving of purchased goods; report missing products and make adjustments as needed.
• Manage and monitor focus sales/slow sales/low inventory items and others.
• Prepare for bi-weekly purchasing meetings regarding product and Inventory changes.
• 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
• Ability to sit and work in an office setting for an extended period of time.
• Ability to type and use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to talk, hear, walk, stand, smell, taste, reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Working Conditions

o Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office

Other Requirements
• Business level English required - Read/write/speak/listen.
• Business level Japanese preferred - Read/write/speak/listen.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's Degree in business preferred.
• 2+ years of relevant experience, preferably in food Industry experience.

Knowledge and Skills
• Intermediate mathematical knowledge, such as profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, interpersonal and multitasking skills.
• Exceptional organization and time management skills
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, AS400 or Microsoft Business Central highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and sakes 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.