Purchasing Specialist / Assistant Purchasing Manager - Japanese Bilingual

Job Title: Purchasing Specialist/ Assistant Purchasing Manager (Japanese Food & Beverage)

Reports to: Purchasing Manager

Location: El Monte, California

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Purchasing Manager in managing all aspects of procurement, including sourcing, price negotiations, transportation planning, and new product development for various categories (e.g., frozen, dry goods, liquor, non-food items).
• Analyze and forecast product sales volume and market demands, and create purchase orders based on sales, demand, and inventory levels.
• Evaluate and ensure the quality of received items consistently meets company standards and purchase order specifications.
• Research and select prospective vendors, and negotiate prices and contracts to secure competitive terms.
• Coordinate with the purchasing team to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent product quality, timely delivery, and contract compliance.
• Lead efforts to review and resolve inventory discrepancies, large volume outbound orders, slow-selling items, and expired products with the warehouse team.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that align with the organization's business objectives, focusing on cost savings and efficiency.
• Coordinate quality inspections of incoming materials to verify compliance with required specifications and standards.
• Maintain and review supplier documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and audit results.
• Collaborate with purchasing teams across different branches, if applicable, to coordinate supply planning, maintain consistent stock levels, share best practices, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Assist in preparing budgets and financial reports related to purchasing activities.
• Supervise and train purchasing staff, ensuring compliance with established procedures and policies.
• Participate in supplier reduction programs and analyze new material issues to recommend quality improvement strategies.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends, market changes, and regulatory requirements impacting procurement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity, preferably within the Japanese food and beverage distribution industry is preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field is preferred.
• Business level Japanese language proficiency (read, write, speak, listen) is essential for effective communication with Japanese suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Proven negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and logistics.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel skills preferred) is preferred.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Japanese food and beverage products, culinary trends, and supplier networks is highly preferred.

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000/year, negotiable for experienced candidates.
+Benefit package, including health, vision, dental, and 401K with company matching.

The salary will be determined based on the candidate's experience level, with the provided range typically reflecting 3 years of prior purchasing experience in food distributor industry.