Assistant Purchasing Manager - Japanese/Chinese Bilingual

Job Title: Assistant Purchasing Manager

Industry: Japanese Food and Beverage Distributor

Location: Houston, TX

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 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
  o 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.
• Bachelors Degree in Business or other related field required.
• 3+ years of Japanese food purchasing experiences 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.

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000/year, negotiable for experienced candidates.

+Benefit package, including health, vision, dental, and 401K with company matching.

We will consider relocation support for a qualified candidate.