Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Manager

$70,000 - $90,000/Yr

Advantage Technical - Torrance, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Torrance, CA

1,001-5,000 employees

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and overseeing purchasing strategies for both domestic and international activities, ensuring alignment with company guidelines. This role involves managing vendor performance, procurement processes, and inventory management while collaborating with various departments to support business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the comprehensive purchasing strategy to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Identify and set specific performance indicators for key purchasing functions by analyzing major expense categories and establishing savings targets.
• Maintain a deep understanding of market trends and shifts.
• Conduct research to stay updated on compliance regulations.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams on the development of new products and packaging needs.
• Establish and oversee the budgeting process, working closely with Accounting to ensure departmental spending aligns with budgetary constraints.
• Request and review necessary documentation from Purchasing Coordinators to ensure accuracy in pricing and margins.
• Select, oversee, and manage co-packers, suppliers, and blenders to ensure the highest quality products and services while remaining competitive in cost and delivery.
• Manage vendor inventory levels, receipts, physical inventory, and compliance with product labeling and packaging standards.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of vendors.
• Analyze market trends to inform future forecasting needs.
• Manage processes to ensure sufficient inventory levels are maintained for production.
• Oversee inventory adjustments made by Purchasing Coordinators.
• Coordinate internally to maximize the efficient use of all inventories, optimize inventory turnover, and minimize shrinkage.
• Manage the physical inventory process.
• Provide daily leadership and guidance to the Purchasing Team.
• Document and communicate policies and procedures for purchasing activities, providing training as necessary.
• Allocate and manage work to support continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Verify and approve payroll timecards.
• Drive performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Address and resolve employee relations issues with assistance from Human Resources, including disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a professional manner.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be bilingual in English and Japanese.
• Strong analytical skills are required.
• A minimum of 7-10 years in purchasing, supply chain, procurement, or production is required.
• Supervisory experience highly preferred.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a similar role within the industry.
• Knowledge of international purchasing regulations and compliance.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Pet insurance
• Retirement plan