Japanese BIlingual Purchasing Assistant

Location: Torrance, CA (Onsite) Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Work Schedules: Monday Friday, 9:00 AM 6:00 PM (Note: Working schedule may fluctuate with rotating shift start times, such as an 8:00 AM start, to be finalized at a later date).

Summary: Global food & beverage manufacturing and distribution organization is seeking a self-motivated Japanese bilingual purchasing assistant to join their team in Torrance, CA. This role provides essential administrative and operational support to the purchasing department across domestic and international functions. This is an ideal position for a bilingual individual with strong communication skills and a keen interest in growing a career within the food and beverage supply chain industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include: But Are Not Limited To: International purchasing support: Obtain quotes from freight forwarders for air shipments, process orders, and track status through delivery. Review forwarder invoices for accuracy, receive products into the system, and route invoices to accounting. Calculate shipping costs, quote sales teams, and prepare shipping documentation for international destinations. Coordinate label and packaging material orders and maintain adequate inventory levels with overseas headquarters in Japan. Domestic purchasing support: Communicate with co-packers, vendors, and logistics personnel to ensure timely product deliveries and adherence to quality standards. Generate discrepancy reports for shortages, delays, or damaged goods. Process co-packer and vendor invoices, verifying pricing and quantities before receiving products into the system. Track raw material inventory (flavors, ingredients, components) with co-packers and assist management with co-packer performance evaluations. Print and order product pouches, inner case labels, and shipping labels, maintaining adequate U.S. inventory levels. Administrative & relationship support: Research required materials and ingredients, request samples, and follow up as needed. Maintain supplier and pricing lists, process inventory adjustments, and prepare requisitions/purchase orders. Build and maintain positive communication channels with vendors, clients, and cross-functional teams. Provide fluent English and Japanese translation support for cross-border communications.

Qualifications: Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Demonstrated understanding of, or keen interest in, the dynamics and trends of the food and beverage industry. High ethical standards, strong organizational abilities, and meticulous data entry accuracy. Ability to work effectively in a moderate-noise office environment and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed. Required language: Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English (reading, writing, and speaking) to communicate effectively with teams in the U.S. and Japan.

Education: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Interest/Background: Experience in purchasing, procurement, and/or supply chain roles, OR a strong interest and eagerness to pursue a purchasing career. Software/Technical: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook). License: Valid California Driver's License.

Preferred: Minimum of 1 year of office experience preferred. Experience in food and beverage ingredients, value-added ingredients, or nutraceutical industries. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar ERP systems.

About Us: At Staffmark, we connect hardworking people with great companies, creating opportunities that make a lasting impact. Staffmark is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Staffmark offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact your local branch for inquiries. Staffmark is an E-Verify employer. See our Privacy Notice for Candidates and Employees/Contractors at https://smgroupna.com/privacy-notice-for-candidates-and-employees-contractors. By applying, you consent to receive AI-generated and non-AI-generated calls, texts, or emails from Staffmark Group, its affiliates, and partners. Frequency varies and message/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help.