Buyer II- Japanese Bilingual

Job Title: Buyer II (Purchasing)

Location: Pomona, CA

Work Style: Hybrid (4 days onsite)

Salary: $75,000 – $80,000 base

Company: Food Manufacturing and Distribution

Department: Supply Chain

Reports to: Director of Supply Chain

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

About the Role

We are seeking a Buyer II to support purchasing operations and supplier management for our client, a food manufacturing and distribution company. This role is responsible for executing purchase orders, managing supplier communication, monitoring deliveries, maintaining purchasing data, and supporting cost and inventory control. The Buyer II will work closely with Planning, Production, QA, and Finance to ensure materials are purchased efficiently and delivered on time.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Execute purchase orders (POs) for raw materials, packaging, and other assigned materials
• Monitor order status and ensure on-time delivery from suppliers
• Follow up with suppliers regarding late deliveries, shortages, or order discrepancies
• Maintain accurate pricing, lead times, and supplier data in ERP systems
• Support sourcing activities and onboarding of new materials or packaging changes

Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned suppliers
• Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, delivery schedules, and supply issues
• Monitor supplier delivery performance (OTIF – On Time In Full)
• Escalate supply risks and coordinate corrective actions when necessary

Purchasing Data Management & ERP Support

• Organize and consolidate purchasing data using Excel or spreadsheets
• Maintain and track purchasing data including pricing, supplier information, and order records
• Transfer and migrate purchasing data from spreadsheets into ERP systems
• Ensure data accuracy and consistency between spreadsheets and ERP records
• Prepare purchasing reports, usage summaries, and supplier performance dashboards
• Support ERP purchasing data maintenance and system updates

Inventory & Supply Coordination

• Work with Production Planning to ensure proper material availability
• Monitor inventory levels, lead times, and safety stock
• Identify potential supply shortages and support recovery actions
• Help maintain stable material flow for production

Cost Analysis & Sourcing Support

• Support RFQ processes and supplier quote comparisons
• Assist with cost analysis and cost reduction initiatives
• Monitor pricing trends and conduct basic market checks

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with QA and R&D for specifications, samples, and supplier documentation
• Work with Finance to resolve invoice discrepancies and PO reconciliation
• Support new product launches and packaging updates

Qualifications

Experience

• 2–4 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience
• Experience managing purchase orders, supplier communication, and delivery tracking
• Manufacturing, food, or consumer goods industry experience is a plus

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field, or equivalent experience

Required Skills

• Strong Excel and spreadsheet skills required
• Ability to organize and manage large volumes of purchasing data
• Experience transferring or migrating data from spreadsheets into ERP systems
• High attention to detail and numerical accuracy
• Strong communication and supplier coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Language Skills

• English required
• Japanese is a strong plus but NOT required

Work Environment

• Hybrid work style with four days onsite in Pomona office
• Fast-paced manufacturing and supply chain environment
• Collaborative team working closely with operations and suppliers