Purchasing Generalist
Purchasing Generalist
Location: Carol Stream, IL
Compensation: $65,000–$70,000 annually
Hours: Full-time, standard business hours
Employment Type: Full-time, Onsite
※Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet the listed job-related qualifications. Please review thoroughly before submitting your application.※
Company Overview
A company operating within the food distribution industry, specializing in sourcing, importing, and managing food products while ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient inventory operations.
Position Summary
The Purchasing Generalist is responsible for end-to-end purchasing operations, vendor management, and inventory optimization within the food sector. This role owns gross profit performance related to procurement activities and collaborates cross-functionally to maintain efficient supply chain and inventory control.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and manage gross profit related to purchasing activities
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements with vendors and suppliers
- Manage purchase orders (import and domestic) and all related documentation
- Travel as needed for supplier meetings (including domestic and international)
- Review and adjust cost of goods following container receipt
- Monitor and optimize inventory turnover and stock levels
- Collaborate with sales and warehouse teams to ensure accurate inventory management
- Support sales with strategies to reduce excess inventory, including promotions and clearance planning
- Prepare and localize sales materials, including translating product information into English
- Maintain and update POS data and product-related information
- Process vendor-related financial adjustments (e.g., debit notes for promotions or demos)
- Manage special orders for seasonal events, promotions, and fairs
- Recommend product additions, discontinuations, and assortment improvements
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, FSMA)
- Support all other purchasing, product, and inventory management functions as needed
Qualifications
Required:
- Japanese language: expert
- English language: professional proficiency
- Experience in food purchasing or procurement operations
- Knowledge of import/domestic purchasing processes and documentation
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Understanding of inventory control and supply chain coordination
Preferred:
- Experience in food distribution or import/export environments
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance (HACCP, FSMA)
- Experience working with POS systems and sales data
Other Details
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States. No visa sponsorship is available for this role.
※This role may include additional responsibilities as needed based on business needs. ※