Sales Support & Logistics Coordinator
A Japanese chemical trading company is seeking a Sales Support & Logistics Coordinator. This role supports the sales team across the entire business cycle—from order processing to payment collection—while providing excellent customer service and maintaining strong relationships with customers and business partners.
The ideal candidate brings logistics experience, strong business-system skills, and a flexible, collaborative approach. Familiarity with Japanese business culture is preferred. Japanese-English bilingual skills are a plus, but English-only candidates are welcome.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Cycle Management
Manage, optimize, and coordinate the full sales order cycle, including:
- Set up new customer, supplier, vendor, and warehouse accounts.
- Apply for and maintain credit lines within approved limits throughout the supply chain.
- Assist the sales team with quotations for new and existing business.
- Process customer sales orders.
- Coordinate product purchasing, inventory planning, and inventory control.
- Arrange logistics and transportation for domestic deliveries, international imports, and exports.
- Understand and comply with applicable local and federal import/export regulations and company policies.
- Process billing and payments, and manage accounts receivable and accounts payable.
- Resolve shipment delays, lost shipments, and expedited-order requirements.
- Track customer payments and follow up on outstanding balances.
Customer Service & Relationship Management
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers, logistics providers, transportation companies, and internal teams.
- Communicate order status, delivery schedules, and issues clearly and promptly.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve problems and maintain customer satisfaction.
Sales Support
Support the business department in achieving its budgeted gross profit goals by:
- Servicing new and existing customer accounts.
- Identifying sales opportunities where applicable.
- Collecting and reporting forecast data to relevant stakeholders.
- Managing customer credit to ensure transactions remain within approved credit limits.
- Managing accounts receivable, collection schedules, and collection activities to minimize past-due balances.
- Monitoring inventory aging and supporting efforts to reduce long-standing inventory.
Team Support
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain smooth daily operations.
- Provide support beyond assigned responsibilities when needed to meet team and business needs.
- Adapt to changing priorities and proactively assist with operational issues and process improvements.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.
- A minimum of three years of work experience is preferred, ideally in sales support or customer service. Junior-level candidates with relevant experience and strong potential may also be considered.
- Prior logistics, transportation coordination, or supply chain experience is strongly preferred.
- Import/export experience is a plus.
Systems & Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
- Experience using Outlook and PowerPoint.
- SAP experience is highly preferred.
- Experience with a Transportation Management System (TMS) is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of accounting, finance, and enterprise business systems.
- Strong aptitude for learning and using business systems.
- Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to convert units of measure and currencies.
Communication & Work Style
- Strong customer-service orientation and excellent administrative, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
- A collaborative, flexible, and proactive approach, with a willingness to support teammates beyond assigned responsibilities.
- Familiarity with Japanese business culture and the ability to work effectively in a Japanese corporate environment are preferred.
- English communication skills are required. Japanese-English bilingual skills are preferred, but English-only candidates are welcome.
