Assistant Purchasing Manager

Job Title: Japanese or Chinese Bilingual -Assistant Purchasing Manager

Location: Houston, TX

Scheduled Work Hours: M-F: 9AM – 6PM

Report to: Purchasing Manager

Essential Job Functions

• Issue purchase orders to suppliers based on the designated stock level and lead-time.

• Assist department manager to manage all purchasing department personnel matters and job

performances.

• Maintain and analyze order receiving records from different suppliers, including but not

limited to quality and quantity, and determine the best procurement option for the company.

• Evaluate and assure the qualities of received items are consistent with purchase orders.

• Ensure product quality by sampling and customer feedback; address problems to suppliers

and resolve the issues.

• Research and select prospective vendors and negotiate prices/contracts.

• Coordinate with purchasing team to build and maintain relationships with suppliers; assure

the quality of products, timely delivery, and compliance of contracts are consistently

addressed.

• Set up vendor numbers and item stock numbers in a timely manner.

• Analyze and forecast product sales volume and market demands, and create purchase orders

based on sales volume, demands, and inventory level.

• Assist department manager to manage all aspects of liquor, refrigerated, frozen, and dry food,

non-food purchases, including sourcing, price negotiations, transportation planning, and

product development.

• Count item inventory whenever the numbers are inconsistent to the warehouse inventory

records.

• Frequently review inventory for discrepancies, large volume outbound orders, slow selling

items, and expired items and work with the warehouse for resolutions.

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies to support the organization's business objectives.

• Coordinate quality inspections of incoming materials, verifying that goods meet required

specifications and standards.

• Maintain and review supplier documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COAs), safety

data sheets (SDS), and audit results.

• Collaborate regularly with purchasing teams across branch locations in Texas; responsibilities

include but are not limited to, coordinating supply planning, maintaining consistent stock

levels, sharing best practices, identifying cost-saving opportunities and improving

procurement efficiency.

• Attend Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.

• Other duties as required.

• Obligation to answer to all management as requested.

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit and work in an office setting for extended periods.

• Able to use type and use the computer for extended periods.

• Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.

• Working Conditions

o Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office

Other Requirements

• Business level English required – read/write/speak/listen.

• Business level Japanese or Chinese required – read/write/speak/listen.

• Maintain a positive attitude.

• Able to work independently and efficiently as a team.

• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or other related field required.

• 3+ years of Japanese food purchasing experiences required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate excellent organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to

detail.

• Possess intermediate mathematical knowledge – profit margin calculations, markups,

discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.

• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.

• Knowledge of ERP systems.

• Knowledge of Japanese foods/non-food items and kitchen supplies.