Purchasing Specialist (Japanese Bilingual) – Bremen, GA
Salary Range: $70k-$110k DOE
Position Summary
The Purchasing Specialist will coordinate and manage activities related to the purchasing and distribution of materials, equipment, and supplies within a manufacturing facility. This role supports both domestic and global sourcing initiatives and contributes to new product launches, cost reduction efforts, and supplier performance management.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimate material costs by reviewing market pricing and supplier costs
- Manage negotiation and implementation of technical modifications
- Oversee event ordering activities, including RFQ, negotiation, ordering, and delivery expediting
- Support domestic and global sourcing for multiple brands
- Participate in and support new product launches
- Develop and execute cost reduction programs and maintain accountability for direct material costs
- Lead project management for purchasing activity (budget, timing, accountability) across multiple concurrent product development programs
- Ensure product launches meet program targets for quality, cost, and timing
- Hold suppliers accountable to commitments and deliverables; escalate issues as necessary
- Identify new cost-effective materials, parts, and products for current and future programs
- Ensure supplier documentation is complete, including required agreements, assessments, and quality documentation
- Apply required information to the Local Procurement Technical Assessment and coordinate meetings when needed
- Support other departments as required
- Maintain strong supplier relationships, viewing suppliers as long-term partners
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 3–5 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with negotiation, sourcing, bidding, contracting, supplier performance management, and risk management
- Strong understanding of procurement processes and supply chain operations
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with purchasing systems (e.g., SAP) and MRP systems (e.g., JD Edwards EnterpriseOne)
- Japanese-English bilingual proficiency (business level or higher strongly preferred)
- Experience working in multicultural environments
- Knowledge of international trade practices
- Experience with 6S/5S methodologies
- Lean Six Sigma certification (belt holder)
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing facility environment. The candidate must be willing to work any shift and overtime as needed, depending on production demands and operational requirements.