Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Manager

Job Title: Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Manager
Department: Purchasing
Location: Torrance, CA
Reports To: General Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing purchasing strategies for both domestic and international activities in accordance with company guidelines. This role involves managing the performance of all vendors, suppliers, co-packers, and blenders at all procurement levels.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing Management
Develop and manage the comprehensive purchasing strategy to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Identify and set specific performance indicators for key purchasing functions by analyzing major expense categories and establishing savings targets.
Maintain a deep understanding of market trends and shifts.
Conduct research to stay updated on compliance regulations.
Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams on the development of new products and packaging needs.
Establish and oversee the budgeting process, working closely with Accounting to ensure departmental spending aligns with budgetary constraints.
Request and review necessary documentation (e.g., requisitions, purchase orders) from Purchasing Coordinators to ensure accuracy in pricing and margins.

Vendor Management
Select, oversee, and manage co-packers, suppliers, and blenders to ensure the highest quality products and services while remaining competitive in cost and delivery.
Manage vendor inventory levels, receipts, physical inventory, and compliance with product labeling and packaging standards.
Conduct annual performance evaluations of vendors.
Forecasting & Inventory Management
Analyze market trends to inform future forecasting needs.
Manage processes to ensure sufficient inventory levels are maintained for production.
Oversee inventory adjustments made by Purchasing Coordinators.
Coordinate internally to maximize the efficient use of all inventories, optimize inventory turnover, and minimize shrinkage.
Manage the physical inventory process.

Administrative Management
Provide daily leadership and guidance to the Purchasing Team.
Document and communicate policies and procedures for purchasing activities, providing training as necessary.
Allocate and manage work to support continuous improvement and efficiency.
Verify and approve payroll timecards.
Drive performance evaluations for direct reports.
Address and resolve employee relations issues with assistance from Human Resources, including disciplinary actions when necessary.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a professional manner.
Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities
Pursue continuous improvement and seek out more efficient, cost-effective work processes.
Maintain professionalism while handling sensitive and confidential information.
Uphold high ethical standards in the workplace.
Adhere to all company policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook.
Ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be bilingual in English and Japanese.
Strong analytical skills are required.
A minimum of 7-10 years in purchasing, supply chain, procurement, or production is required. Supervisory experience highly preferred.
Proficiency in QuickBooks is preferred.
The base pay range above represents the low and high end of the base compensation range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual base compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, actual experience, and job performance. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee.

The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for our employees. Based on the details of your position, we provide a variety of benefits to our employees, including medical, dental, and vision plans, pre-tax savings plans, pre-tax parking and commuter plans, supplemental health and welfare plans, a retirement savings plan, an employee assistance program, pet insurance, and paid holidays. Other rewards may include short-term incentives and paid time off.

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About Advantage Technical
With company roots going back over 30 years, Advantage Technical is an engineering and information technology services company and a national leader in the provision of technical resources today. These services include Staff Augmentation, Direct Placement, Project Resourcing and Outsourcing - delivered from 40 key market locations, by over 3500 specialized contractors, to over 500 clients across North America. Advantage Technical is a Best of Staffing Diamond Award winner for both Clients and Talent. For more information about the industries and services offered by Advantage Technical, please visit

Advantage Technical is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, mental and physical disability, political affiliation, union membership, status as a parent, military or veteran status or other non-merit based factors. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interviewing and employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact your local branch. Advantage Technical is an E-Verify employer. This policy is applicable to all phases of the employment relationship, including hiring, transfers, promotions, training, terminations, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.

All employees are directed to familiarize themselves with this policy and to act in accordance with it. All decisions with respect to employment matters and other phases of employer-temporary employee relationships will be in keeping with this policy and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.