Mutual Trading Co., Inc. Is Hiring A Purchasing Coordinator

Japanese Bilingual Purchasing Coordinator

Join our team as a bilingual Purchasing Coordinator and play a vital role in managing Japanese food imports, fostering vendor relationships, and supporting sales operations in a dynamic, culturally rich environment. 🌏

Who We Are

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. began as a small cooperative dedicated to importing basic foods for the Japanese immigrant community in Southern California. Today, nearly a century later, we are a leading Japanese foodservice supplier and culinary ambassador, importing, manufacturing, and distributing over 8,000 Japanese foods, beverages, and restaurant supplies worldwide. Our affiliate, Yamasho Inc., based in Chambless, GA, enriches the industry by offering a broad range of restaurant items and supporting the Japanese food culture explosion in America. 🍣

Benefits

• Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents 🩺
• Life Insurance and 401(k) Plan with company match 💼

Location

Chamblee, GA

Hours

Monday to Friday: 8AM – 5PM with a 1-hour lunch break. Overtime as needed. ⏰

Essential Job Functions

Purchasing — 80%

• Coordinate local purchasing of frozen, dry, and non-food products, including vendor relationship development, quality assurance, price negotiations, transportation, and product development.
• Collaborate with Yamasho Inc. and New York purchasing teams for transportation and delivery logistics.
• Maintain records in the Company S2K system: inventory adjustments, price changes, container lists, and sales data.
• Process receipts and invoices for payment approval.
• Calculate costs and set product pricing to ensure healthy profit margins.
• Ensure compliance with FDA and USDA regulations by maintaining HACCP and CAPA food safety plans.
• Coordinate with trucking companies to ensure smooth transfer of goods.
• Work with the warehouse to verify quantities, quality, organize storage/display, and ensure proper receiving processes.
• Regularly review inventory discrepancies and coordinate resolutions.
• Create purchase orders based on sales data and inventory levels to maintain adequate stock.
• Develop promotional flyers and product catalogues, including non-food items.
• Organize semiannual inventory counts, potentially during weekends.
• Participate in company events outside of standard hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department manager.
• Respond promptly to management requests. 📋

Office & Sales Support — 20%

• Answer incoming calls efficiently and professionally.
• Report inventory or service issues immediately to the appropriate account manager.
• Coordinate with sales staff to monitor and complete purchase orders on time.
• Prepare and update monthly sales reports and materials.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, type, and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Capability to talk, hear, walk, stand, reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions

• Normal to loud noise levels in an indoor office environment. 🔊
• Location: Indoor office setting.

Other Requirements

• Business proficiency in English — reading, writing, speaking, listening.
• Japanese language skills at a business level are preferred.
• Maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptability to changing workloads and assignments.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2+ years relevant experience; food industry experience is a plus. 🍱

Knowledge & Skills

• Exceptional organizational, time management, and attention to detail.
• Intermediate math skills: profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, measurements, and inventory counting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as S2K or Micros.