Yami Is Hiring A Senior Purchasing Management Specialist

Join Yami: Connecting the World through Authentic Asian Products 🌏

Founded in 2013, Yami is dedicated to bringing the flavors, beauty, home, and wellness experiences of Asia closer to everyone. Recognized as Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing start-up on the “Inc. 500 List,” we continuously strive to connect people with authentic products through our e-commerce platform, iOS, and Android apps. Discover exciting opportunities to grow with us!

Benefits & Compensation 💼

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO): vacation, sick days, and holidays
• On-site gym and game rooms
• Employee discount
• Salary Range: $72,000 - $90,000
• Complimentary coffee and snacks

About the Role: Purchasing Management Specialist / Senior Purchasing Specialist 🛍️

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional fluent in both Japanese and English to join our team as a Purchasing Management Specialist or Senior Purchasing Specialist. Candidates should have a strong background in procurement, merchandising, and vendor management—preferably within the beauty, household, and/or consumer goods sectors.

This pivotal role involves driving category growth in the Japanese market by identifying strategic procurement opportunities, managing supplier relationships, and executing purchasing strategies to enhance margins and inventory performance. Deep understanding of Japanese consumer goods, culture, and business practices, along with proven cross-border sourcing skills, are essential.

Key Responsibilities 🎯

• Lead the entire buying cycle: sourcing, product selection, vendor negotiations, purchase orders, and delivery coordination.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships, ensuring clear communication and aligned expectations.
• Collaborate across teams—merchandising, marketing, logistics—to ensure timely product launches and inventory availability.
• Monitor inventory and optimize purchasing strategies for margin and stock efficiency.
• Analyze market trends to identify new opportunities and sources for products and brands.
• Stay updated on Japanese product trends and emerging opportunities to foster innovation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for seamless go-to-market execution.

Key Qualifications ✅

• 2+ years of full-time buying or sourcing experience, preferably in retail, e-commerce, or wholesale sectors.
• Fluency in Japanese and English (spoken and written) for effective communication with both suppliers and internal teams.
• In-depth knowledge of Japanese business culture, supplier management, and negotiation styles.
• Proven experience in vendor negotiations, cost management, and purchase planning.
• Operational expertise managing procurement processes, with strong negotiation skills.
• Understanding of Incoterms and international trade regulations, including managing shipments and logistics.
• Analytical skills to interpret sales and inventory data for strategic decisions.
• Vendor onboarding experience including negotiating terms, handling purchase orders, and logistics.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, comfortable in fast-paced, cross-cultural environments.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems or inventory management tools.

Preferred Experience ⭐

• Experience working with Japanese brands and suppliers.
• Previous roles in Japanese companies or with brands closely partnered with Korean firms.
• Background in J-beauty, home goods, or other Japanese consumer product categories.
• Knowledge of import/export trade terms and international logistics.
• Experience with customs clearance, compliance, and import documentation, especially for Japanese groceries and food.
• Experience in localizing Japanese products for U.S. or international markets, particularly within Asian communities.