Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist; Japanese Bilingual

$55-70K

• Strategic Buyer / Procurement Specialist (Bilingual Japanese/English)

• The Strategic Buyer / Procurement Specialist is responsible for coordinating supply base development, total cost management, and the purchasing process for direct materials and components. This is a strategic role focused on new supplier development and supply chain optimization . The ideal candidate will have a background in manufacturing and the ability to operate fluently in both Japanese and English to bridge communication between stakeholders.
• Supplier Development:
  Identify and develop new suppliers to optimize cost and ensure supply chain stability; manage the onboarding of new supply partners.
• Supply Chain Review:
  Proactively review and improve existing supply chain processes to increase efficiency and mitigate risks.
• Strategic Sourcing:
  Lead the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process, conduct cost analysis, and act as the primary contact for supplier negotiations and contracts.
• Operational Procurement:
  Manage purchase orders for materials, supplies, and packaging; ensure timely delivery and coordination with freight companies.
• Cross-functional Coordination:
  Maintain constant contact with internal departments and end-users to provide technical and strategic procurement support.
• Market Analysis:
  Monitor market trends, exchange rates, and raw material indices to provide data-driven recommendations to management.

• Location:
  
  Franklin, KY (Full-time On-site).
• Travel:
  Up to 20% local travel, with potential for up to 2 international business trips per year.

• Language:
  Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English is required.
• Experience:
  
  Previous experience in the Manufacturing industry is highly preferred.
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Skills:
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, forging) is a plus.
• Ability to manage projects and meet strict deadlines.

• Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 (Based on experience).
• Benefits:
  Comprehensive package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
• including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and PTO.