Purchasing Agent

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We've grown nearly 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese food service suppliers, as well as fill a key role as  Culinary Ambassador  promoting Japanese foods worldwide.

Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 8,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

We are looking for a Purchasing Agent for our coming-son Houston branch in the state of Texas. The position is responsible for performing all purchasing duties for all food and non-food items.

• All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Houston, Texas

M-F: 9AM - 6PM, 1 hour lunch break, OT may apply

• Manages purchasing of frozen, dry foods, and Non-food items, including sourcing, price negotiations, transportation logistics, and product development.
• Analyzes and forecasts product sales volume and market demands, and creates purchase orders based on sales volume, demands, and inventory level.
• Calculates product costs and prices to determine profit margin.
• Ensures product quality by sampling and customer feedback; works with suppliers for quality assurance.
• Frequently reviews inventory for discrepancies, large volume outbound orders, slow selling items, and expired items; works with the warehouse department for resolutions.
• Develops and executes purchasing strategies to support the organization's business objectives.
• Evaluates and assures the qualities of received items are consistent with the descriptions on purchase orders.
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
• Other duties as required.
• Obligation to answer to all upper management as requested.

• Able to sit and work in an office setting for the majority of the day.
• Able to use the computer and type for extended periods.
• Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Working Conditions.
• Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office.

• Business level English required.
• Other language such as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese preferred.
• Maintains a positive attitude.
• Able to work independently and as a team.
• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in business preferred.
• 2+ years of Food purchasing experience or training preferred.

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possesses basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
• Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Has strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Communications and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods/non-foods and kitchen supplies preferred.

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the  at-will  employment status with the Company.

Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.