Inventory Planning Associate｜Japanese Food Wholesaler

A major Japanese food wholesale company located in Santa Fe Springs, California is seeking an Inventory Planning Associates.

＜Job Overview＞
Under general supervision, the Inventory Planning Associate 1 is responsible for the day-to-day inventory planning operation for designated areas. They will collaborate with branch locations, corporate divisions/ departments, and external customers/ vendors to provide support including, but not limited to purchasing, billing, processing/ updating inventory information in the system, monitoring shipping quantity, and adjusting inventory overages/ shortages.

＜Job Responsibilities＞
・Inventory Planning
・Assist in executing inventory planning and allocation processes to maintain product availability and continuity of supply across global locations while learning to utilize the Supply Chain Planning system.
・Collaborate with the procurement team and branches under direct supervision to monitor inventory levels and process adjustments as directed.
・Issue purchase orders quickly and without error.
・Purchase Order (PO) creation.
・Create purchase orders for goods and services in line with standard processes and cycle time expectations.
・Examine and analyze purchase requisitions and quotes for completeness and accuracy of information.
・Maintain queue of incoming purchase requisitions.
・Purchase Order (PO) management.
・Update delivery schedule and pricing based on vendor acknowledgment and ensure that the purchase and receipt are properly documented and recorded.
・Executing PO change requests promptly.
・Interface effectively with vendors, accounts payable, vendor master, and logistics departments.
・Resolve problems with invoices, supplier maintenance, and receiving discrepancies.
・Collaborate with procurement teams to manage orders based on lead times, business needs, and price changes.
・Ensure purchase orders are acknowledged by vendors.
・Obtain the original promise date from vendors.
・Resolve invoice issues and ensure that vendors are paid on time.
・Perform other related duties as required

＜Requirements＞
・Japanese and English bilingual
・Basic computer skills and experience using Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
・Experience in inventory, purchasing, order processing, supply chain, or related administrative operations is preferred.
・Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling purchase orders, inventory, and billing information.
・Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal teams, vendors, and other business partners.
・Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
・Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

① Inventory Planning
② Purchasing / Procurement
③ Purchase Order Management