Purchasing Management Specialist/Senior Purchasing Specialist｜Japanese trading company

A trading company based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Purchasing Management Specialist / Senior Purchasing Specialist.

＜Job Overview＞
You will play a key role in driving category growth in the Japanese market by identifying strategic procurement opportunities, managing domestic and international supplier relationships, and executing purchasing strategies to optimize margin and inventory performance. They should possess a deep understanding of Japanese consumer products, business practices, and culture, with proven expertise in cross-border supplier management and strategic sourcing. Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills are essential, as this role also involves aligning with internal stakeholders across functions.

＜Job Duties＞
・Lead and execute the entire buying cycle (end-to-end buying processes): supplier sourcing, product selection, vendor negotiation (cost/payment negotiation), purchase order placement, and delivery coordination.
・Build and maintain strong vendor relationships with Japanese partners locally, ensuring clear communication, aligned timelines, and mutual expectations.
・Collaborate closely with merchandising, marketing, and logistics teams to ensure timely product launches and stock availability.
・Monitor inventory performance and optimize purchasing strategies for margin and stock efficiency.
・Continuously optimize purchasing strategies to meet business objectives and improve gross margins.
・Act as a liaison among Japanese vendors, the Japan office, and the U.S. headquarters to ensure clear communication.
・Analyze market trends, product performance, and customer needs to identify opportunities and source new products/brands.
・Stay current on Japanese product trends and emerging opportunities to fuel innovation and competitiveness.
・Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, creative, operations) to ensure a seamless go-to-market process.

＜Qualification＞
・2 years of buying or sourcing experience, preferably in retail, e-commerce, or wholesale environments.
・Fluency in Japanese and English (written and spoken) is required to effectively communicate with suppliers in Japan and internal cross-functional teams.
・Demonstrated understanding of Japanese business culture, supplier management, and negotiation styles.
・Proven experience in vendor negotiation, cost management, and purchase planning. Skilled in data-driven buying, margin optimization, and lifecycle management.
・Proven experience managing both large-scale and small-scale procurement processes, with strong operational and negotiation capabilities.
・Deep understanding of Incoterms and global trade regulations, with hands-on experience managing international shipments and logistics.
・Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data to make strategic purchasing decisions.
・Experience in managing supplier onboarding with term negotiation, purchase orders, lead times, and logistics coordination.
・Excellent communication and organizational skills; comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
・Experienced in cross-functional collaboration, working closely with operations, logistics, marketing, and finance teams.
・Proficiency in Excel and ERP or any inventory management systems

＜Preferred Experience＞
・Experience working with Japanese brands and suppliers.
・Prior experience working at a Japanese company, or in a global company closely partnered with Korean brands.
・Prior work in J-beauty, Home goods, or other Japanese consumer product categories.
・Knowledge of import/export trade terms, international logistics, and cross-border vendor management.
・Familiarity with customs clearance, compliance, and import documentation for international shipping, especially for Japanese groceries and food categories.
・Experience in localizing Japanese products (especially in beauty and home goods) for U.S. or international consumers, especially the Asian community in the U.S.

【Keywords】
①Purchasing, sourcing
②Vendor negotiation
③Japanese bilingual