Liquor Sales Support Specialist -Japanese Bilingual preferred

Job Summary

The specialist ensures compliance with government regulations and educates customers on products to achieve ambitious sales growth aspirations.

• Procurement & Vendor Management: Procure products and services according to established practices and policies. Identify and select vendors based on price negotiations, quality, and contract administration.
• Pricing & Profitability: Develop product pricing structures using cost estimates and margin guidelines. Perform periodic margin analyses to ensure market competitiveness and company profitability.
• Brand Development: Develop private brand products for the company.
• Market Analysis: Monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends through sales shadowing. Manage sales and gross profit figures for assigned categories.
• Operational Oversight: Monitor shipments to ensure timely delivery and resolve issues with undelivered goods. Prepare and submit reports to department managers and international affiliates, including those in Japan and China.
• Sales Support: Collaborate with branches to increase market share through product education and joint sales activities. Travel to customer facilities to provide information and support.

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in the food and beverage industry as a buyer, purchaser, or in a sales role.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree (4-year) in business, marketing, economics, or a related field.
• Language Skills: Japanese Bilingual preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Oracle ERP software.

• Strategic Planning: Comprehensive knowledge of business principles, resource allocation, and team coordination.
• Negotiation: Advanced problem-solving and negotiation skills, including the ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses.
• Communication: Strong active listening and effective communication skills.
• Logistics: Understanding of transportation principles (air, rail, sea, road) and cost optimization.

• Environment: Primarily based in a comfortable office environment, though hours may exceed 40 per week to meet procurement deadlines.
• Physical Demands: Requires the ability to lift and carry sample products weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Physical Activity: Frequent hand-eye coordination and constant sitting, talking, and hearing.
• Travel: Requires travel on short notice, including visits to branch offices and client facilities; international travel may be required periodically.