Procurement Assistant / Global Supply Chain Specialist

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Procurement Assistant / Global Supply Chain Specialist to support daily purchasing operations, supplier coordination, and logistics management. This role will assist in ensuring materials and products are sourced, purchased, and delivered on time to meet production and business needs.

Responsibilities:

• Manage procurement activities, including sourcing, supplier evaluation, price negotiation, purchase order execution, delivery coordination, and inventory management.
• Develop strong working relationships with suppliers; lead commercial negotiations and support contracts.
• Review, analyze, and approve ingredient specifications, pricing, and terms to ensure compliance with quality, food safety, cost, and lead time requirements.
• Proactively research, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to mitigate supply risk and support product development or scale-up needs.
• Prepare cost analyses, budget inputs, and procurement reports to support financial planning and management decision-making.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, food safety, sales, and finance teams to align sourcing strategies with formulation, quality standards, and operational requirements.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and tight timelines.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Ability to multitask effectively and produce accurate, timely results in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• Excellent written and reading comprehension skills in English.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working with international suppliers and logistics
• Knowledge of import/export documentation and incoterms
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Japanese.