Liquor Sales Support Specialist -Japanese Bilingual preferred

Job Summary

The Liquor Sales Support Specialist coordinates, develops, and evaluates product lines for the Product Management Division. This role includes purchasing food and beverage products as needed while maintaining daily contact with sales personnel, manufacturers, and vendors. The specialist ensures compliance with government regulations and educates customers on products to achieve ambitious sales growth aspirations.

Essential Job Functions

• 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 / Education / Requirements

• 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.

Knowledge and Skills

• 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.

Working Conditions

• 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.