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Sales & Purchasing Specialist
Location: Columbus, Indiana
Industry: Japanese Manufacturing Company
Position Summary:
The Sales & Purchasing Specialist is responsible for supporting sales development, purchasing activities, supplier and customer relationships, new business coordination, and project management. This position works closely with domestic and overseas customers, suppliers, and the parent company to ensure successful business operations and profitable growth.
Primary Responsibilities:
-Sales & Business Development-
Assists with the generation, management, development, and coordination of new business opportunities for the company.
Establish relationships with customers and suppliers to assure that customer needs can be met.
Explore opportunities for new products that are within the capability of the company to produce profitably.
Assist with development of plans for growing the business through new customers and/or new products.
Coordinate new business gained through the manufacturing stage.
Assist with the preparation and presentation of competitive pricing for approval by the Vice President, assuring profitability goals are attainable.
Participate in the development and implementation of customer service strategies to assure long-term customer relationships.
Prepare and present accurate business forecasts.
-Customer & Supplier Management-
Coordinate sales and purchasing activities with offshore and domestic customers and vendors.
Communicate with customers regarding order changes, troubleshooting, and issue resolution.
Provide timely information regarding orders, changes, and new business to each functional area.
Negotiate with customers and suppliers regarding new business opportunities and pricing.
Represent business needs to the parent company, customers, and suppliers in conjunction with the Vice President.
-Purchasing & Supply Chain-
Source raw materials, production components, tooling, equipment, and indirect materials.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and supplier agreements.
Resolve supplier shortages, delivery delays, and quality concerns.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.
Maintain accurate supplier files, pricing history, purchasing documentation, and related records.
-Project Coordination-
Develop initial project timelines and follow up on progress to keep customers, suppliers, and management informed.
Work with departmental management to develop effective new product launch strategies.
Work with Finance Departments to develop accurate cost structures and pricing.
Communicate with other members, the parent company, offshore suppliers, and customers, frequently translating information for domestic management.
Communicate with parent company sales representatives regarding existing or potential business opportunities.
-Other Duties-
Travel frequently to customer locations, suppliers, potential customers, and parent company locations as required.
Serve as a technical interpreter between Japanese enterprises and U.S. management.
Perform other duties as assigned.
-Training Requirements-
Firsthand knowledge of products, production processes, and related activities within the company, parent company, customers, and suppliers.
Familiarity with support activities necessary to complete and manage projects.
Understanding of administrative procedures related to sales and general administration for equipment, goods, and services.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent time management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Leadership skills.
-Physical Requirements-
50% sedentary work.
Frequent long workdays and workweeks.
Ability to maintain a fast-paced work environment.
Approximately 50% travel, including extended international trips.
-Qualifications-
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent related work experience.
Two (2) years of previous experience in an OEM automotive parts sales role preferred.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, etc.).
CAD and CAM experience preferred.
Strong negotiation skills with suppliers and/or customers.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints at a conceptual level.
Highly organized with advanced time management skills.
Prior experience with ERP/MRP systems.
Bilingual English/Japanese skills are a plus but not required.