Buyer - Entry Level / Bilingual Japanese or Conversational Japanese

Region: US | Location: New York, NY | Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

About the role

A well-established international import-export and trading company is seeking an entry-level Buyer to join its New York office. The successful candidate will coordinate with overseas offices, customers, vendors, and internal team members to manage purchasing, supply-chain activities, customer orders, logistics, and related commercial operations. This position provides an opportunity to develop expertise in aircraft manufacturing, industrial products, international trade, vendor negotiations, and account management.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with overseas offices regarding customer requirements, product specifications, and commercial information.
• Manage supply-chain activities, including negotiations with vendors regarding pricing, delivery schedules, and product quality.
• Process customer inquiries, quotations, purchase orders, claims, logistics arrangements, and invoices.
• Coordinate with customers, vendors, logistics providers, and internal colleagues.
• Research industry trends, market developments, and product technologies.
• Assume responsibility for assigned customer accounts with support from the office team.
• Maintain accurate records and follow up on orders and delivery schedules.
• Assist with new business development initiatives.
• Participate in customer and vendor meetings by telephone, video conference, and in person.
• Travel domestically or internationally as needed.

Requirements

• Native-level Japanese with business-level English fluency, or native-level English with strong Japanese fluency.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Strong verbal communication skills for meetings and discussions with customers, vendors, and internal colleagues.
• Strong professional writing skills.
• Interest in developing negotiation and commercial decision-making skills.
• Ability to understand different perspectives, persuade others, and find practical compromises in a bicultural business environment.
• Well-rounded educational background with an interest in business, international affairs, science, or technology.
• Interest in learning about aircraft manufacturing technology and other industrial sectors.
• Comfortable traveling by air and driving when required.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Willingness to ask questions, work diligently, and take responsibility for assigned duties.
• Prior professional experience is not required. Training will be provided.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, dependable, and interested in building a long-term career in international business, procurement, supply-chain management, or industrial trading. The company is looking for someone who is eager to learn, communicates confidently, and is prepared to take increasing responsibility as they gain experience.

Pay

Annual Salary: $60,000, based on regular working hours.

Schedule

• Regular Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (seven working hours plus one paid meal break per day).
• Overtime: Paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
• Bonus: Periodic bonus based on company performance; not guaranteed.
• Hybrid Schedule: Currently four days per week in the office and one day per week working remotely (available after completion of the training period, requires prior notice, and is subject to change based on business needs).
• Flexible Start Time: Office start time may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (available after training, requires prior notice, and is subject to change).

Benefits

• Group Insurance: Company-paid premiums following completion of the initial 90-day introductory period.
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
• 401(k): Available beginning in the second year of employment, with a 3% employer match.