Inside Sales Assistant

Who we are:

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We've grown nearly 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as "Culinary Ambassador" promoting Japanese foods worldwide. Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 8,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

Benefits

All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents

Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Location: El Monte, CA
Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM; 1 hour lunch

Essential Job Functions

•    Input, update, and maintain sales orders, invoices, customer records and bill-back data within the Company database.

•    Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and building rapport.

•    Answer customer questions regarding product features, benefits, and procedures.

•    Support Division trade shows production and execution.

•    Report any inventory or service issues to appropriate account manager immediately.

•    Collaborate with sales staff to monitor active purchase orders and ensure that orders are completed on time. 

•    Assist salespersons with the collection of payment in a timely manner.

•    Update and prepare all monthly sales materials/reports as defined by the Division.

•    Respond to and communicate with all customers in a timely manner.

•    Coordinate urgent deliveries with the customer to accommodate their needs.

•    Educate customers on how the products or services can benefit them.

•    Scribe department meetings and distribute meeting minutes to the team.

•    Attend company events and functions outside of normal working hours.

•    Attend semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend.

•    Other duties as required by manager. 

•    Obligation to answer to all management as requested.

Physical Requirements

•    Ability to sit and work in an office setting for extended periods of time.

•    Ability to type and use a computer for extended periods of time.

•    Ability to talk, hear, walk, stand, reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.

•    Working Conditions

o    Noise Level: Normal to loud

o    Location: Indoors

Other Requirements

•    Business level English required; Native level English preferred.

•    Conversational level Japanese; Business level Japanese preferred – Read/write/speak/listen.

•    Maintain a positive attitude. 

•    Ability to work independently and as a team.

•    Ability to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.

•    Trade event participation and traveling may be required. 

•    Pass the Sake Adviser course within 1 year of employment.

•    High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree and above preferred.

•    2+ years of relevant experience, preferably in customer services or sales; restaurant front-of-house will also be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

•    Possess basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.

•    Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

•    Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service and problem-solving skills.

•    Clerical/Administrative support skills.

•    Knowledge of ERP systems, especially Microsoft Dynamics NAV, highly preferred.

•    Basic Microsoft Office proficiency. 

•    Knowledge of trade shows, with previous attendance preferred.

•    Knowledge of Japanese foods and sakes preferred.

Disclaimers

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.