Purchasing Coordinator (Part-Time; Japanese/English Bilingual)

As a Purchasing Coordinator at Sumitomo Electric U.S.A. Holdings, Inc., you will play a crucial role in supporting our procurement activities. This includes obtaining quotes, placing orders, checking deliveries, and ensuring timely shipments. You'll also handle clerical tasks like data entry, helping to streamline operations in the Procurement and Logistics Department.

To be considered for the Purchasing Coordinator role at SEUHO, candidates should ideally have a B.A./B.S. degree or relevant experience. Fluency in both Japanese and English is essential, particularly in business communication. Strong organizational skills, proficiency in MS Office, and the ability to multi-task effectively are also crucial for this position.

The Purchasing Coordinator position at SEUHO is a part-time opportunity, requiring 15 to 20 hours of work per week. This role may also have the flexibility to work in a hybrid model, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work.

For the Purchasing Coordinator position at Sumitomo Electric, the expected hourly pay ranges between $20 to $30. Compensation can vary based on factors like experience, qualifications, and skills, alongside potential eligibility for bonuses or incentives.

Key skills for the Purchasing Coordinator at SEUHO include fluency in Japanese and English, strong organizational abilities, proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are critical for effective collaboration in a multicultural environment.

Core responsibilities of the Purchasing Coordinator at Sumitomo Electric U.S.A. Holdings, Inc. include assisting in purchasing activities, conducting delivery checks for timely delivery of goods, performing clerical tasks such as expense management, and taking on special projects as assigned by the supervisor.

To apply for the Purchasing Coordinator position at SEUHO, interested candidates should visit the company’s careers page to submit their application, ensuring to highlight their relevant experience and language proficiency in both Japanese and English.

In answering this question, highlight specific experiences where you assisted in procurement tasks, such as placing orders or conducting delivery checks. Mention any software or systems you used, detailing how your contributions led to smoother operations or improvements in efficiency.

Demonstrate your multitasking strategy by discussing methods you use to prioritize tasks, such as creating to-do lists, utilizing digital tools, or setting deadlines. Provide examples of how you successfully managed various tasks concurrently without compromising quality or timeliness.

Explain how being bilingual in Japanese and English allows you to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, manage international supplier relationships, and ensure clarity in negotiations. Share examples of situations where your language skills positively impacted procurement processes.

List software and tools you have experience with, especially MS Office applications like Excel for data analysis or any procurement-specific software. Elaborate on specific tasks where these tools enhanced your efficiency or effectiveness in previous roles.

Provide a specific example of a conflict, detailing the issues at hand and your approach in addressing them. Highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and any successful outcomes resulting from your negotiations.

Discuss strategies you employ to track and manage shipments, such as maintaining close communication with suppliers and using tracking systems. Mention how you handle delays and what steps you take to expedite the process whenever possible.

Emphasize the importance of confidentiality when managing sensitive purchase and supplier information. Discuss your approach to maintaining discretion and ensuring protective measures are in place to safeguard this information.

Explain your experience working in multicultural settings and how you adapt your communication styles to accommodate various cultural backgrounds. Provide examples of how collaboration with diverse teams has led to successful outcomes in past roles.

Share insights on what inspires you about the role, such as the opportunity to develop procurement skills, work in a dynamic team, or improve organizational efficiencies. Stress how the part-time nature aligns with your professional and personal goals.

Be honest in assessing your organizational skills, providing examples where being organized has played a critical role in your success as a Purchasing Coordinator. Mention specific instances of improved workflow or outcomes as a result of your attention to detail.