What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer – Japanese Food Products position at JAC Recruitment?
Company Overview
A UK-based food-related company (confidential).
The business focuses on importing and distributing food products, with a strong emphasis on Japanese food manufacturers and trading companies. The company maintains close relationships with suppliers in Japan and operates with a strong understanding of Japanese business practices and quality standards.
Role Overview
This role is responsible for purchasing Japanese food products, primarily sourcing from manufacturers and trading companies in Japan.
Given the nature of the supply base, Japanese language skills and experience working with Japanese suppliers are highly valued. The position plays a key role in maintaining stable supply operations and building long-term supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Managing purchasing activities with Japanese food manufacturers and trading companies
Coordinating import-related matters from Japan (lead times, quantities, conditions, etc.)
Communicating with suppliers in Japanese and maintaining strong working relationships
Liaising with internal teams such as logistics, sales, and inventory management
Supporting supplier visits to the office when required
Contributing to process improvements as appropriate
Required Skills & Experience
Must Have
Experience in purchasing or a related function within the food industry
Professional experience using Japanese in a business context
Valid right to work in the UK
Nice to Have
Experience in import operations from Japan
Experience working with Japanese companies or suppliers
Background in a small to mid-sized organisation with broad responsibilities
Language Requirements
Japanese: Professional proficiency (able to negotiate and coordinate with suppliers)
English: Sufficient for internal communication and daily business operations
Location & Work Style
Location: Enfield, UK
Work Style: Hybrid
2 days per week in the office (moving towards 3 days in the future)
Additional Office Attendance May Be Required When Suppliers Visit
Employment Type & Salary
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Indicative range: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum
Start Date
Ideally between 1–5 June 2026
Later start dates can be discussed
A UK-based food-related company (confidential).
The business focuses on importing and distributing food products, with a strong emphasis on Japanese food manufacturers and trading companies. The company maintains close relationships with suppliers in Japan and operates with a strong understanding of Japanese business practices and quality standards.
Role Overview
This role is responsible for purchasing Japanese food products, primarily sourcing from manufacturers and trading companies in Japan.
Given the nature of the supply base, Japanese language skills and experience working with Japanese suppliers are highly valued. The position plays a key role in maintaining stable supply operations and building long-term supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Managing purchasing activities with Japanese food manufacturers and trading companies
Coordinating import-related matters from Japan (lead times, quantities, conditions, etc.)
Communicating with suppliers in Japanese and maintaining strong working relationships
Liaising with internal teams such as logistics, sales, and inventory management
Supporting supplier visits to the office when required
Contributing to process improvements as appropriate
Required Skills & Experience
Must Have
Experience in purchasing or a related function within the food industry
Professional experience using Japanese in a business context
Valid right to work in the UK
Nice to Have
Experience in import operations from Japan
Experience working with Japanese companies or suppliers
Background in a small to mid-sized organisation with broad responsibilities
Language Requirements
Japanese: Professional proficiency (able to negotiate and coordinate with suppliers)
English: Sufficient for internal communication and daily business operations
Location & Work Style
Location: Enfield, UK
Work Style: Hybrid
2 days per week in the office (moving towards 3 days in the future)
Additional Office Attendance May Be Required When Suppliers Visit
Employment Type & Salary
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Indicative range: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum
Start Date
Ideally between 1–5 June 2026
Later start dates can be discussed
Salary : $35,000 - $40,000