Sales Manager

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 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: Houston, TX

Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM

Essential Job Functions

• Set monthly and annual sales quota for sales team. 
• Develop and increase sales revenue to meet assigned department target by leading, directing, and motivating the sales team. Analyze data on sales results and develop plans to address performance gaps.
• Assist sales staff with organizational skills, account strategies, and administrative responsibilities to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction is maintained and strong, long-lasting rapport is promoted.
• Act as a resource to sales staff in contract opportunities and proposals, and assist them with negotiations, developing marketing plans, and closing the sale.
• Communicate with purchasing department to forecast any product shortage and oversees the sales of products of limited availability to maximize profits.
• Ensure sales team completes payment collection in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Research the market and trends, and attend trade shows to stay informed of new products, services and other general information of interest to customers.
• Troubleshoot problems regarding products provided and handle complaints.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new staff in the division. 
• Oversee the daily workflow of the division; ensure that sales staff understands their duties and delegated tasks; and provide constructive and timely feedback, training, and coaching.  
• Ensure that all sales staff adhere to Company policies and procedures. 
• Organize and lead the weekly sales meetings.
• Attend semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend.
• Maintain and safely operate the Company vehicle as per the Company Vehicle Policy.
• Attend Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Obligation to answer to all management as requested.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit in an office setting for extended periods.
• Able to drive for a majority of the daily working hours.
• Able to sit in a car for extended periods. 
• Able to travel within or outside of Washington as needed.   
• Ability to talk, hear, walk, stand, smell, taste, reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally. 
• Able to use the phone for extended periods of time.
• Working Conditions
• Noise Level: Normal to loud 
• Location: Indoor in the office and at least 50% of the time in the field visiting customers, restaurants, wholesalers, distributors, etc.

Other Requirements

• Business level English preferred – Read/write/speak/listen.
• Business level Japanese; Native level Japanese preferred – Read/write/speak/listen.
• Has a valid driver license and a clean driving record. 
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and afterhours as needed for Company and department related events. 
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of sales experience in Japanese food industry is required and minimum of 1 year of managerial experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possess intermediate mathematical knowledge - profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
• Strong customer service, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent mentoring, coaching and people management skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central, SAP or other ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods, fresh fish, seafood and liquors is required. 

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 Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.