Outside Sales Associate - Sake

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 7,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

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,

Pay range: $58,000 - $65,000

Essential Job Functions

Outside Sales - 50%

• Visits customers and potential customers to educate them on Japanese liquors including sake, shochu, wine, other liquors; provides information and necessary support to reach sales targets and increase the sales of the Company's liquor products

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

• Works closely with Sales Associates to understand their needs, and offers solution by educating their clients on how our liquor products and services can benefit their business

• Attends various Japanese Government promotional events

• Maintains and safely navigates the Company vehicle as per the Company Vehicle Policy

Marketing and Planning - 30%

• Plans and coordinates sake, shochu, beer, and whiskey related events

• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours

• Coordinates with Tokyo Mutual Trading and vendors to organize tasting events

• Create Social Media contents and maintain quality contents and strong engagements

Others - 20%

• Participates in the weekly sales meetings

• Assists with Sake School events, classes and student enrollment

• Attends semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend

• Performs other related duties as assigned

• Obligation to answer to all management as requested

Physical Requirements

• Able to go on domestic business trip by car and airplane

• Able to drive for a majority of the daily working hours

• Able to work without sitting for extended periods of time, including standing and walking

• Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally

• Able to use the phone for extended periods of time

• Working Conditions

o Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office

o Maybe need to be at outdoor events

Other Requirements

• Business level English required

• Business level Japanese highly preferred

• Has and maintains a valid driver's license and a clean driving record

• Maintains a positive attitude

• Able to work independently and as a team

• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload

• Passes the Sake and Shochu Adviser course within 1 year of employment

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree and above preferred

• Minimum 3 year of food sales experience required; however extensive experience in restaurant business will be considered

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail

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

• Has strong communications and interpersonal skills

• Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills

• Certification from a sake institute preferred

• Knowledge of ERP systems, especially AS400, highly preferred

• Knowledge of Japanese liquor including wine, sake, shochu, and spirits 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 Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.