Job Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and bilingual Outside Sales Associate fluent in Korean and proficient in Japanese to join our vibrant team within the Japanese food industry. In this role, you will be the driving force behind expanding our market presence by building strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and closing high-value deals. Your energetic approach and strategic mindset will help us achieve and surpass sales targets while fostering long-term partnerships with clients. This position offers an exciting opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment dedicated to delivering authentic Japanese food products to a global audience.
Duties
- Develop and execute strategic sales plans to penetrate new markets and expand existing client accounts within the Japanese food industry.
- Engage in proactive warm calling, client outreach, and face-to-face meetings to generate leads and nurture relationships with potential and current customers.
- Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts effectively to close deals that meet company objectives while ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Manage customer accounts diligently using CRM systems such as Salesforce, ensuring accurate tracking of sales activities, customer interactions, and pipeline development.
- Conduct product presentations, demonstrations, and technical sales consultations to articulate product benefits tailored to client needs.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional strategies that enhance brand visibility and drive sales growth.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of industry trends, competitor activities, and technological advancements relevant to enterprise selling in the food sector.
- Achieve or exceed monthly and quarterly sales goals through strategic account management and effective sales negotiation.
Requirements
- Fluent in Korean with strong proficiency in Japanese; excellent communication skills in both languages are essential.
- Proven experience in business development, B2B sales, or enterprise selling within a corporate environment.
- Demonstrated success in managing customer accounts, closing deals, and meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- Strong negotiation skills coupled with the ability to analyze market data for strategic decision-making.
- Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce or equivalent sales management tools; proficiency in software sales or technology sales is a plus.
- Experience with technical or software sales is advantageous, especially within a food-related or international trade context.
- Ability to conduct effective client communication through warm calling, meetings, and presentations while building lasting relationships.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
Join us as a Korean Bilingual Outside Sales Associate and be part of an innovative team dedicated to delivering authentic Japanese cuisine worldwide! Your energetic drive combined with your technical expertise will propel your career forward while making a tangible impact on our company's growth trajectory.
Location: El Monte, CA
Salary: $47,840 - $60,320 annually
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Company
A well-established Japanese foodservice distributor in the United States is seeking a Korean Bilingual Outside Sales Associate to join its growing team.
With nearly 100 years of history, the company imports, manufactures, and distributes thousands of Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment, and supplies to restaurants and foodservice businesses nationwide. The company plays an important role as a culinary ambassador, promoting Japanese food culture and products throughout the United States.
This position is ideal for a motivated sales professional who enjoys building relationships with customers and supporting businesses in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
Benefits
- 100% paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and dependents
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Company vehicle provided for business use
Job Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential restaurant customers
- Visit customers to provide product information, support, and sales solutions
- Achieve monthly and annual sales goals assigned by management
- Educate customers on products and services to help grow their business
- Provide excellent customer service and build long-term customer relationships
- Respond to customer inquiries and requests in a timely manner
- Process and update customer orders in the company database
- Coordinate with the Accounting Department regarding customer payments
- Coordinate urgent deliveries with customers when needed
- Participate in weekly sales meetings
- Attend company events and functions as needed
- Participate in semiannual inventory counts, including occasional weekends
- Maintain and safely operate a company vehicle according to company policies
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management
QualificationsRequired:
- Business-level English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
- Business-level Korean proficiency (native-level Korean preferred)
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Positive attitude and ability to adapt to changing assignments and workload
Preferred:
- Business-level Japanese proficiency
- 2+ years of food industry and/or sales experience
- Experience working with restaurants, foodservice, or hospitality customers
- Knowledge of Japanese foods and beverages
- Experience with ERP systems (AS400 experience highly preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
Additional Requirements
- Must complete Sake Adviser certification course within the first year of employment
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Physical Requirements
- Ability to drive for a majority of the workday
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally
- Ability to use the phone for extended periods
Pay: $47,840.00 - $60,320.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
