Buyer

Tokyo Gardens Company (TGC) is a Houston-based company providing full-service sushi and Asian food operations in retail stores universities and corporate offices nationwide for over 20 years. Our company is growing rapidly and every team member plays a key role in that growth. Our success is driven by delivering real results for our clients. Its also enabled by our culture which supports personal growth and development fosters an inclusive work culture and rewards innovation and excellence.

To learn more about us please visit /

JOB TITLE: Buyer

Position Description:

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing selecting and managing relationships with domestic and international vendors to support a strong and competitive product assortment. This role negotiates pricing and contract terms maintains P&L performance for assigned categories and ensures inventory accuracy through effective purchasing plans aligned with forecasts and promotional needs. The Buyer collaborates closely with warehouse accounting and R&D teams to resolve fulfillment issues reconcile costs ensure product quality and support new product development and launches. A successful candidate is a detail-driven curious and strategic partner who excels at vendor management cross-functional collaboration and maintaining a seamless flow of products across the supply chain.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Vendor Management

• Source select and maintain relationships with domestic and international vendors.
• Negotiate pricing terms and contracts with vendors to optimize cost savings secure favorable business terms and drive continuous supply chain improvements.
• Explore the market with curiosity staying ahead of new product trends and innovations to expand assortment opportunities.
• Manage day-to-day P&L performance ensuring delivery of revenue gross profit and margin targets.

Inventory Management

• Build and execute purchasing plans aligned with demand forecasts seasonality and promotional calendars.
• Collaborate with the warehouse team to resolve fulfillment issues in real time and ensure smooth product flow.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date item catalog content pricing and vendor terms.
• Partner with accounting to reconcile invoices credits and cost updates.

Collaboration with R&D Department

• Connect R&D with current/ new suppliers who can provide unique ingredients packaging or processing capabilities.
• Ensure sourced materials meet quality regulatory and clean-label requirements.
• Work with R&D to evaluate the cost structure of new products and ensure they can be priced competitively while meeting margin goals.
• Partner with R&D to forecast demand assess tariff logistics and vendor MOQ impacts and develop purchasing plans that support new product launches and ongoing supply ensuring seamless flow from procurement through warehouse to store shelves.

• 3 years of purchasing and/or procurement experience in a retail wholesale or distribution environment.
• Bachelors degree or higher in Business Supply Chain Marketing or related field (preferred).
• Strong negotiation communication and relationship-building skills with domestic and international vendors.
• Ability to work & learn quickly in a changing & fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in G Suite Excel ERP or retail management systems.
• Collaborative team player with curiosity and passion for food consumer trends and retail innovation.
• Knowledge of grocery retail trends seasonality and product lifecycle management is preferred.
• Effective verbal & written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to travel - 10%.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Paid health benefits (Medical Dental Vision Life Short Term Disability insurance)
• 401k plan with company match
• Annual bonus incentive

Additional Information:

• Work location: Onsite Houston HQ office Monday to Friday
• Job Type: Full Time

Tokyo Gardens Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age status as a protected veteran status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.