Sales Associate - Japanese Bilingual

Sales AssociateEmployment TypeFull-time60-70K (Non-Exempt) 5 days/week onsiteJapanese and English skills are requiredPosition SummarySupport the Sales team by growing and maintaining new and existing accounts across assigned territories.Expand market presence, strengthen distributor and restaurant customer relationships, and drive revenue growth through field sales activities and customer engagement.Work closely with distributor partners, restaurant customers, and internal sales teams to achieve business objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesDrive sales growth through prospecting, account management, field visits, product demonstrations, trade shows, and consistent follow-up within assigned territories.Research, develop, and maintain new and existing customer accounts.Travel regularly within assigned local and out-of-state territories.Support distributor partners and both new and existing restaurant customers.Conduct product demonstrations, presentations, ride-alongs, and trade show activities.Organize and maintain accurate records of sales leads, market research, customer interactions, and sales activities.Maintain accurate sales forecasts and CRM records.Identify and contact prospective customers through networking, cold calling, email outreach, and referrals.Understand customer needs and recommend appropriate product and service solutions.Address customer concerns and provide effective solutions.Learn and effectively communicate the company's product portfolio to customers and prospects.Educate customers and internal stakeholders on product features and benefits.Work weekends as needed.Travel as required.Perform other duties as assigned.Desired OutcomesIncrease market penetration and customer retention.Build long-term relationships with distributors and restaurant customers.Maintain accurate sales forecasting and CRM reporting.Convert prospects into long-term customers through effective product education and relationship management.Qualifications & Experience3+ years of experience in manufacturing and/or distribution sales.2+ years of experience within the food industry.Established relationships with large and local food distributors and/or restaurant accounts.Strong presentation and communication skills, including the ability to present product information to groups.Passion for Japanese food products, customer service, and sales.Willingness to travel domestically by car, train, and air as needed.Self-motivated with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.