Purchasing Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Purchasing Assistant roles frequently qualify for H-1B visa and other work visa sponsorship when they require a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or related fields. Many large retailers, manufacturers, and healthcare systems sponsor these positions, particularly for candidates with procurement software experience and vendor management skills. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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.
Benefits
All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents
Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.
Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM
Essential Job Functions
- Assists with procurement of food and non-food items from other MTC locations and vendors nationwide to secure supplies.
- Monitors and analyzes daily inventory of products and creates purchasing plans based on order volume, assortment and lead time for products.
- Handles shipment issues in a timely manner and escalates issues to management when needed.
- Answers questions in regards to products, shipping schedules, item statuses, inventory discrepancies, substitute items.
- Assists with food safety related issues and works with Sales Department to handle customer returns and complaints; escalates issues to management when needed.
- Works with the Warehouse Department to ensure correct inventory quantity, satisfactory quality for physical inventory, expiration dates, damages, missing products and conducts adjustments as needed.
- Assists in developing new suppliers and procurement resources.
- Assists in researching new products, and provides sales representatives with information of products and how to introduce them to customers.
- Negotiates price and deals with vendor for competitive cost.
- Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
- Able to sit in an office setting for an extended period of time
- Able to type and use a computer for extended periods throughout the day
- Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Working Conditions
Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office
Other Requirements
- Business level English required – read/write/speak/listen
- Business level Japanese or Chinese Required – read/write/speak/listen
- Able to work with a positive attitude independently and as a team
- Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload
- Bachelor's Degree required, major in Business or relevant fields preferred
- 1+ years of purchasing experience preferred
- 2+ years of longevity within a company preferred
Knowledge and Skills
- Intermediate mathematical knowledge – profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
- Problem-solving skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Exceptional organization and time management skills
- Knowledge of Japanese foods and sakes 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.
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.
Benefits
All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents
Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.
Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM
Essential Job Functions
- Assists with procurement of food and non-food items from other MTC locations and vendors nationwide to secure supplies.
- Monitors and analyzes daily inventory of products and creates purchasing plans based on order volume, assortment and lead time for products.
- Handles shipment issues in a timely manner and escalates issues to management when needed.
- Answers questions in regards to products, shipping schedules, item statuses, inventory discrepancies, substitute items.
- Assists with food safety related issues and works with Sales Department to handle customer returns and complaints; escalates issues to management when needed.
- Works with the Warehouse Department to ensure correct inventory quantity, satisfactory quality for physical inventory, expiration dates, damages, missing products and conducts adjustments as needed.
- Assists in developing new suppliers and procurement resources.
- Assists in researching new products, and provides sales representatives with information of products and how to introduce them to customers.
- Negotiates price and deals with vendor for competitive cost.
- Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
- Able to sit in an office setting for an extended period of time
- Able to type and use a computer for extended periods throughout the day
- Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Working Conditions
Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office
Other Requirements
- Business level English required – read/write/speak/listen
- Business level Japanese or Chinese Required – read/write/speak/listen
- Able to work with a positive attitude independently and as a team
- Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload
- Bachelor's Degree required, major in Business or relevant fields preferred
- 1+ years of purchasing experience preferred
- 2+ years of longevity within a company preferred
Knowledge and Skills
- Intermediate mathematical knowledge – profit margin calculations, markups, discounts, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
- Problem-solving skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Exceptional organization and time management skills
- Knowledge of Japanese foods and sakes 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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Purchasing Assistant
Target companies with complex supply chains
Large retailers, manufacturers, and healthcare systems have the most sponsorship-willing purchasing departments. These companies regularly sponsor because they need specialized procurement expertise and inventory management skills.
Highlight procurement software proficiency
Experience with SAP, Oracle Procurement, or Coupa strengthens your specialty occupation case. Companies sponsor purchasing roles that require specific technical skills in enterprise procurement platforms.
Emphasize analytical and forecasting abilities
Purchasing roles that involve demand forecasting, spend analysis, and supplier performance metrics are more likely to qualify for sponsorship than basic ordering positions.
Focus on supplier relationship management experience
Companies value purchasing assistants who can manage vendor negotiations, conduct supplier evaluations, and maintain strategic partnerships. This expertise supports stronger sponsorship applications.
Consider healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors
Hospitals and pharmaceutical companies frequently sponsor purchasing roles due to specialized procurement requirements for medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and regulatory compliance needs.
Apply to roles requiring degree-specific knowledge
Target positions explicitly requiring business, supply chain, or operations degrees. Job postings mentioning bachelor's degree requirements strengthen your H-1B specialty occupation argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Purchasing Assistant role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, when the position requires a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related fields and involves specialized procurement functions. Companies must demonstrate that the role requires theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge in purchasing, vendor management, and supply chain operations.
What degree is needed for H-1B sponsorship as a Purchasing Assistant?
A bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, operations management, or related fields typically qualifies. Some employers accept degrees in economics, finance, or industrial engineering if combined with relevant procurement experience and specialized training in purchasing systems.
How to find Purchasing Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Purchasing Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on manufacturing companies, retail chains, and logistics firms that frequently hire purchasing professionals on H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or other work visas. These industries often have ongoing needs for skilled purchasing assistants and established sponsorship programs.
Which industries sponsor Purchasing Assistant positions most frequently?
Healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, large retailers, manufacturing firms, and government contractors sponsor most frequently. These sectors have complex procurement needs requiring specialized knowledge of regulatory compliance, vendor management, and supply chain optimization that support H-1B specialty occupation requirements.
What happens if my Purchasing Assistant job doesn't explicitly require a degree?
The H-1B may be denied if the job posting says degree preferred rather than required, or lists it as equivalent to experience. Your employer needs to demonstrate that the specific position's duties require bachelor's-level knowledge in purchasing, procurement processes, and supply chain management to meet specialty occupation standards.
Can entry-level Purchasing Assistant roles get H-1B approval?
Yes, if the position involves specialized duties like procurement software management, supplier analysis, contract review, or regulatory compliance rather than basic clerical tasks. USCIS examines the actual job responsibilities, required knowledge level, and degree field relationship regardless of the assistant-level title.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Purchasing Assistant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.