Sourcing & Account Assistant (Ceramics) – International Trade
About Us
Junaman – Exportações de Portugal, Lda. is an independent Buying Agency (Resident Buying Office) based in Estoril, representing overseas retailers, brands, and importers across Portugal since 1974. Operating as an external service partner, we execute the complete operational workflow of a client's dedicated sourcing desk in Portugal—managing vendor relations, product development, technical compliance, and quality control directly on the ground.
Role Overview
We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented Sourcing & Account Assistant to join our close-knit, highly collaborative team of 6 in S. João do Estoril. Acting as the vital operational link between international buyers and local ceramic manufacturers, you will manage end-to-end purchasing and account workflows—from initial quotes and sample developments to lab testing approvals, QA alignment, and full shipment execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Coordination & Vendor Management: Manage daily written and verbal communications with international buyers and domestic Portuguese ceramic factories to ensure buyer specifications are strictly met.
- On-the-Ground QA Team Collaboration: Work in daily, close teamwork with our internal Quality Assurance (QA) inspectors on the ground to guarantee that correct products, target quality standards, packaging, master cartons, and shipping labels are fully verified prior to release.
- Shipment & Logistics Coordination: Act as the primary operational liaison between the buyer, the factory, and freight forwarders/transit agents to coordinate dispatch schedules, export documentation, and ensure successful, on-time shipments.
- Order & Workflow Operations: Place, track, and manage purchase orders using client web portals and Junaman's internal system.
- Commercial Negotiation: Request quotes and negotiate prices, lead times, and commercial terms on behalf of client accounts.
- Sampling & Ceramics Testing Oversight: Coordinate ceramic sample developments, master approvals, and submittals with accredited testing laboratories (e.g., Lead & Cadmium release, Food Contact Safety, Thermal Shock) until full compliance is secured.
- Packaging & Specification Compliance: Oversee packaging approvals, drop-test requirements, and technical spec requirements according to the client’s brand standards.
- Documentation & Problem Solving: Complete client compliance paperwork, manage order documentation, and proactively resolve factory, QA, or production bottlenecks on the ground.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Languages: Fluency in both written and spoken English and Portuguese is mandatory (daily interface with overseas clients and Portuguese factories).
- Software Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel for order tracking) and ease with order management systems (ERP) and client web portals.
- Industry & Merchandising Mindset: Strong organizational and project-tracking abilities; prior experience in a buying agency, trading company, export department, logistics/freight environment, or ceramics merchandising is highly valued.
- Soft Skills: Excellent diplomacy, negotiation skills, rigorous attention to detail, and a dedicated client-service mindset.
What We Offer
- Contract: 6-Month Fixed-Term Employment Contract (Contrato a Termo Certo) with strong potential for conversion to permanent.
- Schedule: Full-time (Monday to Friday, 09:00–13:00 / 14:00–18:00).
- Workplace: On-site at our office in S. João do Estoril (with occasional visits to local manufacturing partners).
- Compensation & Benefits:
- Base Salary: Competitive monthly base salary aligned with experience in international trade and account coordination.
- Daily Meal Allowance paid via Pluxee card.
- Multicare Health Insurance.
- Company Mobile Phone (reasonable personal use permitted).
How to Apply
- If you have a passion for international sourcing, quality execution, and account coordination, please submit your CV in English or Portuguese.