Category Specialist Chefzone

Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Starting Pay: $60,000 - $70,000 annual

Position Summary

Description:

Manages the efficient and profitable development of specific product categories and the effective use of resources to develop those categories .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists Department Floor Manager in vendor and product selection decisions as warranted by customer needs, corporate commitments, contract commitments, and operational issues.
• Assists Department Floor Manager in negotiating with suppliers and the management of cost changes and pricing standards.
• Analyze product categories for inventory rationalization.
• Responsible for customer trends and product expertise with assigned categories . Works with the Department Floor Manager for continued growth of assigned categories.
• Works with Department Floor Manager for merchandising and training of the products in the assigned categories at food shows, sales meetings, and individual customer presentations.
• Works with Department Floor Manager for all communications and training on unique requirements of products and promotion of products.
• Provides the Marketing department with material for monthly customer mailing, including coupons, deal , point additions, line changes, etc. for assigned categories.

Actively involved in developing new products within the assigned categories

Performs similar and related duties as required by Department Floor Manager.

Qualifications:

• A four-year college education or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience working in procurement of category perishable food products.
• Thorough knowledge of the food distribution industry and purchasing and merchandise practices.

Physical Demands:

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Life insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Flexible On-Demand Pay

Y. Hata & Co., Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.