Chefzone Category Specialist-Seafood

Y. Hata Food service Industry Position

For over 111 years, Y. Hata has proudly supported Hawai ʻ i's food service industry as a trusted, locally owned, family-run business. Our legacy is built not only on excellence, but on lasting relationships, tradition, and a deep commitment to our community.

At Y. Hata, we're dedicated to providing a purpose-driven workplace where every team member is embraced as part of our ʻ Ohana, and where dedication and heart are met with opportunity, support, and growth. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on cultivating a positive, engaging culture rooted in our Core Values — one where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact and grow with purpose, we invite you to become part of the next chapter in our legacy of heart and excellence.

Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000

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.
• Analyzes 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.

Days/Hours of Work:

Position hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Evening and weekends hours also required.

Why You'll Love Working at Y. Hata:

We believe our employees deserve more than just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your well-being, growth, and success — both on and off the job.

• Rewarding Compensation – Competitive pay, merit increases, and flexible pay options.
• Your Health Matters – Robust medical, vision, and life insurance; EAP support.
• Time to Recharge – PTO, paid holidays, and floating holidays.
• More Than Just Perks – Paid parking, safety gear, uniforms, celebrations, discounts.
• Investing in You – Tuition assistance and development opportunities.
• Plan for Tomorrow – 401(k), Roth 401(k), and After-Tax 401(k) with company match.

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.