CHEFZONE CATEGORY SPECIALIST-SEAFOOD

For over 111 years, Y. Hata has proudly supported Hawaiʻi’s foodservice 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 ʻOhana, 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.