CHEFZONE SPECIALTY SALES MANAGER

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: $59,000 to $77,000

Position Summary Description:

The Specialty Sales Manager is responsible for leading and driving sales growth, profitability, and customer engagement within the Specialty Department. Reporting directly to the Co-Branch Manager, this role partners closely with the ChefZone Purchasing, Marketing, and Operations teams to develop and execute strategic, data-driven sales initiatives aligned with company objectives. The Specialty Sales Manager leverages market insights, analytics, and customer feedback to optimize product assortment, merchandising, and promotional strategies while ensuring an exceptional customer experience and strong financial performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes a comprehensive sales growth strategy for the Specialty Department aligned with overall company objectives; identifies opportunities and implements action plans to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Analyzes sales performance, customer behavior, and market trends to anticipate product needs and inform assortment, pricing, purchasing, and inventory decisions.
• Evaluates product assortment and stock levels to ensure optimal availability, category balance, and alignment with customer demand; recommends new items, category expansions, and assortment adjustments.
• Partners with the ChefZone Purchasing Team to communicate sales trends, customer feedback, and product requirements, and collaborates with Operations to support effective merchandising, product placement, and inventory flow.
• Collaborates with the ChefZone Marketing Team to plan and execute promotions, marketing events, and campaigns, including strategic development and promotion of exclusive and private-label brands.
• Utilizes analytics and reporting tools to assess product performance, promotional effectiveness, and customer purchasing patterns; optimizes product placement, promotional timing, and pricing strategies.
• Monitors department KPIs and prepares regular reports for leadership to support operational oversight and strategic decision-making.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key customers, vendors, and suppliers to enhance customer experience, secure competitive products and pricing, and support promotional opportunities.
• Supports customer engagement initiatives, including product demonstrations, tasting events, and specialty showcases.
• Ensures compliance with ChefZone operational standards, merchandising guidelines, and brand expectations; supports inventory management efforts such as stock rotation, shrink reduction, and accurate ordering.
• Provides guidance and training support to staff related to specialty products, sales techniques, and customer service standards.
• Uses the Company’s Mission/Vision Statements and Core Values as guiding principles.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience. 
• At least 4 years of related experience in progressive Merchandising, or an equivalent role.
• Experience in foodservice, food distribution, consumer goods, or a related industry is strongly preferred.

Days/Hours of Work: 

Regular business hours, generally Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend hours also required. May require work beyond regular hours and occasional participation in Company meetings, events or business needs. 

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.