BUYER I

Y. Hata & Co., Limited • Honolulu, HI

13d • $52,000 - $77,700

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for supporting the procurement of food products and supplies in alignment with company standards, inventory needs, and Customer demand. Working under the guidance of Purchasing leadership, this role sources vendors, evaluates purchase orders, monitors stock levels, and ensures timely delivery of goods. Buyers are expected to stay up to date on factors influencing inventory levels such as seasonality, consumer-purchasing patterns, logistics changes and ensure products are procured at minimal cost to the company.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Business Administration or related field and/or
• One to two years of buying experience, food service industry preferred.
• Demonstrate a high level of verbal and written communication skills, with proficient vendor negotiation skills.
• Ability to communicate with internal and external associates in an effective, professional, persuasive manner to maintain good business relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic to moderately difficult mathematical functions involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, averages, and percentages.
• Proficiency in effectively utilizing Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Demonstrates intermediate proficiency in various position-specific systems including, for example, Dynamics, Salesforce, Trackmax, Clarity, FCS, Dokmee, etc.
• Highly organized with strong time-management skills, the ability to multi-task, and remain flexible with changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Understands the supply chain as it relates to our industry and how purchasing fits into and impacts the end-to-end food service distribution process.
• Manages inventory in assigned categories/products with accuracy and efficiency. Is proficient in all tasks related to inventory management including, but not limited to, setting up a new item, forecasting, ordering the correct items in appropriate quantities, providing solutions for shortages, managing expiration dates, and managing the purchase order process.
• Ensures integrity of perpetual inventory system through timely information update and accurate data entry/maintenance.
• Possesses strong analytical and decision-making skills to proactively manage our inventory levels, considering various considerations such as customer need, cost, seasonality, purchasing patterns, logistical challenges, etc.
• Develops positive and productive relationships with vendors and brokers. Troubleshoots vendor issues and handles basic negotiations, understanding the individual relationship of each vendor and taking appropriate action and risk as needed. Identifies opportunities within our vendor relationships.
• Assigns appropriate urgency to day-to-day tasks and issues and takes necessary action to resolve problems. Understands how to prevent problems by taking a proactive approach.
• Utilizes information from reporting appropriately and takes action as needed based on the needs and urgency of the business. Handles business in a timely and accurate manner.
• Aligns with Sales, Business Development, Logistics, and Operations to make strategic decisions and recommendations to improve efficiency, increase profitability, decrease cost, etc. Minimizes financial risk through item monitoring and collaboration with Inventory Control and Quality Assurance.
• Uses the Company’s Mission/Vision Statements, Core Values, and Road to Haleiwa strategy as their guiding principles.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree