Head of Operations & Business Management

Hata has proudly supported Hawai'i'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.
The Hilo Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all warehouse and transportation operations for the Hilo facility, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of distribution, inventory, and delivery activities. This role provides direct leadership to warehouse employees, CDL drivers, and operational staff while managing daily operations, workforce planning, regulatory compliance, fleet and equipment coordination, productivity, service performance, and customer satisfaction.

The position is accountable for maintaining operational standards, supporting employee development, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring the timely and accurate movement of products throughout the operation. The Hilo Operations Manager partners cross-functionally with internal departments, customers, and vendors to support business objectives and ensure operations are conducted in alignment with the Company's mission, vision, and core values.

Oversees daily warehouse operations including receiving, inventory control, storage, product handling, loading, and distribution activities to ensure operational efficiency, accuracy, and service standards are maintained.

• Supervises transportation operations including dispatching, routing, delivery execution, and driver performance to support timely and efficient customer deliveries.
• Ensures compliance with Company policies, safety procedures, DOT requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Promotes a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout warehouse and transportation operations.
• Assists in developing and implementing operational procedures and process improvements to enhance productivity, accuracy, and service performance.
• Monitors operational performance, employee productivity, and training progress through observation, reporting, and operational metrics.
• Investigates operational, inventory, delivery, and safety-related issues and works with leadership to implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Coordinates facility, fleet, and equipment maintenance activities to support safe and efficient operations.
• Maintains physical conditions of the facility and operational equipment, including coordinating repairs and preventative maintenance as needed.
• Collaborates with Sales, Purchasing, Customer Service, Inventory Control, and other departments to support operational alignment and resolve service issues.
• Oversees inventory accuracy and the proper handling of damaged, returned, or obsolete materials.
• Assists with staffing, scheduling, workload distribution, and resource planning to support operational demands and customer service expectations.
• Supports budget and cost control initiatives by monitoring operational expenses and identifying efficiencies where appropriate.
• Responds to operational issues, service disruptions, and emergency situations to support employee safety and business continuity.
• Leads, coaches, and develops warehouse and transportation employees through training, performance feedback, and day-to-day supervision.
• Education/Training and Experience

Bachelor's degree preferred.
At least 6 years of related experience in Transportation Management, or related strategic functions to include demonstrated leadership responsibility.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation regulations, including DOT compliance and safety standards.
Demonstrated experience in fleet management, route optimization, and transportation analytics.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Medical Examiner's Certificate, along with a current driver's license and an acceptable driving record, to support regulatory compliance and occasional operational needs.
Experience in food distribution, consumer goods, or a high-volume distribution environment is strongly preferred.
Regular business hours, generally Monday through Friday.
• May require work beyond regular hours and occasional participation in Company meetings, events or business needs.

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.
Plan for Tomorrow - 401(k), Roth 401(k), and After-Tax 401(k) with company match.

We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.