Buyer / Supply Chain / Procurement / Inventory

Hata has proudly supported Hawai ʻ 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 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.
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. 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.
Troubleshoots vendor issues and handles basic negotiations, understanding the individual relationship of each vendor and taking appropriate action and risk as needed. 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.
Education/Training and Experience

Associate's Degree in Business Administration or related field and/or
One to two years of buying experience, food service industry preferred.
Able to effectively utilize 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.
Must be well organized, with the ability to multi-task, time-manage, and be very flexible with changing priorities.
This position involves extensive computer work and telephone communications. Equipment Used :
Daily use of a computer and telephone. Position hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Evening and weekend hours may also be required.
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.