ACCOUNT MANAGER (HILO) at Y. Hata in Hilo, HI

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: $68,739 to $89,361

Position Summary
The Account Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and growing a portfolio of foodservice customer accounts in alignment with Company objectives, Sales Department goals, and established guidelines. As the primary customer-facing representative for assigned accounts, this position builds trusted, long-term partnerships by understanding customer needs, providing product and business solutions, and delivering a high level of service.

This role is accountable for customer retention, profitable sales growth, margin performance, category penetration, Exclusive Brand growth, digital adoption, and new business development within the assigned territory. The position works collaboratively across departments to balance customer needs with Company priorities, operational capabilities, and profitability objectives.

The Account Manager represents the Company in the marketplace and demonstrates the Company’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Road to Haleiwa strategy through daily decisions, customer interactions, and business practices.

Essential Duties
• Develops and manages strong customer relationships with a focus on customer growth, retention, satisfaction, and long-term partnership opportunities.
• Develops and executes strategies to grow assigned accounts by increasing sales, margin performance, category penetration, product mix, and overall account profitability.
• Drives customer adoption and engagement with Cut+Dry by onboarding and educating customers, promoting digital ordering, monitoring usage, and addressing barriers to adoption.
• Identifies opportunities to increase Exclusive Brand penetration by educating customers on product benefits and value and strategically converting appropriate products to approved alternatives.
• Prospects and develops new business opportunities through referrals, market knowledge, industry contacts, digital resources, and other appropriate lead-generation sources.
• Plans and manages assigned territory, customer visits, prospecting activities, and account priorities to maintain consistent customer contact and identify new sales opportunities.
• Develops strong knowledge of Company products, programs, and services and recommends appropriate solutions based on customer needs, business objectives, and sales opportunities.
• Manages customer sales activities by providing accurate product, pricing, promotional, availability, credit, and delivery information and preparing required quotes, agreements, and documentation.
• Monitors customer orders and coordinates resolution of fulfillment issues, discrepancies, damages, shortages, substitutions, credits, and other customer concerns with appropriate internal departments.
• Partners with Purchasing, Operations, Transportation, Customer Service, Category Management, Credit, Marketing, and other departments to support customer requirements and Company objectives.
• Reviews customer purchasing patterns and anticipated needs to forecast significant or changing product usage and communicates relevant information to Purchasing and other appropriate departments.
• Monitors account performance and keeps management informed of significant customer concerns, competitive threats, service issues, credit or operational risks, and other matters that may affect account success.
• Occasionally delivers products to customers when necessary to support customer service or business needs and in accordance with Company requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.
• Uses the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values as guiding principles in carrying out job responsibilities.
Qualifications
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent/related experience.
• At least 4 years of related experience or other applicable business function.
• Experience in foodservice, food distribution, consumer goods, or a related industry is strongly preferred.
• Vendor negotiation experience 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.