Director of Coffee

Location: Puget Sound Region - Olympia Washington
Status: Full‑time, Exempt

Salary: $82,000/year

Benefits include: 

Paid Time Off 

Paid Sick Days

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance (80% employer paid premiums)

401K, with employer match, after one year of employment 

Paid Volunteer Hours

Staff Engagement Events

Comprehensive products and services discounts package 

Role Overview

The Director of Coffee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Olympia Coffee’s green coffee sourcing, quality control and product development. The role develops and manages annual green coffee volume projections informed by sales, blend requirements, and marketing to ensure consistent supply and optimal inventory. The Director of Coffee cultivates and maintains strong relationships with producers and exporting partners through origin travel, excellence in communication, and a commitment to our Fair For All sourcing model. They evaluate coffee samples for quality, approve lots for purchase, and negotiate contracts that align with our strategic standard. 

In collaboration with the roasting and production teams, the Director of Coffee develops and refines roast profiles, supports blend creation, and ensures alignment between coffee profiles and brand vision. They lead the creation of and maintenance of the annual Coffee Transparency Report, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to accountability and producer partnership. The Director of Coffee also contributes to storytelling and marketing efforts by writing coffee descriptions, supporting marketing materials, and serving as a brand ambassador through events, presentations, and media engagement; bringing Olympia Coffee’s values and producer relationships to life for our team, customers, and community. 

General Responsibilities

• Develop green coffee volume projections based on sales forecasts, blend needs, and marketing goals.

• Manage green coffee inventory and positioning to meet production demands.

• Maintain sourcing relationships through origin travel and regular communication with producers and exporters.

• Evaluate green coffee samples for quality, consistency, and alignment with company standards.

• Negotiate green coffee contracts in accordance with company sourcing principles.

• Manage and oversee roast profiles; collaborate with the roasting team to ensure profile accuracy and consistency.

• Conduct sample roasting and participate in production roasting.

• Lead blend creation and ongoing product refinement in collaboration with the quality and production teams.

• Support storytelling and brand representation through media, educational events, and public engagement.

• Write coffee descriptions and contribute to marketing materials and product launches.

• Serve as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for the coffee program, representing company values and sourcing philosophy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience (5+ years) in green coffee sourcing, QC, or roasting roles.

• Certified Q Grader-CVA Certified (or equivalent high-level cupping qualification).

• Ability & willingness to travel domestically and internationally 25% of the time.

• Deep understanding of specialty coffee supply chain and trade dynamics.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Google suites

• Familiarity with Cropster, QuickBooks, Shopify, or similar systems.

• Comfortable with public communication and brand-facing work.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and team lift up to 160 lbs.

• Ability to operate a forklift with proper training and in accordance with safety standards.

• Commitment to adhering to all HACCP Food Safety policies and procedures within a certified facility.

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Core Values in Action

• Determination: Take initiative and drive results by proactively seeking opportunities to exceed customer expectations.

• Teamwork: Collaborate with colleagues and customers to achieve shared success.

• Excellence: Deliver high-quality service and uphold the exceptional standards that define Olympia Coffee.

Improvement: Embrace feedback and pursue continuous learning to elevate our impact and performance