Green Coffee Specialist

Do you want to be an “Intelli?”   We do business differently to forge new paths in specialty coffee.  We are pioneers in the direct trade model for buying coffee and creating coffee partnerships all over the world.  We’re passionate about coffee, and that means we pay a bit more for coffee in order to buy direct and create long-term, collaborative relationships with our producers that grow exceptional coffee.

The Green Coffee Specialist supports Intelligentsia’s operations team by coordinating green coffee logistics, inventory, and documentation from origin to warehouse. This is a detail-driven role that requires precision, organization, and a strong sense of urgency. 

The Green Coffee Specialist ensures coffee is available when needed while supporting the long-term partnerships that define Intelligentsia’s sourcing model. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with producer partners, exporters, importers, logistics providers, and internal teams. By delivering timely communication, thoughtful follow-through, and consistently accurate operational execution, this role helps uphold Intelligentsia’s reputation as a reliable and trusted partner throughout the supply chain.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Green Coffee Inventory & Logistics

• Ensure accurate, real-time alignment between physical green coffee inventory and system records across items and warehouses; Conduct regular physical inventory counts. 

• Coordinate and/or oversee the movement of green coffee, including international container shipments, air freight, and domestic shipments from arrival through storage and transfer.

Planning & Operational Coordination

• Maintain accurate and timely operational data, including in forecasting and demand planning tools, to support purchasing, inventory visibility, and supply continuity. 

• Partner across teams and functions to ensure on-time execution of scheduled coffee releases and support ongoing operational needs. 

• Maintain documentation and data integrity across internal systems to support reporting, certification, and audit requirements.

Supplier Coordination

• Act as a primary coordination point between producer partners, exporters, importers, logistics providers, and warehouse partners for smooth communication and shipment flow. 

• Monitor shipments and proactively communicate status updates, delays, and exceptions to internal teams in a timely and accurate manner. 

• Maintain complete and organized sourcing documentation, including contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and shipment records.

Extraordinary Coffee Workshop

• Support planning and execution of Extraordinary Coffee Workshop logistics, including travel coordination, vendor engagement, participant communication, and expense tracking.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Genuine interest in specialty coffee.

• 2+ years of experience in logistics, inventory management, or supply chain operations, including coordination of international container shipments, air freight, and domestic LTL and FTL freight.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately review, record, analyze, and organize information.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and with urgency across internal and external partners.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel and comfort navigating systems such as NetSuite, Box, Asana, and Google Workspace.

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and commercially sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel internationally, including possession of or eligibility to obtain a valid passport.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Incoterms and coffee contracting concepts.

• Familiarity with coffee sensory evaluation, or interest and willingness to develop these skills. 

• Spanish proficiency (reading and speaking). 

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to see, talk, and hear

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch

• Office and warehouse environments; not climate-controlled

• Noise level is generally moderate

• Fine hand manipulation (keyboard use)

• Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds

• May occasionally require more than 40 hours per week to fulfill essential duties

WORK LOCATION & TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

This position is based on-site at Intelligentsia's Roasting Works in Bedford Park, IL and requires regular presence in both office and warehouse environments, up to five days per week.

Travel of up to 10% may be required, including domestic and international travel to coffee-producing regions. International travel may involve long travel days, remote destinations, and accommodations that are basic and may be outside standard business travel conditions.

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• Company-paid long & short-term disability and life insurance

• Paid vacation and sick time

• 401(k) eligible after 90 days of employment and a company match after one year

• 8 Paid holidays per year

• Commuter benefits

• Free bag of coffee each week with a discount on other items

• Employee Assistance Program

COMPENSATION

To counter pay inequality and uphold internal parity, we are publicizing salary information for this role. This is also required by multiple state laws in which we operate.  From a candidate’s perspective, our salary takes into account a number of factors, including skill sets, experience, education and the training needed for the role.  From a company perspective, it includes organizational needs, budgets and internal equity considerations.  We are honest and open about our pay and hope that you will be, too, to avoid miscommunication or frustration at the offer stage.

• Base Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 Annually

Intelligentsia Coffee, Inc is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving guests throughout our communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Intelligentsia is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us via email at Careers@intelligentsiacoffee.com