Job Description
This position will implement and oversee the Green Coffee Supply Chain strategy and ensure uninterrupted quality supply of green to support the growing business. The Green Coffee Procurement role will also support B2B coffee product development, coffee education and training program, and will support the quality teams as an active and established cupper. The Green Coffee Procurement role will actively participate in the Business Development process. This includes participating in prospective customer meetings, blend matching and development and coffee training. The successful candidate will have at least 10 years experience with green coffee procurement strategies, will be highly proficient in cupping (Q grader would be preferred), and will preferably have experience in the food service and retail segments.
Key Responsibilities
- Leads the development of the long-term coffee buying strategies for Melitta North America
- Develops a green coffee purchasing strategy within a defined cost structure and quality requirements
- Continuous observation of the world green coffee market
- Determine average price for certain coffee qualities and ascertain the right time to purchase.
- Ensure timely availability of green bean to ensure continuous production in line with requirement planning.
- Forecasting requirements of future coffee needs and identifying risk areas to insure a smooth flow of inbound green coffee to the plant.
- Establish and coordinate an efficient logistics flow of coffee from country of origin to plant.
- Regularly generate data pertaining to coffee purchasing and provide information regarding coffee positioning (price, quantity, quality).
- In tandem with B2B coffee team, develop, maintain and refine brewed coffee recipes for B2B and Food Service, profiles as needed.
- Manage inbound freight & logistics of green coffee deliveries
- Manage Sustainability programs Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade & others as needed
- Maintain documentation of Purchases, Receipts & Invoicing Approval
- Maintain account costing and purchases against green coffee consumption
- Active involvement in Business Development Process. Attending prospect and customers meetings as needed.
- Active involvement in building and maintaining Sustainability Programs at origin.
- Active involvement in NCA, SCA, and Roasters Guild.
- Attend relevant industry trade shows/functions.
Requirements
- 10 + years of successful experience in green coffee procurement
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Experience in wide range of trade channels.
- Proficient at coffee cupping. Q Grader.
- Travel experience to coffee origins.
- High Energy with a strong track record of coffee blend matching and development
- Proficient Computer Skills
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Melitta North America is part of the privately held Melitta Group of Minden, Germany. Melitta North America is comprised of Melitta USA and Melitta Canada.
Melitta USA is responsible for the sales and marketing of Melitta coffee filters, coffee and pour-over coffee brewing systems in the US, and Melitta Canada for the same in Canada.
Melitta North America’s manufacturing operations are geographically dispersed with our coffee roastery in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for more than 50 years. Melitta coffee filters are manufactured in Clearwater, Florida. Melitta electrics and accessories are manufactured, marketed and distributed under a licensing agreement.
In North America, Melitta® is the leading brand of coffee filters. The brand is also one of the largest providers of premium-quality coffee in those markets in which the operating division is active. Melitta® is known in the market for its high-quality products that address the needs of discerning customers.