Coffee Cupper / Cupping Specialist

Company Description Southern Horizon exports Ethiopian green coffee under the Lemo Coffee brand, serving roasters, importers, and distributors around the world. The company focuses on washed and natural coffees sourced from leading Ethiopian coffee-growing regions. Southern Horizon emphasizes reliable, consistent supply directly from the origin, building long-term partnerships across the coffee value chain. Team members contribute to maintaining high quality standards and strengthening the reputation of Ethiopian coffees in international markets.Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Coffee Cupper / Cupping Specialist role based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The specialist will conduct daily cupping sessions to evaluate flavor profiles, defects, and overall quality of green coffee lots. Responsibilities include maintaining cupping protocols, recording sensory data, preparing detailed cupping reports, and collaborating with sourcing and quality teams to select and categorize coffees for export. The role involves calibrating with internal and external cuppers, organizing samples, ensuring a clean and consistent cupping environment, and supporting client tastings and quality presentations. The Coffee Cupper / Cupping Specialist will work closely with operations to provide timely feedback that guides purchasing decisions and strengthens customer relationships.Qualifications Strong sensory evaluation skills with experience cupping coffee, identifying flavor notes, and detecting defects.Knowledge of coffee processing methods (washed, natural, and other varieties) and their impact on cup quality.Ability to accurately document cupping results and use standardized scoring systems or quality forms.Experience in quality control or quality assurance within coffee or related agricultural products.Basic understanding of green coffee grading, export requirements, and supply chain considerations is an advantage.Good organizational skills for managing samples, scheduling cuppings, and maintaining cupping lab cleanliness.Clear written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Amharic or other local languages is beneficial.Ability to work on-site in Addis Ababa, collaborate with diverse teams, and adapt to seasonal workload variations.Prior experience in a coffee lab, roastery, or trading/export company is preferred.Formal training or certification in coffee cupping, sensory analysis, or coffee quality (e.g., CQI, SCA) is a plus.