Coffee Roast Master

Company Description Kribi Coffee Air Roastery is a Cameroon-rooted, Chicagoland-based coffee company led by founder Jacques Shalo, who grew up on a coffee farm and brings deep origin expertise to every roast. As a dynamic Black-owned business, Kribi focuses on innovation, community development, and social responsibility across retail and wholesale channels. The company maintains direct relationships with Cameroonian farmers, emphasizing top-quality beans, sustainable practices, and specialty coffees from Mount Oku, Banso, and Boyo. Using advanced air roasting technology, Kribi produces fresh, smooth coffees designed for a variety of customers and industry partners. Team members join a mission-driven organization committed to the “Farm to Cup” journey and sustainable agriculture.Role Description The Coffee Roast Master is a full-time, hybrid role based in Oak Park, IL, with some tasks suitable for work from home. This role oversees daily roasting operations, including planning roast profiles, air roasting green coffee, performing quality control cupping, and maintaining consistency across batches. The Coffee Roast Master manages inventory for green and roasted beans, tracks production data, and collaborates with retail and wholesale teams to meet order timelines and product specifications. Daily responsibilities include equipment setup, routine machine maintenance, calibration, and adherence to safety and food handling standards. The role also supports education and storytelling about Kribi’s Cameroonian origins, works with the team on new product development, and contributes to improving roasting processes and customer experience.Qualifications Experience with coffee roasting operations, including roast profiling, air roasting technology, and sensory evaluation (cupping).Knowledge of coffee bean origins, processing methods, and flavor development, ideally with familiarity or interest in African and Cameroonian coffees.Ability to manage production schedules, track inventory, and document roast data using digital tools or roasting software.Skills in basic equipment maintenance, troubleshooting roastery machinery, and following safety and food handling protocols.Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with retail, wholesale, and sourcing teams, and to represent the brand story to partners and customers.Attention to detail, reliability in time management, and capability to perform physical tasks such as lifting coffee bags and standing for extended periods.Prior experience in a roastery, coffee production, or specialty coffee environment is preferred; barista or café experience is a plus.Interest in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community-focused business practices aligned with Kribi Coffee’s mission.