Head Coffee Roaster

HEAD COFFEE ROASTERCommercial Coffee Manufacturing | Roasting Operations

Location: Houston, TXCompensation: $110,000–$120,000 Annually, DOEEmployment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Department: Roasting OperationsReports To: Director of OperationsSchedule: Production-Based; Flexible Hours and Occasional Weekends as NeededPOSITION OVERVIEWVader-Rey Recruiting & Consulting is seeking an experienced Head Coffee Roaster for an established commercial coffee manufacturing operation in Houston, Texas.This is a senior-level, hands-on leadership opportunity for an accomplished roasting professional who combines extensive technical expertise with strong production management and team development capabilities.The successful candidate will oversee daily roasting operations across six industrial Probat roasters, ensuring consistent product quality, efficient production, equipment reliability, and adherence to established roast profiles.This position requires more than the ability to produce an exceptional roast.

We are looking for someone who understands the science behind coffee roasting, can troubleshoot complex equipment and production challenges, and has the leadership experience necessary to develop and manage a high-performing roasting team.The ideal candidate is a true roasting expert who is equally comfortable operating equipment, analyzing roast performance, solving production problems, and leading people.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Coffee Roasting & Production OperationsDirect and actively participate in daily roasting operations across six industrial Probat coffee roasters.Execute and oversee roast profiles to ensure consistent product quality across private-label and branded coffee products.Develop, maintain, and refine roasting profiles in coordination with quality assurance and product development teams.Monitor roast development, temperature curves, airflow, drum speed, and other critical roasting parameters.Evaluate roast consistency using Agtron or equivalent color analysis, moisture measurements, density testing, and sensory cupping.Coordinate roasting schedules to meet production demands while maximizing throughput, equipment efficiency, and product consistency.Optimize gas consumption, production changeovers, and operational processes across multiple coffee varieties and SKUs.Identify opportunities to reduce product waste, improve yields, and strengthen overall roasting performance.Equipment Troubleshooting & ReliabilityServe as the primary technical resource for roasting equipment performance, troubleshooting, and operational challenges.Diagnose issues involving burners, gas systems, airflow, drums, cooling systems, destoners, afterburners, and electronic controls.Identify root causes of roasting inconsistencies, equipment malfunctions, and production interruptions.Perform and oversee routine preventive maintenance on Probat roasting equipment.Coordinate with maintenance personnel, outside contractors, and Probat technical support when specialized repairs are required.Support equipment calibration, process improvements, new equipment installations, and operational enhancements.Maintain safe and reliable equipment operation while minimizing unplanned production downtime.Quality Control & Process OptimizationEstablish and maintain consistent roasting standards across all products and production shifts.Monitor roast development and quality measurements to ensure compliance with established specifications.Identify variations in green coffee characteristics and adjust roasting parameters to maintain finished-product consistency.Collaborate with quality assurance personnel on sensory evaluations, cupping protocols, and product specifications.Implement corrective actions when roast performance or finished-product quality falls outside established standards.Maintain accurate roasting records, production data, quality measurements, and equipment performance documentation.Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, product consistency, and waste reduction.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, train, and supervise roasting personnel across production shifts.Establish clear performance expectations, operational priorities, and quality standards.Develop the technical capabilities of roasting operators through hands-on instruction, coaching, and mentoring.Create standardized operating procedures for roasting operations, quality checks, equipment operation, and safety.Build a capable, cross-trained team that can maintain consistent production standards without depending on a single operator.Coordinate with production management to address scheduling requirements, staffing needs, and operational challenges.Foster a workplace culture built around accountability, teamwork, safety, and consistent product quality.Safety & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure roasting operations comply with applicable OSHA standards and facility safety requirements.Maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP principles, and applicable food safety certification programs.Monitor safe operation of gas-fired roasting equipment, exhaust systems, and afterburners.Follow established lockout/tagout and equipment safety procedures.Support environmental compliance requirements related to emissions, ventilation, and air-quality controls.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMinimum 7 years of commercial or industrial coffee roasting experience, preferably in a high-volume manufacturing environment.At least 3 years of direct experience operating Probat roasting equipment.Minimum 2 years of experience in a Lead Roaster, Head Roaster, or roasting supervisory position.Extensive knowledge of coffee roasting principles, roast chemistry, heat transfer, airflow management, and roast development.Demonstrated ability to develop, execute, and refine roasting profiles for consistent commercial production.Strong understanding of coffee quality measurements, including Agtron color analysis, moisture content, density, and sensory cupping.Proven ability to troubleshoot roasting equipment mechanically and operationally.Experience managing production schedules, equipment utilization, and roasting consistency across multiple products.Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and recognized food manufacturing safety standards.Strong communication, leadership, training, and problem-solving capabilities.Ability to work flexible production hours, including early starts and occasional weekends as operational requirements dictate.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSAdvanced experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial Probat roasting systems.Probat factory training, technical certification, or manufacturer-sponsored equipment training.Experience with Cropster or comparable roasting data and profile management software.Mechanical maintenance experience involving industrial burners, gas systems, airflow controls, motors, and PLC-controlled equipment.Knowledge of green coffee sourcing, grading, blending, density, moisture, and origin-related roasting characteristics.Experience managing roasting operations involving multiple machines and high production volumes.Familiarity with SQF, BRC, or comparable food safety certification environments.Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILEWe are seeking a seasoned coffee roasting professional who has built their career around mastering commercial roasting operations and developing others in the process.The strongest candidates will demonstrate:Technical Expertise: Deep practical knowledge of industrial coffee roasting, roast profiling, and Probat equipment.Hands-On Leadership: The ability to lead a production team while remaining directly involved in roasting operations.Mechanical Aptitude: Confidence diagnosing and resolving equipment and roasting-process problems.Quality Ownership: A disciplined approach to maintaining consistent results across large production volumes.Operational Awareness: An understanding of production efficiency, scheduling, throughput, and waste reduction.Professional Accountability: The ability to make independent decisions, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for roasting performance.Team Development: A demonstrated commitment to training personnel, improving processes, and building a reliable production team.This opportunity is particularly well suited for an experienced Head Roaster, Lead Production Roaster, or Roasting Supervisor seeking greater responsibility within an established manufacturing operation.PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTSAbility to work safely in a manufacturing environment involving elevated temperatures, industrial machinery, and production equipment.Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.Comfortable standing, walking, and performing hands-on roasting duties for extended periods.Ability to access elevated platforms, ladders, and equipment service areas.Willingness to follow all established safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements.COMPENSATION & BENEFITSAnnual Salary: $110,000–$120,000, Depending on ExperienceFull-time, salaried leadership opportunity.Health insurance benefits.Paid time off.401(k) retirement plan.Opportunity to oversee and improve a multi-roaster commercial production operation.Long-term professional growth within an established manufacturing environment.ABOUT VADER-REY RECRUITING & CONSULTINGVader-Rey Recruiting & Consulting specializes in connecting experienced technical, manufacturing, engineering, and operations professionals with organizations that value expertise, accountability, and long-term performance.Our recruiting approach focuses on identifying professionals who bring the technical skills, leadership abilities, and operational experience necessary to deliver measurable results.Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for confidential consideration.Vader-Rey Recruiting & Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age or other legally protected characteristics.

Benefits

401(k)Health insurancePaid time offExperience:Coffee Roasting: 7 years (Required)Work Location: In person