Lead Coffee Roaster

Lead / Senior Coffee Roaster

Location: Houston, TXIndustry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full-TimeSchedule: Monday - Friday 7 am - 4 pm with OvertimeCompensation: $85,000 - $100,000/annuallyPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Lead / Senior Coffee Roaster to join an established and growing food and beverage manufacturing operation in Houston, TX.This position is responsible for overseeing daily coffee roasting operations, ensuring consistent product quality, operating and monitoring industrial roasting equipment, and maintaining production efficiency.The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating commercial or industrial coffee roasting equipment, a strong mechanical aptitude, and a thorough understanding of roasting profiles, quality standards, and production processes.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced coffee roasting professional who takes pride in producing consistent, high-quality products in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Key ResponsibilitiesCoffee Roasting & ProductionOperate and monitor industrial coffee roasting equipment to meet established production schedules and product specifications.Execute roasting profiles to achieve consistent roast levels, color, flavor, and overall product quality.Monitor roasting temperatures, times, and equipment performance throughout production.Ensure green coffee storage hoppers maintain adequate inventory to support scheduled roasting orders.Utilize PLC-controlled systems to manage green coffee loading, hopper filling, and inventory movement.Conduct roast color testing after each batch to verify compliance with established quality specifications.Transfer cooled roasted coffee to designated blending, storage, or grinding equipment as required.Coordinate roasting activities with production and packaging teams to maintain efficient product flow.Quality Control & DocumentationMaintain accurate production records, including batch numbers, roasting times, blend information, and quality control results.Document product movement and inventory information using established production tracking systems.Complete required storage and bulk packaging documentation, including supersack records when applicable.Identify and report product inconsistencies, equipment issues, and potential contamination concerns.Ensure all roasting activities meet established quality, consistency, and food safety standards.Equipment Operation & MaintenanceMonitor roasting equipment for proper functionality and identify mechanical or operational concerns.Perform routine equipment inspections and assist with basic troubleshooting.Communicate maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel to minimize downtime.Maintain proper equipment cleanliness and support preventive maintenance activities.Identify opportunities to improve roasting efficiency, production consistency, and equipment performance.Food Safety & Workplace ComplianceFollow Safe Quality Food (SQF), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and applicable food safety procedures.Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary roasting and production area.Follow established sanitation procedures, including proper handwashing and required protective equipment.Report potential product contamination, unsafe conditions, and equipment concerns immediately.Complete required end-of-shift cleaning and sanitation activities.Follow all applicable OSHA and company safety standards.QualificationsRequired:3+ years of hands-on experience in commercial or industrial coffee roasting.Experience operating and monitoring coffee roasting machinery.Strong understanding of roasting profiles, roast development, and coffee quality standards.Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and troubleshoot basic equipment issues.Experience maintaining accurate batch production and quality control records.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple production priorities.Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with production and operations teams.Commitment to workplace safety, sanitation, and product quality.Preferred:Experience in high-volume coffee roasting or large-scale food manufacturing operations.Familiarity with PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automated material handling systems.Experience performing coffee color analysis and roast consistency testing.Knowledge of SQF, GMP, HACCP, or other food manufacturing safety programs.Experience with green coffee inventory management, blending, and grinding processes.Previous experience training or mentoring roasting operators.Experience assisting with equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on coffee roasting professional who understands both the technical and operational aspects of commercial roasting.We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked in high-volume coffee manufacturing environments, can confidently operate industrial roasting equipment, and understand the importance of maintaining consistent roasting profiles across large production batches.Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently within a production-driven environment are essential.