Purpose of the Role
This is a specialist technical role combining the craft of coffee roasting with the science of brewing and process engineering. The Brewer will design and optimise roasting profiles, develop new coffee products, and oversee the beverage production process from raw green beans to finished retail/export goods. The postholder will ensure our products meet strict sensory, quality, and export standards, directly supporting our expansion from a single café to a multi-site café-roastery and retail coffee brand.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Product Development & Process Engineering
- Design and refine coffee roasting and brewing processes using scientific analysis and sensory evaluation.
- Develop new blends, single-origin profiles, and ready-to-brew products tailored for UK consumers and key export markets (including Middle Eastern and European preferences).
- Apply brewing science principles to optimise extraction, flavour balance, and product stability.
2. Quality Control & Compliance
- Implement advanced quality control systems including moisture content testing, roast curve analysis, and sensory cupping protocols.
- Ensure products meet UK Food Standards Agency requirements and international export regulations.
- Maintain detailed production logs and batch traceability records.
3. Equipment Operation & Optimisation
- Operate and calibrate commercial coffee roasting and brewing equipment.
- Recommend and implement technological upgrades to improve efficiency, energy usage, and flavour consistency.
- Troubleshoot and resolve process issues to minimise waste and downtime.
4. Supplier & Origin Engagement
- Assess and select green coffee beans based on origin, varietal, processing method, and quality grade.
- Build relationships with suppliers and producers to secure sustainable, traceable, and ethically sourced beans.
- Conduct green bean sampling and evaluation to ensure suitability for intended flavour profiles.
5. Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Train roasting and café staff in brewing science, sensory evaluation, and equipment operation.
- Share process improvements and product development insights with the management team to inform strategic decisions.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in commercial coffee roasting, brewing science, or beverage production engineering.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain consistent roast profiles at commercial scale.
- Strong understanding of coffee chemistry, roast curve profiling, and sensory analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in green coffee bean grading, defect analysis, and sourcing.
- Knowledge of HACCP and UK food safety regulations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £49,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Life insurance
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: BWR
