Head Roaster

Trades Workforce Solutions; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialty coffee company in London is looking for a Head Roaster to lead their roasting operations and ensure the highest quality products. The role includes overseeing day-to-day operations, managing the roastery team, and developing product quality standards. Candidates should possess proven experience in specialty coffee roasting and strong technical skills. The position offers genuine ownership in shaping coffee quality and operational systems, along with a competitive salary starting at £45k based on experience.

Benefits

Genuine ownership and influence

Opportunity to shape coffee quality and operational systems

Close collaboration with founders

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior roasting or lead production role within specialty coffee.
• Confident managing production planning, quality control, and equipment maintenance.
• Experienced in leading, mentoring, and developing a small team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and be responsible for operating the Roastery to a high standard.
• Lead day-to-day Roastery operations including production roasting and quality control.
• Manage and develop the roastery team, improving systems and processes.
• Support sales activity and oversee logistics for orders.

Skills

Proven experience in a senior roasting role

Strong technical skills

Detail-driven and quality-focused approach

Ability to manage production planning

Experience in team development

Job description

Company

A speciality coffee company in London, are looking for a Head Roaster focused on leading their roasting operations and delivering top quality products for their customers. They are focused on creating premium roasts through strategic partnerships with international, and green, producers/exporters. This is a central role in the continued growth and development of the company; a senior, hands‑on, leadership position with real ownership, ideal for someone who combines technical excellence with leadership, curiosity, and strong values.

The Role

As Head Roaster, you will oversee and be responsible for operating the Roastery to a consistently high standard. This includes production roasting and profiling, quality control, sourcing support, logistics, inventory, and software housekeeping, as well as packing and dispatch. You’ll work closely with the directors on product development, sales support, and long‑term scaling of the business. You’ll also manage and develop the roastery team, continually refining systems and processes to keep operations efficient, organised, and future‑proof.

Key Responsibilities

Roastery & Production

• Lead all day‑to‑day Roastery operations
• Production roasting and roast profile development
• Maintenance and upkeep of our roaster and all Roastery equipment
• Daily cleaning, organisation, and general Roastery housekeeping

Quality & Product Development

• Create, update, and refine roast profiles
• Develop and manage a clear QC framework and procedures
• Lead ongoing product and range development
• Ensure certifications are maintained and up to date (e.g. Organic, HACCP)

Green Coffee & Inventory

• Grow and maintain our green coffee partnerships at origin
• Manage green coffee contracts, inventory levels, and regular stocktakes
• Maintain roasting and production software systems and data accuracy

Team Leadership & Operations

• Manage, train, and develop the roastery team
• Continually improve systems and processes to keep the business streamlined and scalable

Orders, Logistics & Sales Support

• Manage wholesale and online (Shopify) orders
• Oversee packing, dispatch, deliveries, and logistics
• Support directors with sales activity and pitches where required

Community & Industry Engagement

• Represent the company at industry events and within the wider coffee community
• Actively pursue further knowledge through training, publications, events, and competitions

About You

You’ll bring proven experience in a senior roasting or lead production role within specialty coffee, with strong technical skills and a detail‑driven, quality‑focused approach. You’ll be confident managing production planning, quality control, and equipment maintenance, and experienced in leading, mentoring, and developing a small team. Highly organised, proactive, and systems‑minded, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to help shape and grow an independent specialty coffee business.

Offering

• A senior role with genuine ownership and influence
• Opportunity to shape coffee quality, products, and operational systems
• Close collaboration with founders in a values‑led business
• A chance to be an active voice in the specialty coffee community
• Location: London (East)
• Salary: £45k+ (DOE)