Coffee Quality Controller

1w1 week ago

Maersk

Maidenhead, GB · Full-time · £45,000 – £65,000

About this role

The Coffee Quality Controller evaluates and approves green coffee samples for purchase and contract fulfillment, conducting physical grading and sensory evaluation according to Frey standards. This role monitors crop quality, seasonal variation, and lot performance while maintaining quality benchmarks for different origins, grades, and customer programs. It ensures high standards in coffee trading operations.

Day-to-day involves ensuring all coffees meet contractual quality specifications prior to shipment, reviewing contracts for quality tolerances and risk exposure. Approve pre-shipment samples, support resolution of quality disputes, and identify risks related to origin, storage, transit, and aging. Advise traders on quality risk when structuring contracts and delivery terms.

Coordinate with exporters, suppliers, origin partners, and customers to communicate quality expectations and address defects or inconsistencies. Organise inbound and outbound sample deliveries, provide documentation and technical feedback, and support origin visits and crop assessments. Collaborate closely with trading, logistics, risk, and operations teams on purchasing, pricing, and contract decisions.

Lead development of in-house quality systems like MyFrey, maintain records and sample libraries, and update procedures and SOPs. Propose and lead projects for process improvements, from refining contract terms to ESG and sustainability initiatives. Actively seek sales opportunities and maintain buyer relationships.

Requirements

Proficiency in physical grading and sensory evaluation of green coffee using Frey standards
Knowledge of coffee crop quality monitoring, seasonal variations, and origin-specific benchmarks
Experience reviewing contracts for quality specifications, tolerances, and risk exposure
Ability to assess pre-shipment samples and resolve quality disputes in coffee trading
Understanding of quality risks in origin, storage, transit, and aging for green coffee
Skills in coordinating with exporters, suppliers, and customers on quality documentation and feedback
Familiarity with coffee trading compliance including certifications, EUDR, and supplier forms
Capability to develop quality systems, maintain records, and update SOPs

Responsibilities

Evaluate and approve green coffee samples for purchase and contract fulfillment whilst conducting physical grading and sensory evaluation according to Frey standards
Monitor crop quality, seasonal variation, and lot performance whilst maintaining quality benchmarks for different origins, grades, and customer programs
Ensure all coffees meet contractual quality specifications prior to shipment whilst reviewing contracts to understand quality tolerances and risk exposure
Approve pre-shipment samples and final shipping releases, support resolution of quality disputes and claims
Identify potential quality risks related to origin, storage, transit, and aging; advise traders on quality risk when structuring contracts and delivery terms
Communicate quality expectations to exporters, suppliers, and origin partners; work with suppliers to address defects, processing issues, or inconsistencies
Take the lead on developing Frey’s in-house systems (MyFrey) to facilitate quality management
Work closely with trading, logistics, risk, and operations teams whilst providing quality input for purchasing, pricing, and contract decisions

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace embracing different styles of thinking
Equal opportunities employer welcoming applicants without regard to protected characteristics
Consideration of qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with legal requirements
Support for adjustments during application and hiring process
Accommodation assistance for website use, applications, or job performance via email