Quality Assurance Manager

Java City is committed to producing high-quality and safe food products.

The Quality Control Manager is responsible for e nsuring the consistent quality of all coffee products, from green bean sourcing and roasting to finished packaged goods.

This role involves developing, implementing, and overseeing quality assurance protocols, managing quality control staff, and working closely with production, sourcing, and R&D teams to maintain the highest standards of product integrity, safety, and sensory excellence.

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop and Implement Quality Control Systems :
• Establish and maintain comprehensive quality control procedures, protocols, and specifications for all stages of coffee production (green bean evaluation, roasting, blending, packaging, finished product).
• Design and implement sensory evaluation programs (cupping protocols) for green beans, roasted coffee, and finished products.
• Ensure adherence to food safety regulations (HACCP, GMPs, SQF, BRC, etc.) and organic / fair trade certifications.
• Sensory Evaluation and Product Development :
• Collaborate with the Head Roaster and R&D team on new product development, recipe formulation, and quality improvements.
• Train and calibrate cupping panels to ensure accurate and consistent sensory evaluations.
• Process Monitoring and Improvement :
• Monitor production processes, including roasting parameters, blending accuracy, packaging integrity, and storage conditions.
• Analyze quality data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to address deviations or quality issues.
• Conduct regular audits of production lines and storage facilities.
• Team Leadership and Training :
• Supervise, train, and mentor quality control technicians and cupping panel members.
• Foster a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement throughout the production team.
• Documentation and Reporting :
• Maintain accurate records of all quality control activities, including cupping scores, test results, production checks, and corrective actions.
• Prepare regular quality reports for management, highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations.
• Problem Solving :
• Investigate customer complaints related to product quality and implement corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot quality issues that arise during production or in the finished product.
• Compliance and Safety :
• Ensure all quality control procedures comply with relevant local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Promote a safe working environment within the quality control laboratory and production areas.
Qualifications :
• Education :
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, or a related scientific field is preferred.
• Relevant certifications in Quality Assurance, Food Safety (e.g., HACCP, PCQI), or Specialty Coffee (e.g., SCA certifications) are highly desirable.
• Experience :
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in quality control, quality assurance, or product development, preferably within the coffee industry or a related food / beverage manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience in sensory evaluation and cupping is essential.
• Experience with food safety standards and regulatory compliance (e.g., HACCP, GMPs).
• Experience in managing a team is a plus.
• Skills & Knowledge :

Deep understanding of coffee : From green bean characteristics, roasting science, brewing methods, to sensory analysis.

Sensory evaluation expertise : Ability to identify, articulate, and differentiate subtle flavors, aromas, and defects in coffee.

Analytical skills : Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and solve complex quality problems.

Food Safety Knowledge : Familiarity with food safety principles and regulatory requirements.

Leadership and Communication : Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to effectively train and lead a team.

Problem-Solving : Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Technical Proficiency : Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical process control (SPC), and relevant software (e.g., LIMS, ERP systems).

Attention to Detail : Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of work.

Physical Requirements :

BEST-SELF ATTRIBUTES