Coffee Sourcing Buyer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of coffee, the role of the coffee sourcing buyer is gaining more and more recognition.

As coffee culture evolves, the need for skilled individuals who can source, evaluate, and secure the best beans has become increasingly important.

But what exactly is expected from a coffee sourcing buyer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of coffee sourcing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable coffee sourcing buyer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Duties and Responsibilities

Coffee Sourcing Buyers are responsible for locating, purchasing, and ensuring the quality of coffee beans from different regions around the world.

They play a pivotal role in establishing the taste and quality of the coffee served in cafes, restaurants or sold in stores.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and identifying potential coffee suppliers and growers from different regions
• Negotiating pricing, payment terms, and contracts with suppliers
• Conducting on-site visits to coffee farms and suppliers to assess the quality of coffee beans
• Ensuring that the coffee sourced adheres to sustainability and ethical sourcing policies
• Sampling and tasting coffee to assess quality, taste, and suitability for different products
• Keeping up-to-date with market trends and fluctuations in the coffee industry
• Developing and maintaining relationships with coffee growers, suppliers, and stakeholders
• Ensuring timely delivery of coffee beans and managing inventory
• Collaborating with roasting and production teams to ensure the coffee beans meet the desired quality and taste profiles
• Managing and resolving any issues or disputes with suppliers

 

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Coffee Sourcing Buyer to join our team.

Your responsibilities will include identifying and establishing relationships with coffee growers and co-ops, negotiating purchase agreements, and ensuring the coffee we source meets our company’s high quality and ethical standards.

The ideal candidate will have a keen palate for coffee, a strong understanding of coffee growing regions and processes, and experience in sourcing and purchasing.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify potential coffee suppliers and establish purchasing relationships
• Negotiate purchase agreements and contracts
• Ensure the quality of sourced coffee meets company standards
• Work closely with Quality Control to taste and approve each coffee purchase
• Stay current with coffee industry trends and market conditions
• Regularly visit coffee growers and co-ops to ensure ethical farming practices
• Maintain detailed records of purchases, pricing, and inventory
• Collaborate with other departments to forecast demand and determine order quantities

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Coffee Buyer or similar role in the coffee industry
• Understanding of coffee growing regions and processes
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Excellent sensory skills, including smell and taste
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of inventory management and demand forecasting
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Coffee Sourcing Buyer
• Work Environment: This position involves both office work and travel to coffee farms and co-ops. The role may also include occasional visits to roasting facilities and trade shows.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Coffee Sourcing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Coffee Sourcing Buyer Do?

Coffee Sourcing Buyers, also known as Coffee Purchasers or Coffee Buyers, are essential players in the coffee industry, who ensure the supply chain from farm to cup.

They work closely with coffee farmers and suppliers across various regions to source the best quality coffee beans.

They are responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with these suppliers, which includes visiting coffee farms and cooperatives, understanding the coffee production processes, and negotiating prices.

Their job is not limited to merely purchasing; they are also involved in quality control and grading of the coffee.

This involves cupping (tasting) coffee to assess its taste profile, acidity, body, and other factors that determine its quality.

Based on these factors, they decide whether to buy the beans or not.

They are also responsible for tracking coffee market trends and understanding consumer preferences to source coffee beans that meet the needs of their customers.

In some cases, they might also be involved in the sustainability and fair trade aspects of coffee sourcing, ensuring that the beans are sourced ethically and the farmers are paid fairly.

Thus, Coffee Sourcing Buyers play a critical role in ensuring that the consumers get high-quality coffee, and the process from sourcing to selling is smooth and efficient.

 

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Qualifications and Skills

Coffee Sourcing Buyers should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications to ensure they can source the highest quality coffee at the best price, including:

• Strong knowledge of coffee, from understanding the different types and blends to knowing the various stages of coffee production and the factors that influence taste and quality.
• Excellent negotiation skills to work with suppliers and secure the best prices without compromising on quality.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coffee growers, farmers, and suppliers worldwide.
• Ability to travel frequently to coffee-growing regions to inspect crops, meet with suppliers, and assess potential new sources of coffee.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market trends, track coffee prices, and make sourcing decisions based on data and market analysis.
• Knowledge of fair trade practices and sustainability issues in the coffee industry, ensuring that sourcing practices are ethical and environmentally friendly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with various stakeholders, including suppliers, logistical partners, and in-house teams.
• Ability to work independently and make critical decisions about coffee purchases and supplier selection.

 

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Experience Requirements

Coffee Sourcing Buyers typically start their careers with a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field such as agriculture, food sourcing or supply chain management.

This experience can often be gained through internships or part-time roles within these industries.

Individuals with this level of experience usually have a basic understanding of coffee sourcing processes, vendor relations, contract negotiations, and supply chain dynamics.

They might also be familiar with relevant regulations and standards in the coffee industry.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience likely have a more extensive understanding of the global coffee market.

They may have been involved in direct sourcing from coffee farmers and cooperatives, product quality assessment, and building sustainable and ethical sourcing strategies.

Candidates who have more than 5 years of experience will likely have a deep understanding of coffee varieties, production methods, and the ability to forecast market trends.

They may have some leadership experience, having coordinated with multiple stakeholders such as farmers, exporters, roasters, and retailers.

At this level, they could be prepared for a managerial position overseeing a team of buyers or a larger region of sourcing.

Regardless of the level of experience, a passion for coffee and a commitment to ethical sourcing practices is often an essential requirement in this role.

 

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Education and Training Requirements

Coffee Sourcing Buyers, also known as Coffee Buyers or Green Coffee Buyers, typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, or a related field.

Understanding the business side of coffee buying is essential, so courses in business management, supply chain management, and international business can be beneficial.

They should also have an understanding of the agriculture and farming practices used to grow coffee.

This can be gained through courses in agronomy, sustainability, and farming practices.

Prior experience in the coffee industry is highly beneficial.

This could include working as a barista, coffee roaster, or in coffee quality control.

Coffee Sourcing Buyers should also have knowledge of different coffee varieties, processing methods, and have excellent cupping skills, which is the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee.

This knowledge can be gained through various coffee certification programs like those offered by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Additionally, excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential as the job often involves sourcing coffee directly from farmers and cooperatives in coffee-growing regions around the world.

So, language skills, particularly Spanish, can be beneficial.

The role may also require extensive travel to coffee-growing regions, so familiarity with travel, and comfort in various cultural settings is beneficial.

Although not always required, many Coffee Sourcing Buyers also pursue advanced certifications like Q-grader certification to improve their coffee tasting and grading skills.

Continuing education and staying up-to-date with market trends, sustainability issues, and coffee industry developments is also crucial in this role.

 

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Salary Expectations

A Coffee Sourcing Buyer can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience in the industry, the location of the job, and the size of the company they work for.

 

Coffee Sourcing Buyer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Coffee Sourcing Buyer need?

A Coffee Sourcing Buyer needs to have strong negotiation and communication skills for interacting with coffee farmers and suppliers.

They should have a keen sense of taste and smell for quality control and possess a deep understanding of coffee varieties, processing methods, and regions.

Analytical skills for interpreting market trends and making purchasing decisions are also crucial.

Knowledge of sustainability and fair-trade practices in the coffee industry is highly desirable.

 

Do Coffee Sourcing Buyers need specific qualifications?

While a degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not necessarily required.

Experience in the coffee industry or in a buying role can be more important.

Some Coffee Sourcing Buyers may also have Q grader certification, which is a qualification that proves they have been trained to assess coffee quality.

 

What should you look for in a Coffee Sourcing Buyer resume?

Check for experience in purchasing, ideally within the coffee industry.

They should demonstrate knowledge of coffee quality assessment and have a track record of successful negotiation with suppliers.

Fluency in multiple languages can be a plus for international sourcing.

Evidence of strong relationships with coffee farmers and suppliers, as well as an understanding of market trends and the coffee supply chain, is also desirable.

 

What qualities make a good Coffee Sourcing Buyer?

A good Coffee Sourcing Buyer has a passion for coffee and an in-depth knowledge of its varieties and quality factors.

They should have strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with suppliers.

Their negotiation skills should be excellent, ensuring that they can secure the best quality coffee at the best prices.

They should also have a sense of social responsibility, prioritizing ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.

 

How can a Coffee Sourcing Buyer stay updated on market trends?

Coffee Sourcing Buyers can stay updated on market trends by regularly attending coffee industry events, subscribing to trade magazines, and joining coffee industry associations.

Additionally, they can participate in coffee tasting events and seminars to keep their knowledge of coffee varieties and processing methods up-to-date.

Networking with other coffee professionals can also provide valuable insights into market trends.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the complex world of being a coffee sourcing buyer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about buying beans.

It’s about fostering relationships with farmers, understanding market trends, and ensuring the best quality for every cup of coffee.

With our comprehensive coffee sourcing buyer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or finessing your resume to sheer perfection.

Remember:

Every coffee bean is part of a larger story.

Let’s brew that future. Together.

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