Head of Coffee

**The Opportunity**:
H.R. Higgins is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced coffee professional to take on the pivotal role of Head of Coffee. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a prestigious heritage brand, while working from the stunning location of Whitby, North Yorkshire, and truly make the position your own.

As our Head of Coffee, you will have the opportunity to shape and define the role, leaving an indelible mark on our product development, brand experience, coffee buying practices, and production processes. With your expertise and vision, you will play a major role in steering the company's future strategies and driving innovation.

**The Company**:
H.R. Higgins holds a Royal Warrant and is a renowned name in the coffee and tea merchant industry, with a rich tradition rooted in London. We are dedicated to sourcing and expertly roasting exceptional coffee, maintaining the highest standards of quality and heritage. Our unique heritage coffee shop in the heart of Mayfair, London, serves as a testament to our long-standing commitment to excellence.

**The Role**:
As the Head of Coffee, you will take charge of all coffee roasting and operations including:

- Overseeing the entire process from green coffee arrivals to packed coffee dispatch
- Managing the brand-new purpose-built coffee roastery ensuring cleanliness, inventory, and organisation
- Developing and managing a robust production schedule
- Maintaining quality control for the core range and driving new product development
- Blend and product development
- Collaborating with the team to develop long-term business strategies aligned with ambitions and objectives
- Accountability for the coffee roasting and production budget

Additionally, you will have the unique opportunity to embark on sourcing trips to coffee-growing regions, fostering relationships with farmers, and gaining a deeper understanding of the coffee supply chain.

**The Lifestyle**:
This role offers an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity for someone seeking to relocate to the breath-taking Yorkshire Coast. The roastery is nestled above the picturesque town of Whitby, surrounded by over 4 acres of farmland and boasting a view of the iconic Whitby Abbey. Imagine starting your day with the fresh sea breeze and ending it with a stroll along the nearby sandy beaches.

Beyond the tranquil setting, the Yorkshire Coast offers a wealth of recreational activities and cultural attractions. York and Newcastle are just an hour's drive away, while the North York Moors National Park, spanning nearly 370,000 acres, is yours to explore.

To thrive in this role you should possess the following qualifications and traits:

- At least 3 years of exceptional coffee roasting experience
- Qualified coffee taster, ideally to a Q Grader level (other qualifications will be considered)
- A genuine passion for specialty coffee and a drive for continuous improvement
- Natural leadership abilities, an appetite for responsibility, and a desire for personal and professional development
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively at all levels
- An exploratory and inquisitive approach to your work
- A friendly, down-to-earth, and approachable demeanour
- Experience leading coffee and tea NPD projects (desirable)
- Strategic development experience (desirable)

**The Team**:
At H.R. Higgins, we pride ourselves on our friendly and supportive team culture. We look forward to coming into the office every day and collaborating to achieve our goals.

If you're an enthusiastic and motivated individual who thrives in a positive and engaging environment, we'd love for you to join our team.

**To Apply**:
**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

**Experience**:

- Supervising experience: 1 year (preferred)
- Restaurant management: 1 year (preferred)
- Bar management: 1 year (preferred)
- Hospitality: 1 year (preferred)
- Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person