Sourcing Assistant for Coffee

Description:

WHO WE ARE

We are Paris Brothers, a privately held industry leader committed to excellence in all that we do. A diversified manufacturer and distributor of specialty food products, premium specialty coffee, and third-party logistics (3PL), we believe we make the world in which we participate better, especially for our wonderful customers.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The sourcing assistant supports the coffee sourcing functions of with administrative tasks, coffee sample organization, basic quality control activities, and inventory tracking. This position is highly detail-oriented and ideal for an early-career coffee professional seeking exposure to green coffee buying, quality evaluation, and the global supply chain. The role involves hands-on learning and close collaboration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Coffee Sample & Cupping Support

1. Organize incoming green coffee samples and maintain sample storage systems.

2. Assist with the setup and cleanup of cupping sessions (weighing, grinding, labeling, cleaning).

3. Participate in cupping sessions as skill level allows, contributing observations and notes.

4. Assist with supervised sample roasting.

Administrative & Purchasing Support

5. Assist Purchasing Agents by communicating data for purchase orders, coffee contracts, and shipment records.

6. Assist in collecting and organizing supplier documents (certifications, spec, photos).

7. Support communication with suppliers and importers regarding samples, tracking shipments, and gathering information.

Inventory & Data Management

8. Update internal systems with sample information, arrival data, and basic quality results.

9. Assist in monitoring green coffee inventory levels, warehouse locations, upcoming arrivals, and open positions.

10. Prepare simple weekly or monthly reports for the Vice President, Private Partnerships & Supply Chain.

Team & Inter-Departmental Coordination.

11. Coordinate sample deliveries and approvals with production, roasting, and Quality Control teams

12. Support internal communication around expected arrivals, delays, and general updates.

Learning & Industry Exposure

13. Develop understanding of global coffee origins, processing methods, and quality terminology.

14. Learn about logistics, shipping documents, and basic supply chain workflows.

15. Participate in internal training (some informal) on sensory skills, roasting, and coffee evaluation.

16. Attend industry events and cuppings as available.

17. Possible international travel to visit source partners.

18. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent)
• Strong interest in coffee quality, origins, and sourcing.
• Experience in coffee (barista, roastery assistant, café manager, Quality Control assistant, etc.) – Preferred
• Exposure to coffee cupping or quality evaluation (formal training not required) - Preferred

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic understanding of specialty coffee fundamentals (processing, varieties, etc.).

Skill in:

• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with spreadsheets and online inventory tools.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Language skills in Spanish or Portuguese – beneficial, but not required.
• Balancing a wide variety of tasks and adapting to changing priorities – Preferred.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple inventory tasks.

Ability to:

• Eagerness and ability to learn, ask questions, and grow in the role.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) w/company matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

EEO STATEMENT

• Paris Brother Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. Candidates will be required to complete a drug screen and successful background check post offer.