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Lead Coffee Roaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equator Coffees

Kitchen Lead

San Francisco, CA

$22/hr

POSITION: Kitchen Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt REPORTING ... Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise ...

IDYLL CORPORATION

Cafe Worker

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

Ability to lead and maintain positivity in a high volume cafe About Us: Idyll Coffee Roasters is a new women-owned, small-batch, specialty coffee roaster opening in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. We aim to ...

Equator Coffees

Kitchen Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22/hr

POSITION: Kitchen Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION​: Non-exempt REPORTING ... Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise ...

IDYLL CORPORATION

Cafe Worker

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

Ability to lead and maintain positivity in a high volume cafe About Us: Idyll Coffee Roasters is a new women-owned, small-batch, specialty coffee roaster opening in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. We aim to ...

Equator Coffees

Kitchen Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22/hr

POSITION: Kitchen Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION : Non-exempt REPORTING ... Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise ...

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Keyholder Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has an extensive training program where you will learn from some of the best! Barista/Customer Service/ Key Holder Duties & Responsibilities Include: • Greet and interact ...

Bellwether Coffee

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Our revolutionary electric, ventless commercial coffee roaster does not require gas lines or ... Lead the design and development of complex mechanical subsystems from concept through manufacturing.

Bellwether Coffee

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Our revolutionary electric, ventless commercial coffee roaster does not require gas lines or ... Lead the design and development of complex mechanical subsystems from concept through manufacturing.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

$18.25/hr

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has an extensive training program where you will learn from some of the best! Customer Service/Lead Duties & Responsibilities Include: *Have a love and passion for coffee ...

Bellwether Coffee

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Our revolutionary electric, ventless commercial coffee roaster does not require gas lines or ... Lead the design and development of complex mechanical subsystems from concept through manufacturing.

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Lead Coffee Roaster information

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$11

$25

$44

How much do lead coffee roaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead coffee roaster in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead coffee roaster?

Lead Coffee Roasters are professionals responsible for overseeing the coffee roasting process, ensuring quality and consistency in the final product. They develop roasting profiles, manage production schedules, supervise roasting teams, and often select green coffee beans. In addition to operating and maintaining roasting equipment, they may also collaborate with baristas and quality control specialists to achieve the desired flavor profiles. Their expertise is crucial for producing high-quality coffee that meets a company's standards and customer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by lead coffee roasters in maintaining consistent quality across batches?

Lead Coffee Roasters often face the challenge of maintaining consistency in flavor and quality across different batches due to variables like bean origin, humidity, and equipment calibration. Addressing these challenges requires meticulous record-keeping, frequent cupping sessions, and close collaboration with quality control teams. Staying adaptable to seasonal changes in beans and regularly communicating with green coffee buyers also helps ensure a consistent product. It's essential to be detail-oriented and proactive in troubleshooting any deviations during the roasting process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead coffee roaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Coffee Roaster, you need deep knowledge of coffee beans, roasting profiles, and quality control, often developed through hands-on experience or specialized coffee training. Familiarity with roasting machines, cupping tools, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong sensory evaluation skills help ensure consistent product quality and effective collaboration. These competencies are vital for maintaining high standards, meeting production goals, and creating exceptional coffee experiences.

What is the difference between Lead Coffee Roaster vs Coffee Roaster?

AspectLead Coffee RoasterCoffee Roaster
CredentialsExperience in roasting, certifications like Q Grader or SCA certificationsSimilar certifications, often less experience required
Work EnvironmentOversees roasting process, manages team, ensures quality standardsPerforms roasting tasks, operates roasting equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and coffee companiesCommon in similar settings, often entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Lead Coffee Roaster and a Coffee Roaster is the level of responsibility. The Lead Coffee Roaster typically manages the roasting process, supervises staff, and ensures quality standards, while a Coffee Roaster focuses on executing roasting tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Lead position involves more leadership and oversight.

What cities are hiring for Lead Coffee Roaster jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Coffee Roaster job openings:

What states have the most Lead Coffee Roaster jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Coffee Roaster jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Coffee Roaster jobs?

For Lead Coffee Roaster jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Coffee Roaster job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 2% Physical, and 98% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Kitchen Lead

San Francisco, CA

Equator Coffees
Food Services and Drinking Places • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Equator Coffeesexternal

$22/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Kitchen Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

  • Reports to the General Manager

COMPENSATION: Starting $22/hour

About Equator
In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell began their values-driven path, roasting coffee in a Marin County, CA garage. Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise, Equator has committed over 30 years to sustainable and fair trade coffee practices all in the name of creating a remarkable coffee experience for consumers. Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve retail cafes throughout California-from Marin County to San Francisco to Oakland to Los Angeles and beyond. Throughout the years, Equator Coffees has spearheaded industry-leading sourcing and roasting practices, and has forged progressive partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs, specialty grocers, tech campuses, and more. Women-owned, LGBTQ-founded, and an early adopter of Fair Trade and Regenerative Organic certifications, Equator Coffees is the first California coffee roaster to achieve B Corp Certification.

Position Summary
The Kitchen Lead plays a key role in maintaining smooth daily kitchen operations at the cafe level. This position is responsible for high standards of food quality, safety, organization, and prep, while leading and supporting a strong team culture. The Kitchen Lead is a working lead position with no direct people management responsibilities, but one that sets the tone for excellence through example and training.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee kitchen prep and execution during service, ensuring consistent quality and presentation
  • Maintain back-of-house standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and organization
  • Collaborate with the GM on kitchen schedules by providing input on team availability and operational needs
  • Place vendor orders and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality, timeliness, and competitive pricing
  • Perform inventory counts and manage product rotation to minimize waste
  • Lead the team in food safety and sanitation practices, modeling correct procedures
  • Support the training and onboarding of new BOH staff; demonstrate prep methods and kitchen systems in alignment with standards
  • Collaborate with GM and retail team on seasonal menus, specials, and cafe events
  • Support recipe development and documentation in collaboration with retail operations
  • Communicate proactively with GM regarding team performance, scheduling needs, or kitchen-related concerns
  • Act as a key contributor to a positive and supportive kitchen culture
Qualifications and Requirements
  • 2+ years of BOH experience; lead or supervisory experience strongly preferred
  • Strong food safety knowledge and current Food Handler Card required
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment, prep techniques, and cooking procedures
  • Ability to maintain a clean, efficient, and organized kitchen under pressure
  • Excellent communication and follow-through
  • Works well independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrates leadership, maturity, and professionalism
  • Experience reviewing financial reports and meeting budgets
  • Able to work full time (the work regularly demands more than 45 hours per week) including variable hours such as early morning, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Ability to lead change, deal with ambiguity, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with POS touch screen, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other computer skills
  • Minimum High School or GED
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
Compensation
  • Available to all employees
    • Commuter Benefits - pre-tax parking and transit
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Physical and mental health, financial and legal coaching available at no cost to the employee
    • Free mental health app subscription
    • Employee discount on merchandise, coffee gear, and at Equator cafes
    • Continuing coffee education classes
    • Free coffee
    • Paid Time Off for voting on Election Day
  • After 60 days as an employee at Equator
    • Healthcare Benefits(for full-time employees working over 30 hours per week)
      • 100% employer-covered premium medical insurance
      • Voluntary Insurance Plans - dental, vision, long-term disability, pet, and supplementary life insurance
      • Employer covered life insurance premium
      • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - healthcare and daily dependent care
  • After 90 days as an employee at Equator
    • Holiday Pay after 90 days of employment. Eight Equator-observed holidays per year
    • Paid Time Off with tenured increases for full-time employees
    • 1 paid volunteer day per year
  • After six months as an employee at Equator
    • 401K with up to a4% company match on employee contributions

Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

We'd love for you to use the video answer feature for our screening questions! It's a great way for us to get a better sense of your experience and how comfortable you are discussing your skills. Plus, it helps us see your personality and passion for the role!

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed bypeople assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Job responsibilitiescan change according to the operational needs of the business. The order in which duties andresponsibilities are listed is not significant.

Equator Coffees is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, and discharge will be based on competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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