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Lead Roaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Larkspur CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Menlo Park CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Burlingame CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA

$21/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Sausalito CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the General ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$19/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Laguna Beach CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Larkspur CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the General ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

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 ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Larkspur CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the General ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Burlingame, CA

$19.25/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Burlingame CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

POSITION : Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Burlingame CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Cafe General Manager

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$31.50 - $35/hr

Regional Operations Manager About Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Since 2006, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters ... Lead corrective action conversations and implement disciplinary measures * Troubleshoot problems ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Menlo Park CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Oakland, CA

$20.45/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Lake Merritt CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO :Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

Orinda, CA · On-site

$20.45/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Orinda CLASSIFICATION​ : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

Equator Coffees

Shift Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Shift Lead - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO : Reports to the ... Today, Equator Coffees is a retail and wholesale coffee roaster and coffee farm owner with twelve ...

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Lead Roaster information

See salary details

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$25

$44

How much do lead roaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead 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 does a lead roaster do?

A Lead Roaster oversees the coffee roasting process to ensure beans are roasted to perfection according to quality standards. They manage the roasting schedule, monitor equipment, and adjust roast profiles to achieve desired flavors. Additionally, Lead Roasters often supervise roasting staff, maintain inventory, and ensure safety and cleanliness in the roasting facility. Their expertise is crucial in producing consistent, high-quality coffee for cafes or retail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead roaster?

To thrive as a Lead Roaster, you need deep knowledge of coffee bean varieties, roasting profiles, and quality control, often supported by experience in specialty coffee and relevant training or certification (such as SCA certifications). Familiarity with commercial roasting equipment, production software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication skills are essential for managing roasting teams and maintaining consistency. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality coffee products, efficient production workflows, and a cohesive team environment.

What are some common challenges lead roasters face in maintaining coffee quality during large-scale production?

Lead Roasters often encounter the challenge of ensuring consistency and quality when roasting high volumes of coffee. Variations in green bean batches, changes in humidity, and equipment calibration can all impact flavor profiles. To address this, Lead Roasters must closely monitor roasting parameters, keep detailed logs, and frequently cup the coffee for quality control. Collaboration with production teams and regular equipment maintenance are also essential for minimizing inconsistencies and upholding quality standards.

What is the difference between Lead Roaster vs Roaster?

AspectLead RoasterRoaster
CredentialsOften requires certifications in coffee roasting or barista trainingTypically requires basic coffee roasting experience or certification
Work EnvironmentLeads roasting team, manages quality control, and oversees roasting processesPerforms roasting tasks under supervision, focuses on executing roasting profiles
Industry UsageUsed in specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and cafes with multiple staffCommon in cafes, small roasteries, or entry-level roles

The main difference between a Lead Roaster and a Roaster is that the Lead Roaster manages the roasting process, oversees quality, and leads the team, while the Roaster primarily focuses on executing roasting tasks. The Lead Roaster typically has more experience, certifications, and responsibilities in quality control and team leadership.

More about Lead Roaster jobs

What job categories do people searching Lead Roaster jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Roaster jobs are:

Lead Roaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Roaster job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Quality Control Lead Technician

Cascade Coffee llc.

Everett, WA • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

What does it take to create 1.7 BILLION cups of coffee a year?
Ask Cascade Coffee!
We are excited to announce that we are hiring a collaborative Quality Control Lead Technician!
For more than 45 years Cascade Coffee has been the premier specialty coffee contract manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Specializing in roasting, grinding, flavoring, and packaging coffee, catering to the world's finest coffee brands worldwide. Cascade works behind the scenes to provide innovation, world-class coffee roasting, and a wide variety of packaging options to highlight their loyal customer's brands.
Founded in 1977, the company operates from a 150,000 square foot manufacturing and roasting facility, more than 2 million pounds of green coffee storage facility, 50 million pounds annually of coffee roasting capacity as well as multiple roasting lines, flavor mixing systems and 14 automated packaging lines.
Why Cascade?
We offer a unique blend of benefits for you and your family!
WAGE RANGE (NON-EXEMPT): $24.00 - $28.00 DOE
SCHEDULE: Weekend Shift 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Friday - Sunday
REPORTS TO: Quality Control Supervisor
  • Healthcare benefits | Multiple coverage levels of medical, dental, and vision plans
  • 401k Roth or Pre-Tax options | $1 for $1 match and once eligible to enroll, ZERO vesting period
  • Long Term Disability and life insurance | Company provides coverage for all
  • Voluntary Life, Disability, Accident & Critical Illness | Various insurance programs are offered to support your needs
  • Employee Assistance Program | To support you and your family's overall wellbeing to achieve your best and most productive self
  • Sick and Vacation plans | Cascade understands the vital importance of a quality work/life balance
  • Pet insurance | Multiple coverage levels for whatever best suits your furry (or not so furry) friend
  • Cascade Cares | Exciting engagement programs each month
  • Leadership Training | We invest in and dedicate time to training some of the best leaders in the industry

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Quality Control (QC) Lead Technician is an integral part of the quality control team and will function as an internal and external auditor for the facility based on company requirements. The lead technician interfaces directly with the QC Supervisor on all quality control and compliance issues and assesses compliance with quality standards and initiatives. This requires working closely with the production department.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Administer Cascade policies and procedures and carry out personnel objectives and programs within the Quality Assurance department.
  • Coordinates with Quality and Production Supervisors on various quality issues
  • Conducts daily plant inspections for any GMP/Product Protection violations.
  • Assists production in filling out all necessary QC paperwork.
  • Performs sensory evaluation on raw materials and finished product.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues utilizing quality tools (cause and effect, process mapping, statistical methods, etc.) to document corrective actions effectively.
  • Regular reporting of measures that communicate process outputs relative to Quality metrics and customer requirements/specifications.
  • Develop and document standards in compliance with good manufacturing practices, government entities, and production plans (e.g., USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF, Organic, Kosher, etc.). Ensure compliance with all regulatory mandates.
  • Audit production processes and the food Safety and Quality Management system. Record, document, and evaluate consistency with the customer.
  • Responsible for collecting all required samples for customers and external laboratory testing.
  • Coordinate testing of in-process materials according to a regular/randomized schedule to aid quality control efforts.
  • Monitor defined checks/tests to ensure product conformance before releasing the product out of site control.
  • Monitor coffee operations quality checks, including Roasting, Grinding, and Flavoring procedures.
  • Perform laboratory testing according to customer specifications, including, but not limited to, moisture testing, caffeine testing, and whole bean breakage testing.
  • Upholds and provides safe, high-quality, consistent products, and superior services that anticipate, meet or exceed the requirements of our customers.
  • Collect foreign material collections and record findings in appropriate software.
  • Supports Cascade Coffee's Food Safety Culture by adhering to all company policies and procedures and by following proper protocol when a Food Safety risk is identified.
  • Attend all shift huddles (pre- and post- shift).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices and other quality-related policies to ensure product quality standards are met.
  • Train, supervise and delegate tasks to QC Technician employees.
  • Conducts new employee safety and facility tours.
  • Maintains a hands-on approach to management and is present and available to employees.
  • Oversee the activities of Technicians and all other non-management personnel and oversee temporary workers as assigned.
  • Maintains a direct approach to management and is present as well as available to employees.
  • Motivates employees and directs their day-to-day activities.
  • Counsel employees on job performance issues as necessary and inspire employees to attain the goals developed for each job function.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SQF Level 2 standards, Food Safety and Quality programs.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge and experience in using Microsoft products (e.g., Office 365, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work with lab equipment, such as moisture meters, brewers, grinders, Agtron, Malvern, and Mocon instruments.
  • Self-motivation, ability to work independently and within a team environment, strong follow-up, organization, prioritization, and attention to detail are required.
  • Ability to work under pressure (in a highly fast-paced environment), meet deadlines (overtime work required), and make effective decisions.
  • HACCP certified.
  • Associate's degree or equivalent preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of practical industry experience is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • This position is inside a warehouse roasting facility, where workers are exposed to loud equipment noise, coffee dust, and strong odors.
  • Personal protection equipment and other Good Manufacturing Practices are mandatory.
  • This position may support work in the facility that requires standing on concrete floors, exposed to equipment noise, and subject to coffee dust odors.

WORK HABITS:
  • Regular attendance and promptness are required for this position.
  • Work may be required outside the standard workweek.
  • This job requires a high degree of teamwork skills.
  • This job requires the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.

Cascade coffee is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We celebrate our differences because we believe diversity drives innovation and leads to sustainable success. We recruit, hire and promote our partners based on capability and performance, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Pay Range: $24 - $28 per hour

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