Trainee Production Roaster - Cornwall

About Origin

We’ve come a long way since 2004—and we’re just getting started.

As one of the longest-standing independent coffee roasters on UK shores, the love of coffee fuels everything we do. We work to challenge the expected, crafting tangible experiences and products that are impactful and progressive. We work hard, and with integrity, to shape and share exceptional coffee, fairly, with all. As an B Corp accredited coffee roaster, we’re not here to jump on bandwagons. No greenwashing. No jargon: an inclusive, global community, listening and speaking up for the future we believe in.

We build, nurture, and champion relationships at the source, celebrating farmers, cooperatives, and producers. We support direct trade, traceability, and quality. From crop, to cup, every step of our journey is considered; we’re proud to be held accountable, always striving for better ways to do business, placing people and planet before profit.

Dedicated, curious, driven, and open-minded, we’re not afraid to push boundaries and shape positive change. With a growing team of award-winning coffee professionals, a world-class coffee programme, six coffee shops, an ever-evolving product range, we continue to work hard to create inclusive spaces within Origin as well as everywhere we go, where conversations can grow. We move fast yet stay grounded, cutting paths through the noise, and have a lot of fun along the way. We’re here for ideas, rolling up our sleeves, and sharing new perspectives. Opportunities are on the table—yours to shape, with full support.

Join us in pursuit of coffee excellence.

The role overview

As a Trainee Production Roaster, you will be responsible for learning and assisting in the coffee roasting process to ensure the production of high-quality roasted coffee beans from Origin’s roastery in Porthleven, Cornwall. Under the guidance of experienced roasters, including our Head Roaster, Head of Coffee, and Quality Control Coordinator, you will gain hands-on experience operating roasting equipment, monitoring roast profiles, and ensuring consistency and flavour development. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about coffee and seeking to develop their skills in coffee roasting for one of the UK's leading specialty coffee roasters.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and assist in all aspects of the coffee roasting process, including green bean evaluation, batch size calculation, and roast profile management.
• Operate coffee roasting equipment, ensuring proper settings, temperatures, and timings for optimal roast results.
• Accurate loading of green coffee using bean carts and appropriate equipment
• Monitor roast profiles closely, adjusting to achieve desired flavour, aroma, and consistency according to daily roasting schedules.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of roasted coffee batches.
• Recognise and report profile issues to the Head Roaster and Head of Coffee.
• Participate in cupping sessions to evaluate roast quality, identify flavour characteristics, and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation in the roasting and cupping area, adhering to hygiene and safety standards.
• Assist in managing the inventory of green beans, tracking usage, and communicating with the procurement team for bean replenishment.
• Learn and follow quality control procedures to ensure roasted coffee meets Origin’s standards and specifications.
• Stay updated on industry trends, roasting techniques, and equipment advancements to enhance roasting skills continually.
• Support other production tasks, such as packaging, labelling, and assisting in the despatch processes.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, these are the things that matter the most:

• You will develop a genuine enthusiasm for roasting coffee.
• You have a genuine interest in understanding specialty coffee, including different varieties, origins, flavour profiles, and processing methods.
• You will be interested in learning about the impact of temperature, time, airflow, and other variables on the flavour and aroma of the roasted coffee beans.
• You are looking to develop your sensory skills to identify and evaluate the characteristics of roasted coffee.
• You require precision and attention to detail.
• You are interested in developing problem-solving skills to identify issues, adjust, and troubleshoot roasting problems.
• You have strong time management skills.
• You have significant physical stamina.
• You stay curious and are committed to continuous learning.
• You are effective at communicating and collaborating.
• You are safety consciousness and recognise how importance prioritising safety in the roasting environment is at managing potential hazards in the production area.

Essential qualities to have

• Good communication skills; experience liaising with internal & external stakeholders.
• Able to show initiative and be adaptable to changing daily requirements.
• Experience with MO365, including Microsoft Excel.

Desirable qualities to have

• Barista trained, including one of SCA foundation, intermediate or professional.
• Experience in water quality testing and analysis, including knowledge of SCA cupping requirements.
• You have a solid understanding of coffee, including different varieties, origins, flavour profiles, and processing methods.
• Experience with Cropster roasting, coffee quality & inventory management software.
• Experience working in specialty coffee roasters.
• Fluent in Spanish or Portuguese.

Benefits

Salary

£24,000 FTE per annum.

Nature of contract and working pattern

Permanent and full-time. Origin Coffee supports flexible working options for the right candidate who can meet both the role and the needs of the business.

Holidays

34 days holiday, including bank holidays and your birthday off (pro-rata for part-time)

Pension

Employer (5%) and Employee (3%) pension contribution – employees can increase their contribution.

Mental Health and Physical First Aid Training

We provide our employees with a toolkit for preventing and addressing mental health crises in and out of work, providing genuine support, safety, and happiness in the workplace.

Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, IVF Journey Leave and Pay

We recognise the importance of family and provide enhanced pay to support all parents and their journey to becoming one.

Transitioning at Work Policy

We want everyone at Origin Coffee to feel comfortable being themselves at work. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and supporting our colleagues who identify as trans, and providing support through any transitioning process.

Financial Well-being Support

We have partnered with Wagestream, a financial well-being provider that offers financial coaching, money management, debt advice, and individually tailored advice.

Employee Assistant Programme

A comprehensive suite of support from our EAP Hospitality Action, including help with physical, mental, and financial wellness at work.

Menopause and Period Policy

We recognise the impact this can have in the workplace and provide a flexible and supportive way for employees affected, including making work and working time adjustments.

Continued Professional Development

We invest in all our employees by supporting personal development and encouraging you to broaden your experience and learning potential, led by you.

SCA Training

Everyone who works for Origin can embark on the SCA training programme. Depending on your learning readiness, you can dip your toe in or immerse yourself fully. It’s pretty addictive!

An Employee Referral Scheme

Once you join Origin, you’ll want to introduce like-minded people to us. When you do, they settle in and pass their probation, and you earn £200

Other

Two days per year off for volunteering, cycle to work scheme, free coffee at work and to take home, discounts in all our cafes and on our merchandise and partners. And, of course, regular social and team events serve exceptional food, drink, and fantastic coffee!

Hiring Process

Initial phone screening call (30 mins) Capabilities and culture-t interview onsite or remote depending on location and availability (1-1.5 hours)

Support

If you have a medical condition or an individual need for an adjustment to our process, and you believe this may affect your ability to be at your best, please let us know so we can talk about how we can best support you and make any adjustments that may be needed.