Sr. Coffee Cupper

Job Summary

As Senior Coffee Cupper at Shiyi in Ethiopia, you will lead all sensory and quality assessments for Ethiopian green Arabica coffees destined for export. Operating fully within Ethiopia's dynamic coffee ecosystem, you will cup high volumes of washed and natural coffees from key origins, ensure compliance with local export standards (including ECX where relevant and direct trade specs), mentor local staff, and drive quality decisions that support Shiyi's commitment to sustainable, traceable Ethiopian coffee. This hands-on senior role is central to sourcing, purchasing, and exporting premium lots during intense harvest seasons.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead frequent cupping sessions (daily/weekly) for green and roasted samples from Ethiopian origins, strictly following SCA protocol and cupping form.
• Score and profile coffees accurately (fragrance, flavor, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, aftertaste, uniformity, defects), targeting specialty-grade (80+) and commercial export standards.
• Conduct physical inspections and grading of green coffee (screen size, primary/secondary defects, moisture, foreign matter) in line with Ethiopian export regulations and buyer requirements.
• Identify and classify origin-specific characteristics (e.g., bright washed Limu, fruity natural Kafa/Guji, floral Yirgacheffe/Sidamo) to guide buying from suppliers, cooperatives, and washing stations.
• Prepare comprehensive cupping reports, lot profiles, quality feedback, and traceability records for export documentation, contracts, and international buyers.
• Calibrate and train junior Ethiopian cuppers, quality assistants, and sourcing team members to ensure consistent sensory standards across the operation.
• Oversee sample roasting, grinding, and cupping setup in the Addis Ababa lab to maintain SCA protocol integrity under local conditions.
• Collaborate closely with Ethiopian sourcing, purchasing, warehouse, and logistics teams to align quality evaluations with seasonal buying campaigns and export timelines.
• Participate in origin travel (e.g., to Limu, Kafa, Guji, or Sidamo zones) for on-site supplier evaluations, farm visits, and pre-harvest/peak-season scouting.
• Contribute to quality enhancement projects, defect reduction strategies, and sustainable practices in Ethiopia's coffee value chain.
• Ensure full compliance with Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) rules, export licensing, and any applicable local/international standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience:
  • 5+ years of professional cupping and quality evaluation in Ethiopia's coffee sector, with 4–5+ years in a senior/lead role at an exporter, trader, union, or large washing station operation.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with Ethiopian Arabica varieties and processes (washed, natural, honey) from major regions.
• Certifications (strongly preferred):
  • Active Q Grader (Arabica) certification from CQI/SCA, with up-to-date calibration.
  • Additional SCA sensory, green grading, or roasting certifications are a plus.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Highly calibrated sensory skills for objective, repeatable evaluation in high-volume, time-sensitive Ethiopian harvest seasons.
  • Deep expertise in Ethiopian coffee terroirs, processing variations, common defects, and evolving market preferences.
  • Proficiency in SCA cupping methodology, Ethiopian physical grading standards, and export paperwork.
  • Strong leadership and training skills for mentoring local teams in a multicultural (Ethiopian-Chinese) environment.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, objectivity, and resilience during peak seasons with long hours and travel.
  • Fluency in English (for reporting and international communication) and Amharic (essential for daily operations, supplier interactions, and team management); additional local languages advantageous.

• Preferred Attributes:
  • Prior experience with direct exports from Ethiopia or familiarity with Asian buyer preferences.
  • Knowledge of ECX trading/grading systems and transition to direct trade models.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Ethiopia (road/air) for sourcing and quality checks.