Director of Operations and Logistics

Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, Bellwether Coffee is a venture-backed, high-growth tech company working hard—alongside other game-changers—to positively transform the coffee industry, making it more accessible and sustainable for our planet and our communities. We’re a diverse team of coffee industry veterans, entrepreneurs, engineers, technicians, human-centered designers, and people-focused rule-breakers who have a passion for making the “impossible” a reality.

What we do

Our revolutionary electric, ventless, zero-emissions commercial coffee roaster uses clean technology and does not require gas lines or expensive ventilation. It’s the most consistent and controllable roaster available, the lowest carbon footprint commercial roaster ever made, and was designed by coffee people who want a better future for coffee roasting. Our roasting platform allows Bellwether customers to easily and responsibly source green coffee from incredible coffee farms around the world, expertly roast using artisan-crafted roast profiles (or create their own), and share fresh, delicious coffee just the way their customers like it.

About you

You are a crucial member of the team. You’re an integrity-driven person who enjoys solving problems, rapidly adapts to change, and thoughtfully shares your progress and ideas with the team. You have a sense of urgency with everything you do without compromising quality and detail. You’re naturally empathetic and deeply committed to the equitable treatment of all people everywhere. 

Jobs Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on leader who is motivated by the opportunity to shape and lead our nascent operations function. Reporting to the CFO, the Director of Operations and Logistics is responsible for parts procurement and management, shipping/receiving, and warehousing/logistics related to both our green coffee and roaster inventory. They will optimize our 3PL network to minimize costs and enhance customer experience. In addition, they will partner closely with our R&D, Manufacturing, Coffee, Technical Services, Customer Experience, and Finance teams to streamline processes and clarify roles and responsibilities. Our ideal candidate has demonstrated strong analytical and quantitative skills, a strong collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset, and the track record of building sustainable processes and systems. We expect this role’s scope and oversight to expand over time in concert with business needs, so we are seeking an entrepreneurial, curious leader who is motivated by challenge and rapid growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement, Logistics, and Distribution

• Provide process leadership and oversight over the procuring, shipping, and inventory management of roaster components in support of R&D and Technical Services efforts. 
• Support Coffee team in optimizing warehousing, packaging, order-processing, and shipping green coffee in the face of growing assortment and customer needs.
• Oversee logistics of transporting finished roasters from manufacturing sites to warehouses to customer locations.
• Scope, prioritize, and pursue procurement-savings opportunities across the company’s supply chain. Partner with Director of Accounting on vendor management initiatives.
• Negotiate contracts with 3PLs, freight forwarders, and other external partners to meet the highest service levels at the lowest possible cost. Hold vendors accountable to SLAs and resolve issues in a timely and systematic manner.
• Oversee import/export flows, customs requirements, associated compliance, and broker relationships.
• Establish, communicate, and maintain SLAs across operations: speed, accuracy, processing time, and compliance. Provide regular reporting on KPIs.
• Partner with Coffee, Manufacturing, and Finance in improving the company’s demand planning capabilities.

People, Process & Systems Leadership

• Manage and inspire a team of two (procurement specialist and shipping/receiving clerk). Serve as a role-model business partner to teams across the organization.
• Proactively communicate operational changes and limitations to business partners.
• Ensure receipts and inventory movements are recorded in ERP accurately and timely.
• Continually identify opportunities to streamline and scale our operations. Using data and strategic thinking, influence colleagues and leadership to allocate resources to realize these opportunities.
• Serve as a process leader and drive role clarity as the business grows in size and complexity.
• Partner with Strategy and Finance on supply-chain transformation initiatives.
• Partner with Product and Software Engineering on systems solutions that streamline operations and/or improve customer experience.

Required qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, logistics, and procurement roles preferably with expertise managing 3PLs.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and data management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Experience using an ERP and participating in systems implementations.
• Clear communication skills, effective for all levels of the organization.
• Track record of process and systems improvements.
• Possesses systems savvy and ability to make make-versus-buy decisions. 
• Deep knowledge of customs practices, incoterms, and transport modes (intermodal, vessel, air, truck).
• Excellent problem solver.
• Strong people management and cross-functional partnership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant industry experience (coffee or Internet-connected equipment).
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, business, or related field.
• Netsuite experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, veteran status, or any other class protected by local, state or federal law.