senior quality analyst, Global Coffee and Tea

Starbucks Coffee Company•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Now Brewing - Senior Coffee Quality Analyst! #tobeapartner From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others. This Senior Coffee Quality Analyst role supports Starbucks success by facilitating day to day operations for roasted coffee quality. This includes planning & conducting sensory evaluations, gathering & formatting data to support issue resolution, and providing detailed sensory & analytical results for ongoing accountability to Starbucks Quality standards. As a Senior Coffee Quality Analyst, you will Create, own, and maintain periodic sensory schedule for internal and external roasting plants, documented quality SOPs for use internally and externally, and roasted coffee sensory ballots and corresponding roasted coffee attributes. Lead day to day sensory evaluations and physical attribute testing in support of periodic quality management. Build and sustain a network of qualified sensory panelists, providing training and calibration as needed. Take ownership of complex quality projects and shelf-life studies, overseeing all stages of implementation, resource allocation, and risk mitigation to deliver measurable results on time and within budget. Drive innovation in quality methodologies and techniques to optimize processes and outcomes. Mentor junior team members, provide guidance on complex quality issues, and foster a culture of excellence. Take a leadership role in ensuring that quality improvement initiatives are aligned with broader organizational goals and strategies. Work closely with cross-functional global teams to prioritize key quality-related responsibilities and allocate resources effectively. Lead decision-making processes for complex quality improvement projects, considering input from various stakeholders and external vendors. Proactively and self-directedly use data and metrics to drive improvement. Gathers and reports data from sensory and physical evaluations to track and manage performance. Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the quality department, actively seeking ways to enhance processes, optimize resource allocation, and enable scalability. Encourage team members to identify and implement innovative solutions to improve quality outcomes.

Requirements

A high school diploma/GED, U.S. military service, or equivalent (bachelor's degree in food science, sensory science, engineering, or related field preferred)
5+ years of experience in food science, quality, or a related field
5+ years in the coffee industry
3+ years conducting sensory evaluations and reporting quality metrics
Proven ability to manage projects independently, define, document, and execute multiple tasks
Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with data gathering, analysis, and visualization tools (PowerBI, Tableau, SmartSheet)
Skilled in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications
Familiarity with food safety standards (FDA, GFSI) and certification schemes (BRC, SQF)
Knowledge of statistical analysis and quality methodologies (SPC, Six Sigma)
Hands-on experience in laboratory testing, sample preparation, and test method validation
A passion for coffee quality and sensory evaluation

Nice To Haves

Q Arabica Grader certification and/or advanced coffee sensory skills

Responsibilities

Create, own, and maintain periodic sensory schedule for internal and external roasting plants, documented quality SOPs for use internally and externally, and roasted coffee sensory ballots and corresponding roasted coffee attributes.
Lead day to day sensory evaluations and physical attribute testing in support of periodic quality management.
Build and sustain a network of qualified sensory panelists, providing training and calibration as needed.
Take ownership of complex quality projects and shelf-life studies, overseeing all stages of implementation, resource allocation, and risk mitigation to deliver measurable results on time and within budget.
Drive innovation in quality methodologies and techniques to optimize processes and outcomes.
Mentor junior team members, provide guidance on complex quality issues, and foster a culture of excellence.
Take a leadership role in ensuring that quality improvement initiatives are aligned with broader organizational goals and strategies.
Work closely with cross-functional global teams to prioritize key quality-related responsibilities and allocate resources effectively.
Lead decision-making processes for complex quality improvement projects, considering input from various stakeholders and external vendors.
Proactively and self-directedly use data and metrics to drive improvement.
Gathers and reports data from sensory and physical evaluations to track and manage performance.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the quality department, actively seeking ways to enhance processes, optimize resource allocation, and enable scalability.
Encourage team members to identify and implement innovative solutions to improve quality outcomes.

Benefits

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year.
Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k)-retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P. ), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools.
Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities.
You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement.
Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies.
This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative.
For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above.
For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.