We are hiring!
We are looking for a Sales & Customer Relationship Manager to join our team at Melbourne Coffee Merchants.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for specialty coffee, and be passionate about building relationships, delivering exceptional service, and contributing to a values-led business that puts quality, sustainability and transparency at the centre of everything it does.
This is a strategic and hands-on role that reports directly to the owner and founder, Fleur. The successful applicant will be joining a small and extremely motivated team, working collectively to source and build a market for great coffees from our dedicated and progressive producing partners.
The scope of this role is wide and varied. From building an intimate knowledge of the coffees we offer and developing a deep understanding of each customer’s needs, to evolving our sales strategy, hosting cuppings and events, and helping customers plan and manage their stock levels, this role requires someone who is happy to take a hands-on and active role within the business and thrives on variety. You will work closely with the entire MCM team and be connected to all parts of our supply chain, providing input into our green buying decisions and participating in our QC cuppings and feedback.
Communication is central to this role. It requires someone who loves people and who is caring, genuine and authentic. You need to be able juggle competing priorities, think on your feet when things don’t go to plan and be prepared to go the extra mile to ensure MCM’s customers are provided with exceptional service and quality and have the support and resources they need.
Key responsibilities in this role include:
- Cultivating strong relationships with new and existing roasting customers. Providing exceptional and proactive customer service, support and guidance.
- Developing and executing sales strategies that are aligned with our business objectives and values
- Managing the sales pipeline to ensure customer requests and needs are promptly met. Hosting customer cuppings and coordinating the distribution and follow up of samples.
- Collaborating with the sourcing and operations and logistics team to ensure seamless delivery of orders, effective stock management, and ensure account terms are met.
- Working closely with the sourcing team to develop our origin buying briefs and playing an integral role within the QC team in evaluating our coffees.
There is room for growth in this role, depending on the experience and interest of the successful candidate and on MCM’s evolving business needs. In addition to the core elements of this role, there will be the opportunity to grow to support other parts of the business including green buying.
Position requirements
- 4+ years of experience working in specialty coffee. A genuine passion for coffee and commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
- Professional experience in sales, and/or customer service. Proven track record of building strong and trusting relationships with customers.
- Skilled cupper, confident evaluating and scoring coffee.
- Green bean buying experience, and/or roasting experience also desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Mature, honest, authentic and direct.
- Strategic thinker, with a results-driven and solutions-focused mindset and positive disposition.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with a sharp eye for detail.
- Motivated. Works well independently and in a team.
- Computer savvy. Happy writing emails and working in a spreadsheet.
- Ability to travel domestically (and internationally) as required.
Location and Hours
This is a full-time position based at our office in Brunswick East, Victoria. There will be requirement for travel interstate in this role (6–8 times a year) and possibly overseas for purchasing trips (dependent on experience of candidate and business needs).
About Melbourne Coffee Merchants
At Melbourne Coffee Merchants, we are driven by a commitment to sourcing and sharing the finest specialty green coffee in a responsible, sustainable and respectful way. Our mission is to create lasting value for both our customers and the coffee producers that we work with, by championing equitable and ethical trade practices, prioritising quality and transparency and seeking to build long term, authentic and mutually beneficial relationships.
Ultimately, it’s the people and communities that we’re connected to, both locally and globally, that bring true meaning to what we do. We feel so lucky to be part of such a vibrant and passionate industry, and we want to contribute to it in the most positive way we can, building a stronger, more sustainable and more resilient future for speciality coffee.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resumé to jobs@melbournecoffeemerchants.com.au by Wednesday 5 February 2025.
Melbourne Coffee Merchants is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fairness, equity, diversity and inclusion in supporting people to be their whole selves at work. We strive to have a supportive, positive and flexible workplace where people can learn and flourish.
