Job Summary
Equator Beans is a fast-growing UK-based ethical coffee importer and distributor. We specialise in direct-trade, traceable coffee sourced from Uganda through our partnership with NUCAFE, supplying cafés, retailers, and online customers across the UK.
Equator Beans is seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Director to lead our warehouse, logistics, and fulfilment functions. Based at our Peterlee facility, you will be responsible for ensuring that our premium Ugandan coffee products are received, stored, processed, and delivered to customers with efficiency, accuracy, and in full compliance with UK food safety standards.
This is a part-time leadership role (with potential to grow into a full-time position) that requires excellent organisational skills, strong operational knowledge, and the ability to build and manage lean teams as the business scales.
Key Responsibilities – Operations Director
As Operations Director at Equator Beans, you will be responsible for:
* Overseeing day-to-day warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, and order fulfilment.
* Managing stock levels, barcoding systems, and inventory accuracy.
* Ensuring all orders (Amazon, website, wholesale) are packed and dispatched correctly and on time.
* Supervising warehouse hygiene, pest control, UV disinfection, and environmental monitoring (humidity, temperature).
* Coordinating inbound shipments, customs clearance, and delivery from port to warehouse.
* Maintaining all operational documentation for compliance (HACCP, BRCGS, audits, certifications).
* Training, supervising, and supporting interns, fulfilment assistants, and future warehouse staff.
* Working closely with the Executive Director to implement SOPs and streamline operations.
* Reporting weekly on stock, logistics, and operational performance.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Proven experience in warehouse, fulfilment, or logistics operations (FMCG, food, or retail sector).
* Strong organisational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
* Working knowledge of inventory control, stock management systems, and barcoding tools.
* Understanding of UK health & safety and food hygiene standards.
* Ability to supervise small teams and train junior staff.
* Hands-on approach and willingness to work in a start-up/lean environment.
Desirable Skills & Experience:
* Experience in coffee, specialty foods, or import/export logistics.
* Familiarity with Amazon Seller Central, Shopify, or other e-commerce fulfilment systems.
* Forklift licence or experience handling warehouse equipment.
* Knowledge of HACCP or BRCGS food safety systems.
* Interest in ethical trade, sustainability, and supply chain transparency.
Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm
Contract length: 3 months
Pay: £29,415.22-£59,640.32 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Flexitime
* Free or subsidised travel
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Profit sharing
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Education:
* Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:
* warehouse, fulfilment, or logistics operations: 3 years (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
* 25% (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2UJ