Los Angeles, California, United States
With more than a decade of experience in Speciality Coffee, Ian Levine has a wide range of skills and experience in Operations, Retail, Wholesale, and Marketing, which enable him to successfully lead people and processes.
Oversee Production (Scheduling & Planning), Supply Chain & Inventory Management, Warehousing, and Shipping & Receiving. Key Successes: - Managed Warehouse reorganization project, improving product visibility, reducing picking & receiving times, and increasing inventory accuracy. - Developed & launched Coffee Kombucha project, which included product development & formulation, designing production line, and facilitating multi-channel distribution.
In my role as Operations Project Manager, I have worked across departments to build and implement systems with the goals of improving efficiency, and driving revenue. Though the job title emphasizes Operations, this position has evolved to include ongoing work in Marketing and Retail as well. While some ongoing upkeep has been required, success in this position is best characterized by projects that have been completed. Key Successes Marketing -Managed the build and launch of the new Equator website. -Managed the build and launch of the Finca Sophia brand, as well as the creation and release of it's first product line. -Manage the build of Equator branded tea line. -Built the framework for our Events department, which all event planning, pricing, and execution have followed. -Increase Equator mailing list subscribers by 33% Operations -Managed the migration to our current eCommerce platform, which is now used to take & process orders, schedule production, and direct fulfillment. (Prior to this platform, all orders were handwritten and distributed via triplicate paper. -Managed migration from Yahoo email services to Google Apps. -Developed relationship with our Cold Brew manufacturing & distribution partner, Joyride Coffee Distributors. Retail -Implemented Revel POS across all Retail locations, as well as created protocols for inventory management and product creation. -Worked with the Director of Retail to manage the buildout of two cafes.
Along with excellent product, providing outstanding customer service is key to keeping accounts happy. My position consists of actively engaging with existing accounts to fulfill any Verve/coffee related needs they may have. I maintain professional and friendly relationships with all of my accounts, who can rely on me to provide great service. Responsibilities include: -Start-up and on-going trainings -Regular communication with customers via phone calls, emails, and visits -Receiving and placing orders -Event coordination and execution -General troubleshooting -Hosting regular cuppings for our LA Business Development team, accounts and prospects. -Scheduling maintenance through a third-party technician -Performing light maintenance -Verve facility and equipment maintenance -Light sales under Business Development Manager -Facilitating growth in existing accounts
I moved to Santa Cruz to pursue a career at Verve Coffee Roasters. I began as a register-operator, and quickly moved up to a barista position. I worked bar for 2 years, during which I competed for Verve at the 2011 Western Regional Barista Competition, and the 2011 United States Barista Championship (earning 7th and 8th place, respectively). In this time, I also began the our company's Public Cupping Program (which included writing a public cupping protocol), and organized/oversaw an alleyway Side Bar which operated out of the company's first Roastery. I made a transition into the Roasting Department where I began as a Sample Roaster and Cupping Lab Assistant. I collaborated on, and eventually oversaw writing copy for new coffees to be used as both marketing and educational material. Within a year, I became one of the primary Production Roasters; a position I continue to fulfill today. Responsibilities Include: Roasting coffee QA cupping Checking and processing orders Maintaining an organized warehouse Maintaining a clean environment Roasting Experience: Probat L12 Probat UG15 Probat G45 Probat Probatino Two-Barrel Sample Roaster San Franciscan 1 Kilo Roaster Cropster