Alexander Gigas
Berkeley,CA
Summary
Dynamic coffee industry professional with extensive experience in specialty and commercial coffee processes, products, and supply chain management. Adept at leveraging deep industry knowledge and insights with the ability to adapt to changing business landscapes while engaging team strengths to drive effective, forward-thinking mission goals. Committed to a culture of transparency, integrity, and efficiency, with a proven track record of leading diverse teams to secure and produce the highest quality products for stakeholders.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Leader of Coffee Quality Assurance and R&D
Allegro Coffee
10.2021 - 03.2025
- Led daily sensory analysis cupping sessions in partnership and advisory role with purchasing and quality teams; observing SCA/GCA standards and logged data for approximately 100 samples per week.
- Responsible for creating materials and overseeing education of internal teams and external partners in coffee & tea. Totaling over 120 hours annually.
- Collaborated with Category Merchant Teams (internal/external sales) to conduct sales presentations and close sales
- Advise and partner with purchasing teams to request offers from supply chain partners concerning future contracts, spot offers/needs based on forecast models by daily adjustments.
- Council purchasing teams on flavor profile and quality standards as it pertains to blend management for consistent finished goods of over 50 varying products.
- Improved product quality by implementing rigorous testing protocols and identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with suppliers to improve material quality, reducing defects and increasing product reliability.
- Led cross-functional teams in the development and execution of quality assurance processes, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
- Championed a proactive approach to risk management within the organization, mitigating potential issues before they impacted product quality or safety.
- Facilitated effective communication between departments regarding quality concerns, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
- Trained staff on quality control procedures and tools, fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Championed the adoption of a customer-centric approach to quality management, ensuring that feedback was actively sought and incorporated into product improvements.
- Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into existing workflows as part of an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
- Streamlined documentation processes for increased accuracy and efficiency in record-keeping systems.
- Managed and archived quality documentation and participated in internal and external quality audits.
Sourcing & Logistics Specialist
Allegro Coffee - Whole Foods Market
07.2018 - 10.2021
- Collaborated with producer / importer partners to develop and manage key performance indicators and quality assurance processes.
- Cultivated relationships with strategic supply chain partners to attain maximum cost efficiency and leverage industry for continuous improvement.
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate product, service, relationship success and opportunities with solution based approach.
- Supported regional buyers with plan execution, communicated performance of supply chain and raw material quality to drive operational objectives, manage inventory and project planning needs.
- Orchestrated team efforts for raw materials movement, storage, quality assessment and data collection.
- Oversaw every phase of supply chain, from purchase order to delivery to invoicing, targeting 100% support of production facility needs.
- Handled high-volume paperwork and collaborated with administrators to resolve invoicing and shipping problems.
Roastmaster
Allegro Coffee Roasters, Pearl
10.2016 - 08.2018
- Managed green coffee and production material needs, build/execute production goals, control critical document & filing systems concerning CCOF, financial tracking, and POs
- Efficient & timely communication of information for best business efficiencies and support of production needs.
Associate Seafood Team Leader
Whole Foods Market, Seafood
06.2014 - 10.2016
- Led and managed team of 13 team members of the highest performing seafood department of Whole Foods Market
- Raised an average comparison of 4% in total yearly sales for 3 consecutive years
- Consistently increased gross monthly sales of department $70k across the winter holiday season with focus on specialty products.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Partnered with Leadership to identify and capitalize on sales trends and brand initiatives.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly through feedback sessions which led to improved job satisfaction and overall team success.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes and task delegation.
Seafood Specialist / Buyer
Whole Food Market
06.2012 - 06.2014
- Managed purchases, transfers, open to buy purchasing ratio, product rotation and reduced spoilage by 5.25%
- Developed educational materials and training programs to create environment that encourages growth and strength of department and TMs
- Handled product/supply orders, managed spoilage, met margin goals, and supported leadership in accurate inventory execution
- Reduced waste significantly by implementing strict inventory management procedures and accurately forecasting product demand.
- Actively participated in industry events and conferences, staying up-to-date on market trends and emerging consumer preferences within the seafood sector.
Associate Field Marketing Manager & Crew Captain
Clif Bar & Company, Colorado
05.2008 - 07.2012
- Interacted directly with target consumers to better understand, gain feedback, grow brand awareness and loyalty through digital and hardcopy media.
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Capitalized on industry and marketplace trends to strategize marketing solutions and enhance business operations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Public Speaking
University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, COSkills
- Certified / actively licensed CQI Arabica Q Grader
- GCA & SCA Green Coffee Professional
- SCA Sensory Skills Professional
- Specialty Tea Institute Levels 1 -4 Certified Professional
- Stone X Financial School of Futures
- Excels in client relationship management
- Critical thinking & self motivated
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a passion in public speaking and education
Timeline
Leader of Coffee Quality Assurance and R&D
Allegro Coffee
10.2021 - 03.2025
Sourcing & Logistics Specialist
Allegro Coffee - Whole Foods Market
07.2018 - 10.2021
Roastmaster
Allegro Coffee Roasters, Pearl
10.2016 - 08.2018
Associate Seafood Team Leader
Whole Foods Market, Seafood
06.2014 - 10.2016
Seafood Specialist / Buyer
Whole Food Market
06.2012 - 06.2014
Associate Field Marketing Manager & Crew Captain
Clif Bar & Company, Colorado
05.2008 - 07.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Public Speaking
University Of Northern Colorado
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