For Nomad Coffee Group, success isn’t just about perfecting a blend – it’s also about putting its people first.
At Nomad Coffee Group, every cup of coffee brewed tells a story of dedication, innovation, and connection. But it’s the stories of the people behind the beans that make the company stand out among the crowd. For Nomad, success isn’t just about crafting award-winning roasts: it’s also about creating a workplace where individuals can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
The team knows how to roast an award-winning blend and craft a fan-favourite single origin. But for this collective of people and brands, success begins from within. Nomad believes great coffee can make a difference in the everyday, and its family of brands – Veneziano Coffee Roasters, Coffee Hit, Black Bag Roasters, and Flight Coffee – reflects this shared purpose. Together, they’re united by a commitment to exceptional coffee and the people who make it possible.
This people-first philosophy recently earned Nomad Coffee Group the globally recognised Great Place to Work Certification – said to be the gold standard for workplace culture. It is based on anonymous employee feedback and an evaluation of trust, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.
“For us, it’s not just a badge,” says Amie Jacobson, Human Resources Director. “It’s proof that we’ve created a space where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. It shows that we’re not just talking about being a great workplace, we’re living it.”
Nomad’s culture is built on nurturing long-term careers, with many employees beginning in roles such as roasting, customer service, or barista positions. Over time, team members have grown into leadership roles such as Head of Procurement, Customer Experience Manager, Demand Planner, and Finance Manager.
“Seeing people grow and succeed here is the most rewarding part of my role,” says Amie.
“Some employees have become well-known names in the industry, while others have returned after pursuing opportunities elsewhere. That loyalty and continuity show we’re doing something right.”
At Nomad, Amie says leadership is all about collaboration, empowerment, and rolling up your sleeves. Leaders are frequently seen stepping in to support the team when needed – whether it’s Founder Rocky Veneziano carrying plates at a café or other leaders joining the packing line during busy periods.
“Our leaders genuinely care, showing through their actions that every team member matters,” says Amie.
‘They’re not afraid to step in to support our teams and they do so on a regular basis. This ethos creates a supportive culture, and we often see people lending a hand to other teams.”
She adds that employee feedback isn’t just encouraged at Nomad, it’s a driving force behind the company’s continuous improvement.
Regular engagement surveys and an open-door policy ensure every voice is heard, with leaders held accountable for acting on feedback.
“There’s a deep belief here that the best ideas often come from those closest to the action, which are the people on the ground, doing the job,” says Amie.
“Our leaders are always open to a coffee chat with any employee, regardless of their role.”
This approach is complemented by Nomad’s focus on wellbeing.
From hybrid work options, wellness workshops, and mental health resources to superannuation education sessions and flexibility when it comes to annual leave, the company is constantly looking to evolve its workplace culture.
“We also run initiatives like community-volunteering events, mindfulness programs, and even simple things like encouraging people to actually take their leave and purchasing additional leave throughout the year to take that six-week European holiday if they like, and longer leave if they wish to do so,” she says.
“We’re constantly evolving our workplace culture to support our people, both at work and in life. We prioritise wellbeing in every sense.”
Amie says the Great Place to Work Certification puts an official stamp on what Nomad’s people already express through their words and actions: that Nomad is a great place to work.
“It’s a place where multifaceted careers are built, people thrive, and leaders demonstrate genuine care for their teams,” she says.
As Nomad Coffee Group grows, its focus remains on preserving the close-knit culture and core values that have defined its success.
“At Nomad, we’re building more than a workplace,” says Amie.
“We’re creating a legacy of care, innovation, and connection that fuels not just our coffee but also our people.”
This article appears in the February/March 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
