Global Head of Trade Advocacy

Overview

ILLVA SARONNO HOLDING is the parent company of a dynamic group operating across multiple sectors such as alcoholic beverages, wines, ice cream, baked goods, and food flavourings. We seek a Global Head of Trade Advocacy to serve as the face and voice of our portfolio in the international bartending and hospitality community. Under the supervision of the Global Marketing Excellence Director, the role is pivotal in inspiring, educating, and engaging top industry professionals to build long‑term brand loyalty across key markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global trade advocacy strategy aligned with brand and business objectives.
• Develop and nurture long‑term relationships with key trade influencers, bartenders, and opinion leaders, creating a strong international community of brand advocates.
• Design and deliver educational programs, masterclasses, and workshops to elevate brand knowledge and mixology skills, together with local teams of ambassadors.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with trade media, industry associations, and top‑tier venues.
• Act as a global spokesperson for the portfolio, ensuring consistent messaging and correct positioning.
• Define KPIs for advocacy programs and track performance against objectives.

Qualifications & Skills

• 5‑7 years’ experience in trade advocacy, brand ambassador programs, or on‑trade marketing within the spirits industry.
• Ability to run tastings; WSET education is a plus.
• Strong network within the global bartending and hospitality community.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both spoken and written; ability to inspire and educate.
• Strategic mindset with hands‑on execution capability.
• Fluent in English; Italian is a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally – about 60 % of the time.

What We Offer

• Permanent contract.
• Benefits: meal vouchers, access to training platforms, and other benefits.
• Opportunity to shape the global trade advocacy strategy for a portfolio of iconic brands.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with a strong focus on innovation and creativity.
• Wide team of local ambassadors to work within the main mixology markets.