Position Title: Trade advocacy – ITALSPIRITS
Location: UK Based, London
The ITALSPIRITS Trade Advocacy role is pivotal in driving brand growth by establishing market presence and engaging with key industry leaders. As an advocate, you will elevate our brands by increasing awareness, leading educational initiatives, forging partnerships with industry influencers and emerging talent, and leveraging your network to build loyalty and drive conversion across the on- and off-trade sectors.
Working alongside the On-Trade Director and cross-functional teams, and in close collaboration with key markets, you will help shape and execute the brand vision across a designated geography. With a solid understanding of bar business operations, you will bring credibility and provide actionable coaching on success strategies in your region.
* Audience: Trade gatekeepers including on- and off-premise accounts, distributors, and ABV field teams
* Channels: Independent on-premise accounts, national on-premise chains, off-premise chains, trade groups, and trade events
Field Program Execution
* Deliver KPIs focused on awareness, loyalty, and conversion across targeted channels. KPIs include trade education, events, group engagement, and distributor collaboration
* Implement omni-channel programming aligned with brand and divisional priorities, as directed by the On-Trade Director
* Collaborate with division leads to develop account lists in focus markets (guided by management framework)
* Build and maintain strong relationships with local distributors and advocacy teams; present brand initiatives and trainings at relevant sales meetings
* Maintain commercial awareness. While this role is not directly KPI’d on NNS growth, understanding opportunities in designated accounts is essential
* Educate partners on cocktail strategy to support brand messaging, enhance quality, and increase velocity
* Collaborate with Sales teams and key influencers in your region
Trade Advocacy, Education & Events
* Act as a leader within the local trade community; build consistent relationships with local trade groups and thought leaders
* Proactively organize and host innovative trade programming that educates, samples, and builds affinity for our brands
* Serve as host or keynote speaker at high-profile trade events
* Conduct account visits regularly
* Execute portfolio trainings, guest shifts, and bar tours in coordination with local sales teams to drive visibility, quality, and availability in key accounts
Administrative Responsibilities
* Track and report on KPIs
* Manage expense reporting and stay within budget set by management
* Submit monthly program recaps and competitive insights reports
Other Duties
* Attend regular meetings with the management team to share insights and inform programming
* Assist with drink strategy when needed
* Maintain a strong social media presence and contribute to digital amplification, content creation, and programming execution
* Plan, execute, and manage trade shows, events, and special projects—ensuring documentation and best practice sharing
Key Points of Contact
* On-Trade Director, Brand Ambassadors, and Marketing Team
* Account Sales Representatives (via local distributors)
* Chain Sales Representatives (via local distributors)
* Trade Groups in focus markets
Qualifications
* Minimum 2–4 years’ experience in spirits and/or trade marketing within the EU market
* Strong knowledge of spirits, including production and category insights
* Proven hospitality experience with a talent for creating memorable guest experiences
* Well-established trade network in the spirits industry
* Active and thoughtful social media presence with a good grasp of content engagement
* Ability to travel up to 50%
* Excellent self-organization and time management skills
Desired Characteristics
* Strong communicator with the ability to present ideas persuasively and build consensus
* Financially astute with experience in budgeting and expense tracking
* Team player with the ability to work collaboratively across departments, personalities, and markets to ensure program consistency