Company History

Illy caffè was founded in Trieste in 1933; the company manufactures and markets a unique blend of 100% Arabica espresso coffee and is the leading brand in top quality coffee. Almost 7 million cups of Illy coffee are consumed daily throughout the world. Illy coffee is sold in more than 140 countries and is served in over 100,000 of the world’s finest restaurants and cafés. We have over 230 Illy Caffes and Retail shops in 43 Countries.

The company also set up and runs the Coffee University with a view to fostering and spreading the culture of coffee; this centre of excellence provides comprehensive academic and hands-on training for coffee growers, baristas and fans covering every aspect of the product. The company has approximately 1,177 people on its global payroll, and in 2015 posted consolidated revenues of above €450 million.

Illy purchases green coffee beans directly from growers of the highest quality Arabica, based on partnerships underpinned by the principles of sustainable development. Illy encourages long-term partnerships with the world’s best growers in Brazil, Central America, India and Africa, sharing know-how and technology alongside paying premium for the best coffee beans to our growers.

Job Role:

• Manage the food and beverage product range for Illy APAC including sourcing, development, commercial profitability, merchandising and display for Franchise and JVs
• To lead the development of a Food and Drink that is locally relevant, consumer led and is aligned with the Illy International Food Strategy (where relevant), Marketing plan and Corporate goals
• Utilize the increasing purchasing power of the store growth to optimize the food supply base
• To drive forward a step-change in food quality, in the APAC market by selecting and training suppliers and staff
• Establish a long term understanding of Illy food quality standards in the local Product and Store Managers
• Result – establish Illy as the benchmark for food quality in APAC

o   Drives food capture rates & improves L4L sales

o   Improves consumer approval ratings for food and beverages

o   Operates within International Food Standards,

Is aligned to the overall Illy food strategy, and provides Illy with competitive edge in its market

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in food or beverage New Product Development at middle management level or above.
• Operational experience or procurement or food technical experience at middle management level or above.
• Budget responsibility.
• Previous roles need to be able to demonstrate responsibility for leading development projects for either food or beverage ranges or individual food or beverage products.
• Previous roles should have included responsibility for assessing competitive market and having had involvement in producing annual NPD plans.
• College HND/University degree gained in related subject e.g. Nutrition, Catering/ Business Management or Food Science.

Skills

• Results oriented.
• Customer Focused
• Able to transfer best practice, both from and to franchise businesses
• Ability to coach positively and influence both peers and franchise operational managers
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Strong influencing skills, and the ability to build positive arguments.
• Analytical ability, sales analysis translating to product changes
• Presentation skills

Qualities

• Passionate about Food and beverage
• Energetic and Engaging
• An eye for detail

• Practical – hands on style and approach

• Creative and Inquisitive
• Credible, Articulate and well presented – must have gravitas, will be an ambassador for the brand
• Resilient
• Proactive and Self-managed
• Culturally aware
• Good team player and also able to work on own initiative
• Understands the value of good business processes and able to contribute to building them

Other

• Based in Hong Kong
• Willing to travel in Asia