Trainer (Chicago) Full Time NEW

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 5,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team. We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

Job Overview

The Training team at Lavazza North America plays a critical role in building coffee expertise, reinforcing brand standards, and supporting customer success across our foodservice and distributor partners. The team delivers immersive, hands-on education that elevates product knowledge, in-cup quality, and overall customer experience while strengthening long-term brand loyalty and commercial performance. Lavazza Trainers in North America will be supported to achieve and maintain Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Authorized Specialty Coffee Trainers (AST) certification -company sponsored

The Regional Trainer is responsible for planning and delivering technical, product, and experiential training for customers, partners, and internal teams. This role operates as a field-facing brand ambassador, supporting new account openings, equipment installations, and ongoing quality assurance through structured training and follow-up. The Trainer works closely with Sales, Operations, and Technical Services to ensure Lavazza standards are consistently executed and to identify opportunities to grow customer satisfaction and incremental revenue.

Work location: Chicago, IL

Work model: Remote – some weekend work required, flexible to maintain a 5-day workweek

Travel requirement: 50% minimum both nationally and some abroad (passport required)

Job Responsibilities

Training Delivery & Customer Education

• Deliver coffee, product, equipment, and quality standards training for customers, distributors, and internal teams to support new account openings and ongoing customer success.

Training Center & Operational Excellence

• Manage all Training Center operations, including equipment calibration and maintenance, inventory management, and training scheduling and facilitation.

Brand Ambassadorship & Standards

• Act as a Lavazza Brand Ambassador by consistently modeling brand values, reinforcing coffee culture, and ensuring adherence to Lavazza beverage and food recipe standards.

Cross-Functional & Partner Collaboration

• Coordinate with distributors, sales managers, third-party vendors, and internal partners to assess training needs, support equipment installations, and ensure customer readiness.

Sales Enablement & Revenue Growth

• Support sales initiatives by participating in promotions and driving incremental revenue through product introductions, upselling, and certification of in-cup quality.

Events, PR & External Engagement

• Represent Lavazza at trade shows, exhibitions, sponsored events, and PR activations by training staff and delivering brand-aligned customer experiences.

Account Support, Quality Assurance & Loyalty

• Provide ongoing account support through quality assurance visits and follow-up training to ensure customer satisfaction, consistency with brand standards, and long-term loyalty.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 3–5 years of experience in coffee training within the foodservice/hospitality industry with customer-facing operational roles
• Experience delivering group training or facilitation in a professional or customer-facing environment
• Working knowledge of coffee preparation methods, espresso equipment, and beverage service standards
• Ability to coordinate across sales, operations, and technical teams to support customer implementations
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills in front of small and large groups
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and results driven
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift up to 25 pounds

Benefits/Perks

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits
• 401K Package
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Ability to be barista certified
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans
• Employee Discounts
• Summer Friday’s (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend)
• Flexible business casual dress code – jean friendly!
• Free coffee, anytime!

Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.