Partnership & Operations Manager (Italy)

Join the Herbal Cacao Family

We are expanding to Italy — and we’re looking for a passionate, entrepreneurial Partnership & Operations Manager to help us plant roots. If you have a deep love for ceremonial cacao, natural wellness, and heart-led connection, and are excited to support the growth of a sacred movement in Italy, we invite you to be part of our mission.

Herbal Cacao is a Dutch-based ceremonial cacao brand created in co-creation with Indigenous Maya communities. We combine ancient traditions with modern wellness practices, offering powerful herbal cacao blends to inspire self-love, daily ritual, and holistic health.

🌎 About the Role

As Partnership & Operations Manager (Italy), you will play a key role in our European expansion. Your main responsibility will be to identify and establish strong B2B relationships with aligned retailers, wellness studios, holistic practitioners, and hospitality partners across Italy. You will also support the initial groundwork for our operations setup in the country, helping to build a smooth and sustainable local presence.

This is a flexible freelance position with the opportunity to evolve into a long-term contract role as our Italian operations grow.

🔥 Key Responsibilities

• Develop New Partnerships: Proactively research, contact, and onboard aligned stockists, retailers, facilitators, and wellness spaces that resonate with the Herbal Cacao mission
• Support Local Operations Setup: Assist in organizing logistics and operations for our Italian presence — from identifying potential fulfillment options to advising on local processes.
• Act as Brand Ambassador: Represent Herbal Cacao with authenticity and integrity in Italy, nurturing relationships that go beyond business — rooted in shared values and mutual growth.
• Collaborate with HQ Team: Work closely with our Dutch team, who will continue to handle customer service, marketing, and other key operations. Your focus will be on partnership-building and local groundwork
• Share Market Insights: Provide feedback and insights into the Italian market to support tailored offerings and deeper cultural connection.

🌟 What We’re Looking For

• Fluency in Italian & English (spoken and written)
• Based in Italy with a strong understanding of the local wellness and conscious business landscape
• Previous experience in B2B sales, partnership development, or brand expansion
• Entrepreneurial mindset: self-starter, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity
• Passion for sacred plant medicines, ceremonial cacao, holistic health, or Indigenous wisdom
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Comfortable working remotely and independently while staying connected to our core team
• Availability 2-3 times a week, including mandatory Monday team meetings
• Driver’s license and access to a car — essential for meeting partners in person and exploring local opportunities

🌱 What We Offer

• A purpose-driven role in a heart-led, growing company
• The opportunity to be a foundational part of our Italian expansion
• Flexible, part-time hours (approx. 15 hours/week to start)
• Free access to our Community platform & sacred cacao teachings
• Collaboration with a small, values-aligned team
• Potential to grow into a long-term role with more responsibilities

Start: As soon as the right soul is found

Contract: Freelance with potential for long-term agreement

Location: Remote (must be based in Italy)

🤍 How to Apply

Does this sound like your calling? Are you ready to walk with us in sharing sacred cacao with Italy?

Please send your CV and a short motivational letter (or video) telling us:

• Why this role speaks to your heart
• What experience you bring to the table
• How you envision supporting our Italian journey

Send your application to: sharon@herbalcacao.com | Subject: Application – Partnership & Operations Italy