Guest Experience and Vendor Relations Manager

With offices located in the beautiful downtown area of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is one of the top ten food and wine events in the United States. We are currently accepting applications for an energetic and organized Guest Experience and Vendor Relations Manager who will report directly to our Executive Director. This position will also collaborate with a dedicated Board of Directors, our Marketing Manager, and Production Team. Our primary annual event attracts over 4,500 guests and showcases top international wineries, local and guest chefs, breweries, vendors, sponsors, and the vibrant Santa Fe restaurant scene. In addition to positively impacting the local economy, the organization supports culinary, wine, and service-related education.

We are seeking a hospitality-focused Guest Experience and Vendor Relations Manager to organize and coordinate the many different types of Fiesta participants. Your role will be essential in creating and maintaining a pleasant and efficient work environment, ensuring high levels of organizational effectiveness, communication, and hospitality. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team delivering one of the nation's top culinary and wine events.

Responsibilities:

Registration and Data Management

· Track winery registration and data.

· Manage restaurant registration and data.

· Oversee advertising and sponsorship registration.

· Manage hotel sponsorship registration and coordination.

· Ensure compliance and execution of all restaurant and winery permitting and vendor/business licensing.

Guest and Vendor Services

· Handle guest inquiries and communications.

· Manage vendor inquiries and follow-ups.

· Create participant itineraries and coordinate communication.

Administrative and Event Coordination

· Oversee ticketing processes and systems.

· Maintain meeting minutes for board and committee meetings.

· Schedule meetings and appointments.

· Manage email communications and phone inquiries.

· Maintain and organize file systems and vendor paperwork.

· Utilize online file management tools, including Dropbox, Basecamp, and other software programs.

Website and Digital Tools

· Update and maintain the event website.

· Familiarity with project management software and digital tools for seamless operations.

Skills and Qualifications:

· Proven experience in hospitality, guest, and vendor relations.

· Proficiency in MS Office (MS Excel, MS Outlook) and familiarity with tools like G-Suite, Basecamp, Dropbox, and Zoom.

· Knowledge of CRM or event management tools is a plus.

· Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.

· Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

· Strong organizational and planning capabilities.

· Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to proactively identify and suggest process improvements.

· Demonstrated success in being a team player and fostering collaboration.

· Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs., with occasional heavier lifting required.

Compensation and Benefits This position is in-person in our downtown office and offers a competitive salary, paid time off, health insurance, and bonus eligibility. We are a food- and wine-focused event rooted in the hospitality industry and the local restaurant community. Those with backgrounds in events, restaurants, hotels, or the wine industry are strongly encouraged to apply.

Join our team and be part of an organization that celebrates culinary excellence, community, and the art of hospitality.