Market Vendor Manager

**Position**: Market Vendor Manager
**Location**: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
**Employment Type**: Full-time
**Reports to**: Hospitality Director

**Overview**:
The Vendor Manager at Lourensford Market plays a pivotal role in curating, managing, and supporting a diverse range of vendors to ensure a vibrant, high-quality market experience. This role requires strong relationship management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle the day-to-day logistics of vendor operations in alignment with the market’s brand and customer experience.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Vendor Selection & Onboarding**:

- Curate and recruit vendors that align with the market’s vision, focusing on quality, diversity, and sustainability.
- Guide new vendors through onboarding, including stall setup, health and safety regulations, and operating procedures.

**Vendor Relations**:

- Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendors, addressing questions, concerns, and requests in a timely and professional manner.
- Foster positive relationships with vendors to ensure satisfaction and collaboration.
- Conduct regular check-ins with vendors to maintain high-quality offerings and address any performance issues.

**Market Operations**:

- Coordinate vendor stall layouts, ensuring optimal flow and a visually appealing market space.
- Oversee vendor setup and breakdown on market days, ensuring that all vendors are compliant with safety and cleanliness standards.
- Handle any operational issues that arise during market hours, resolving them quickly and effectively.
- Assist with conceptualising themed market events and First Friday events.
- Assist with managing other event bookings in the market space.

**Compliance & Documentation**:

- Ensure that all vendors adhere to market rules and regulations, including health, safety, and licensing requirements.
- Maintain up-to-date vendor agreements, insurance certificates, and permits.
- Draw up invoices, manage payments and load all relevant bills on accounting platform.
- Conduct regular audits of vendor compliance and performance.

**Vendor Marketing & Promotion**:

- Collaborate with the marketing team to promote vendors through social media, newsletters, and other market communications.
- Assist in organising vendor spotlights, seasonal promotions, and special events to attract customers and enhance the market experience.

**Market Growth & Innovation**:

- Continuously seek out new vendor opportunities, trends, and experiences to enhance the market’s offerings.
- Provide feedback and suggestions to improve vendor operations and market efficiency.

**Qualifications**:

- Diploma or similar in Hospitality.
- At least 2-3 years experience in vendor management, market operations, or a similar role in events, retail, or hospitality.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Passion for local products, sustainability, and supporting small businesses.

**Skills & Competencies**:

- **Problem-Solving**: Quick and resourceful in resolving vendor issues or operational challenges.
- **Leadership**: Able to guide and support vendors, ensuring smooth operations.
- **Attention to Detail**: Strong focus on ensuring vendor compliance and market presentation.
- **Adaptability**: Able to manage shifting market dynamics, vendor needs, and customer expectations.

**Why Join Us?**

Lourensford Market offers a dynamic environment set in one of the most beautiful estates in South Africa. As the Vendor Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a unique, vibrant marketplace that brings together artisans, foodies, and creatives in a space that celebrates community and quality.

Pay: R15 000,00 - R25 000,00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Somerset West, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- Hospitality: 2 years (required)
- Management: 2 years (required)

Application Deadline: 2025/08/01
Expected Start Date: 2025/08/30