Assistant Manager, Experiences

Company Description

Sprung from the site of a fallow tree nursery, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection is a 140-acre retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley, just 90 minutes from New York City. Rooted in meaningful encounters with nature, the property sways with the seasons, surrounded by meadows of native flowers and woodlands. Anchored by its namesake farm with orchards, heirloom gardens, and animals, the retreat offers immersive seasonal experiences like foraging walks, cooking workshops, and healing sessions. A three-mile walking trail links 65 stand-alone cabins, cottages, and suites with the Movement Studio and Maplehouse, a lofty barn home to a dynamic cooking school. Accommodations are immersed in the ever-changing landscape, offering a deep sense of place. Guests are welcomed at The Shop, reminiscent of a well-curated potting shed, and the open-air Great Porch. Dining at Clay, the centerpiece restaurant, features source-origin cuisine that honors the region’s bounty. Thistle offers wild-crafted wellbeing that evolves with the seasons. The property also provides access to neighboring Mohonk Preserve, where wooded trails and cliffs invite world-class hiking, biking, and climbing. Named the Number 1 Hotel in New York State by Travel + Leisure for the 2025 World’s Best Awards and recognized with a One Key distinction from the inaugural Michelin Guide, Wildflower Farms is a basecamp for adventure, craft, and curiosity.

Job Description

The Assistant Manager, Experiences supports the planning, coordination, and execution of exceptional guest programming and on-property experiences that bring Wildflower Farms' Soul of the Place to life. Working closely with the Senior Manager of Experiences and cross-functional teams, this role ensures experiences are thoughtfully organized, operationally seamless, and reflective of the property's luxury standards. 

Core Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Operations:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Experiences department, ensuring programming is executed in accordance with Wildflower Farms and Auberge Collection standards.
• Establish departmental priorities and independently coordinate resources to ensure successful execution of guest programming.
• Evaluate operational performance and recommend improvements to enhance guest satisfaction, efficiency, and profitability.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Analyze guest feedback, operational metrics, attendance, and revenue performance to identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Support the onboarding, training, scheduling, and providing day-to-day guidance to the Experience Attendant team. 
• Assign work, establish performance expectations, monitor productivity, and provide ongoing feedback.
• Participate in workforce planning and staffing decisions to meet operational needs.
• Ensure team members consistently deliver luxury service standards and maintain brand expectations.

Programming Management

• Oversee the annual, seasonal, and daily Experiences programming calendar.
• Help develop new guest programming that supports Wildflower Farms' connection to wellness, culinary experiences, nature, and the local community.
• Evaluate existing programming and implement enhancements based on guest feedback, operational performance, and business objectives.
• Ensure all guest experiences are operationally feasible, financially sound, and aligned with brand standards.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Manage departmental purchasing, inventory, operating supplies, and vendor relationships.
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate service expectations within established budgets.
• Review invoices, approve expenditures, reconcile discrepancies, and partner with Finance to maintain budget accuracy.
• Monitor departmental expenses and recommend cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service excellence.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the departmental liaison with Resort Operations, Culinary, Spa, Housekeeping, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Concierge, and Guest Services.
• Lead planning meetings for seasonal programming, resort activations, and special events in tandem with Director of Experiences and Director of Marketing.
• Ensure departments receive timely communication regarding operational updates and programming changes.

Guest Experience Oversight

• Ensure all guest experiences consistently reflect Wildflower Farms' luxury standards and Auberge Collection service philosophy.
• Resolve elevated guest concerns related to Experiences programming and exercise independent ju