Head Sommelier

08336
  • £47740
  • Berkshire
  • Permanent
Our client is currently looking for a Head Sommelier to join their team.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Overall responsibility for the operational management of beverage and in particular of the wine service in the fine dining restaurant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
· Create a wine experience by advising guests in an articulate, affable, and friendly manner displaying professional salesmanship.
· Help and advise guests with their wine and after dinner drinks choices while serving them with accuracy & flair.
· Take orders for cocktails, aperitifs, spirits, wines, liquors, and soft drinks, attending to guest needs.
· Actively up sell beverages to guests by imparting your knowledge of wines and beverages in regard to matching with their dish choice
· To maintain, replenish & clean all wine service areas, cellar, wine racks, wine tables and fridges, leading to efficient wine service whilst ensuring consistently outstanding service.
· Responsible for assisting and ensuring that the beverage sales forecasted for the restaurant are met including ensuring all team members are aware of targets.
· Make orders in a timely manner and monitor their correct storage, working closely with the Cellar Manager
· Search, select and buy wines from around the world, in conjunction with the Cellar Manager and Purchasing and compose all wine lists to achieve maximum guest satisfaction, profit, prestige and trade recognition
· Regularly review the wine list in line with the current trends and ensure that the wine list appeals to a diverse customer base.
· Play a key role in any wine tasting with guests and banqueting clients.
· Ensure that the beverage cost and contribution margins for wine meets the hotel targets
· Ensure that all the restaurant & lounge staff are aware of the wine and drinks on offer
· Support all Managers in the sales of wines and to advise them on the best wines appropriate for the guest or event
· Take an active interest in the bar team and bar service, integrating with the restaurant to become a flexible workforce to support peak and troughs of business.
· Liaise with suppliers to arrange frequent product knowledge training in both wine and spirits
· Share your wine knowledge and encourage your team to develop their wine knowledge further through regular training sessions such as workshops and upselling training.
· Attend weekly banqueting meetings as required
· Be available during service times to support the team
· Take on management responsibilities and run a service in the absence of the Restaurant Director

QUAIFICATIONS & DESIRABLES
· Master of Sommelier Diploma ideally
· Minimum qualified as a Sommelier
· Previous experience within a five-star property or within a Michelin restaurant
· Vast knowledge of wines and spirits worldwide
· Business acumen
· Operations orientated.
· Experienced in upselling techniques
· Management experience

BENEFIT PACKAGE
· Complimentary nights with breakfast
· 50% F&B discount at selected restaurants
· Very generous Employee Introductory Scheme offered.
· Team members' awards and incentives schemes
· Contributory pension scheme entitlement from date of commencement
· Life assurance cover for all team members
· Uniform laundered complimentarily.
· Complimentary meals whilst on duty at our team members' restaurants
· Interest free Season Ticket Loan / Cycle to work scheme.
· Occupational Health, including subsidised massage treatments and health clinics.
· Complimentary Eye Test for VDU users

**If you have not heard back from us within 7 working days, please assume you have been unsuccessful**

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