Highly anticipated new restaurant opening coming soon to the Westside is looking for a passionate and highly service-oriented Sommelier to helm the wine program and help lead the management team! This role will serve as one of the lead FOH managers in addition to having a heavy focus on the wine program. Responsibilities include educating staff and guests on beverage offerings, pairings, and tasting notes, and assisting with ordering, tastings, and inventory. This is a very service focused role that will be heavily involved on the floor during service, touching tables and establishing a rapport with guests.
The ideal candidate has an inherent passion for hospitality and guest experience, with a genuine desire to be of service to others. This person should be able to effectively communicate and educate guests with varying levels of wine knowledge, creating an atmosphere that is exciting and welcoming to all. Looking for someone with a true passion for wine and the ability to factor in budget, consider flavor profiles, and guest preferences to make recommendations that provide a top-tier guest experience every time. Strong beverage knowledge and an understanding of cocktail culture is also highly preferred. Sommelier/other wine accreditations are a plus, but NOT absolutely required!
Sommelier Responsibilities:
- Help define the vision of the Wine Program
- Oversee the FOH team and manage the floor
- Maintain a strong knowledge of all food and beverage offerings
- Ensure the team is well educated on the menu items, wine offerings, and changes to the wine program
- Continual education and training of wine list
- Creating a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere for guests around wine
- Deliver a strong floor presence with a focus on wine sales and service
- Oversee the flow of the business and remain present in all areas of the restaurant during service
- Enhance the guest experience by being present on the restaurant floor to provide recommendations
- Inventory and cellar management
- Maintain, support, and promote company culture and philosophies
- Contribute to controlling costs and maximizing efficiencies, identifying opportunity areas to course correct as needed
- Take initiative and help to build business and maintain the wine program
- Hold the team accountable to high standards while remaining hands on and leading by example
- Assist with ordering and curation process
- Effectively communicate all wine changes to the team
- Staying up to date with the world of wine changes, trends, etc.
- Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
- Understand and comply with state & federal labor laws
Sommelier Qualifications:
- 2+ years’ experience as a Sommelier, Wine Manager, Wine Director, Beverage Manager, Bar Manager, Service Manager, Dining Room Manager, FOH Manager, or comparable hospitality management role with a wine focus in a contemporary, full service restaurant concept
- High-touch, elevated service experience
- WSET or Court of Master Sommelier is a huge plus
- Extensive wine knowledge including characteristics, wineries, regions, varietals, food pairings and service
- Genuine passion for wine, beverage, and guest experience
- Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
- General understanding of COGs and cost management
- Achieve or exceed wine cost expectations while maintaining quality, accuracy and timing standards
- Ability to recommend tasteful, knowledgeable food and wine pairings
- Energetic, personable, and guest service oriented
- Ability to establish a strong rapport with guests and support guest retention
- Able to stand and walk for long periods of time
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and conflict resolution skills
- Commitment to providing exceptional service to guests and support to staff members
- Exceptional standards for cleanliness, health, and safety
- Must have a passion for progressive wine lists and wine program curation
- Active manager ServSafe Food Safety Certificate
- Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
Compensation Package Includes:
- Base Salary in the $80-100k range DOE
- Bonus Potential
- Medical Benefits Stipend
- 2 Weeks PTO