Wine Sommelier

• Develops and implements the hotel's wine programme in alignment with the brand's Food & Beverage strategy and business objectives.
• Ensures the wine service standards are integrated into the overall Food & Beverage operational plans.
• Creates an exceptional wine experience that exceeds guest expectations through professional service and expert recommendations.
• Curates and maintains a balanced wine list that reflects guest preferences, seasonal trends, regional specialties and market demands.
• Selects, evaluates and sources wines from approved suppliers while maintaining the hotel's quality standards and budget objectives.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with wineries, distributors and beverage suppliers to ensure availability of premium products.
• Recommends appropriate wine pairings with menu items to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Conducts wine tastings and educational presentations for guests, VIPs and special events.
• Oversees proper wine storage, cellar management and inventory control to ensure optimal product quality.
• Ensures wines are stored, handled and served at the correct temperatures and according to international service standards.
• Monitors wine inventory levels and establishes minimum and maximum stock quantities to support operational requirements.
• Controls and analyses the following:
  • Wine sales performance and profitability.
  • Wine cost percentages and inventory variances.
  • Wine quality, presentation and service standards.
  • Guest satisfaction related to wine service.
  • Wine spoilage, breakage and wastage.
  • Cellar organization and stock rotation (FIFO).
• Conducts regular inventory counts and investigates discrepancies.
• Maximises departmental profitability through strategic wine sales, upselling and promotional activities.
• Works closely with Executive Chef and Restaurant Managers to develop wine pairing menus and special promotions.
• Supports banquet operations by recommending suitable wine selections for conferences, weddings and special events.
• Prepares seasonal wine promotions and special wine menus to increase revenue.
• Ensures compliance with local alcohol laws, licensing regulations and responsible alcohol service practices.
• Trains restaurant, bar and banquet employees on wine knowledge, service etiquette, food pairing techniques and upselling skills.
• Develops training programmes and conducts regular wine education sessions to improve team product knowledge.
• Coaches and mentors employees to achieve excellence in wine service standards.
• Participates in the recruitment, orientation and development of beverage team members where required.
• Organises regular wine tastings for staff to improve product familiarity and service confidence.
• Reviews guest feedback regarding wine service and implements corrective actions where necessary.
• Attends departmental meetings and management meetings according to the hotel schedule.
• Maintains accurate wine lists, tasting notes, pricing structures and product specifications.
• Updates wine menus whenever new vintages, labels or promotions are introduced.
• Monitors wine market trends, emerging regions, new producers and industry innovations to continuously improve the wine programme.
• Prepares monthly reports on wine sales, inventory, purchasing and profitability.
• Assists in preparing the annual beverage budget related to wine operations.
• Controls purchasing activities in accordance with hotel procurement policies.
• Ensures proper maintenance, cleanliness and organisation of wine cellars, storage rooms and wine service equipment.
• Protects and maintains wine preservation systems, decanters, glassware and serving equipment.
• Creates a motivational working environment that encourages teamwork, professionalism and continuous learning.
• Promotes effective communication between the wine programme and all Food & Beverage outlets.
• Conducts regular wine quality evaluations and removes products that do not meet hotel standards.
• Participates in brainstorming sessions to introduce innovative wine concepts, tasting experiences and promotional activities.
• Supports sustainability initiatives by promoting environmentally responsible wineries, reducing waste and improving recycling practices.
• Ensures proper disposal of bottles, corks, packaging materials and other recyclable waste.
• Implements energy-saving practices within wine storage and beverage operations.
• Ensures chemicals used for cleaning wine equipment and storage areas are handled safely and in accordance with legal requirements.
• Participates in Food Safety and Quality Management System meetings as required.
• Ensures compliance with HACCP, food safety regulations, hygiene standards and hotel quality procedures.
• Identifies operational issues, analyses information and develops practical solutions to improve wine service and profitability.
• Maintains the highest standards of professional appearance, guest interaction and confidentiality.
• Performs any additional duties assigned by hotel management that support the successful operation of the Food & Beverage Department.
• Education/Experience: 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum of 6 years of related work experience or 2 years work experience in a lower position and experience with applying the main principles and/or different methods.
• Foreign Language:  Sufficient level of English to communicate effectively with guests and employees.
• Courses and Training: Requires sufficient theoretical and practical background and attendance in courses and seminars in the related field.
• Computer Literacy: MS Office applications.
• Skills: Good command of systems/legislation in the related field. Expected to offer consulting to other employees when needed. Some roles require practical knowledge of systems/programmes/software in the related field. Responsible for carrying out and coordinating complex activities in different fields.

Your team and working environment:
In 1-2 sentences, introduce the team, property or office environment in a way that reflects the culture
Note: Customization may be included for any specific local or legislative requirements, such as work permits
Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.