Senior Sommelier | Job in Shropshire

In this senior role within our esteemed culinary team, you will be responsible for managing and elevating our wine program to the highest standards. Your expertise in wine pairing, cellar management, and exceptional customer service will play a pivotal role in ensuring our guests have an unforgettable dining experience.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• *Wine Program Management:

Develop and implement innovative and high-quality wine lists that cater to the diverse tastes of our patrons while maintaining profitability. Continuously evaluate and update offerings based on trends, guest preferences, and market demands.

• *Sommelier Service:

Provide exceptional sommelier service to our guests by offering expert recommendations, engaging in thoughtful discussions about wine, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience.

• *Cellar Management:

Maintain a comprehensive and well-stocked cellar, ensuring the proper storage and rotation of wines for optimal quality and freshness. Manage inventory levels, order new stock as needed, and oversee all related financial aspects.

• *Training & Development:

Lead and mentor our team members in wine knowledge, service standards, and sommelier skills to ensure a cohesive and high-performing team. Continuously strive for personal growth and professional development through industry events, workshops, and self-study.

• *Menu Pairings:

Collaborate with our executive chef to develop innovative and inspired wine pairings that elevate the dining experience for our guests.

• *Quality Assurance:

Regularly taste wines to ensure their quality, adherence to menu specifications, and proper service temperatures. Identify any issues and work with suppliers to address them promptly.

• *Guest Relations:

Foster strong relationships with our valued guests by providing exceptional service, engaging in meaningful discussions about wine, and addressing any concerns or questions in a timely and professional manner.

• *Compliance:

Adhere to all relevant local, regional, and national alcohol regulations, including age verification procedures, responsible alcohol service, and licensing requirements.

• *Events & Promotions:

Support the organization in hosting wine-focused events and promotions, acting as a brand ambassador for our wine program and sharing your passion with our guests.

• *Continuous Improvement:

Actively seek opportunities to improve the wine program and overall guest experience through feedback, analysis of data, and collaboration with other team members.

Responsibilities Overview

In this exciting and challenging role as a Senior Sommelier within our esteemed organization, you will be a key member of our hospitality team, responsible for curating an exceptional wine and beverage experience for our discerning clientele. Here's what your responsibilities entail:

*Wine Program Management

• : You will oversee the development, maintenance, and enhancement of our comprehensive wine list, ensuring a wide variety of quality wines from around the globe are available to our guests. This includes regular tastings, evaluations, and additions to keep the list fresh and engaging.

• *Wine Pairing Recommendations

• : Utilize your extensive knowledge of wine, food, and beverage pairings to make expert recommendations that enhance our diners' experiences, promoting a strong connection between our dishes and carefully selected wines.

• *Staff Training and Mentorship

• : As a Senior Sommelier, you will play a crucial role in guiding, mentoring, and training our junior staff members in all aspects of wine service, cultivating a knowledgeable and passionate team dedicated to providing outstanding customer service.

• *Guest Relations

• : Engage with our guests offering professional yet approachable interactions that ensure their satisfaction and create lasting memories associated with our brand.

• *Inventory Management

• : Maintain accurate records of wine inventory levels, ensuring that the cellar is well-stocked and ready to meet our customers' demands while minimizing waste and promoting cost-effectiveness.

• *Menu Development and Collaboration

• : Work closely with our executive chef and culinary team in creating innovative and complementary beverage offerings for new menu items, contributing to the overall success of our dining experiences.

• *Wine Events and Promotions

• : Plan and execute special wine events, tastings, and promotional activities that showcase our extensive wine list and foster a strong connection with our guests.

• *Compliance

• : Adhere to all relevant alcoholic beverage laws and regulations, ensuring that our practices are compliant at all times while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility. By joining our team as a Senior Sommelier, you will not only have the opportunity to showcase your expertise but also play a significant role in shaping our organization's wine culture and guest experiences. We look forward to welcoming a passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated individual like yourself to our team!

Skill Requirements

In the pursuit of elevating our guests' dining experiences we are seeking an exceptional and dedicated Senior Sommelier to join our esteemed team in the West Midlands. The successful candidate will have a deep passion for wine, impeccable service skills, and a genuine commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality.

*Minimum Qualifications: *

• Extensive experience as a Sommelier or Wine Steward with a proven track record in managing and mentoring a team of sommeliers.
• Expertise in wine selection, pairing, and service, including knowledge of various regions, grape varieties, and vintages.
• Proficiency in wine tastings, food and wine pairings, and the ability to explain wine characteristics effectively to guests.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on providing exceptional guest service.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently during peak dining periods.
• A recognized wine certification, such as the Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), or similar is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with cellar management, inventory control, and cost-effective purchasing practices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under pressure.
• A proactive approach to training, developing, and mentoring junior staff members.
• Strong understanding of local and international wine trends, as well as the ability to stay current with emerging industry knowledge. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to showcase your expertise in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and growth. If you are eager to share your love for wine and contribute to a team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and passion for the position, by clicking on 'Apply Now'. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring the possibilities of working together.

*Note: *

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Applicant Requirements

Dear Aspiring Candidate We are delighted to announce that we are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Sommelier to join our esteemed team in the heart of West Midlands. In this dynamic role, you will have the opportunity to showcase your expertise, lead our wine program, and contribute significantly to our reputation as a premier dining destination.

*Job Title: *

Senior Sommelier

*Location: *

West Midlands, United Kingdom

*Role Overview: *

As a Senior Sommelier, you will be responsible for the management of our extensive wine list, providing exceptional service, and educating our team and patrons about the intricacies of wine. You will collaborate with our culinary team to pair wines with our dishes, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience for our guests.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Manage and maintain our comprehensive wine list, continually updating and expanding it.
• Provide expert advice on wine pairings and recommendations to guests and the team.
• Lead staff training programs related to wine service and product knowledge.
• Contribute to menu development by collaborating with our culinary team.
• Maintain inventory levels, order new wines as necessary, and manage wine storage and preservation.
• Ensure exceptional service standards are consistently met in the wine service area.
• Foster a positive and engaging work environment within the team.

*Qualifications: *

• Proven experience as a Senior Sommelier or similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of wines, wine regions, and grape varieties.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to educate guests about wines.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train and mentor team members.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Passion for the hospitality industry and commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, or equivalent) is highly desirable. If you are a seasoned wine professional with a passion for providing unparalleled guest experiences we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join us in our mission to redefine dining excellence in the West Midlands. We look forward to welcoming you to our team! Best Regards,

Career Progression

As a valued member of our team, your career progression within the role of Senior Sommelier offers an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. Our organization prides itself on nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment where you can excel in your field. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for overseeing the wine program across multiple dining venues. Your primary duties will include:

• Maintaining an extensive knowledge of wines, spirits, and cocktails from around the world.
• Collaborating with chefs to create exceptional pairings for our dishes.
• Providing expert recommendations to guests, helping them select the perfect beverage to complement their dining experience.
• Training and mentoring junior sommeliers and waitstaff in wine service techniques and product knowledge.
• Regularly evaluating and updating the wine list to ensure it remains current and reflects guest preferences.
• Implementing wine pairings for special events, such as wine dinners or tastings.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant alcohol regulations and maintaining accurate records. We recognize that your development is crucial to our success, and we offer a variety of opportunities for you to grow within your role:
• Advanced Sommelier Certification: We encourage and support your pursuit of advanced sommelier certifications, such as the Court of Master Sommeliers' Advanced Sommelier (CMS AS) or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust's Advanced Certificate (WSET A).
• Cross-functional training: Gain exposure to various areas within our organization by participating in cross-functional training programs, such as front-of-house management, purchasing, and events coordination.
• Mentorship Program: Benefit from the guidance of senior leaders in the industry through our mentorship program, designed to provide you with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
• Professional Development Days: Attend professional development days focused on topics such as wine trends, service techniques, and business strategy to keep your skills sharp and stay current in the industry. With a commitment to your personal growth a supportive team, and abundant opportunities for advancement, your career progression at our organization is limited only by your ambition and dedication. We look forward to welcoming you to our team as we continue to elevate the dining experience in the West Midlands.

The Company

Welcome to an esteemed dining establishment nestled in the heart of the West Midlands where culinary artistry meets exceptional service. Our organisation is renowned for its commitment to providing unparalleled dining experiences, blending exquisite cuisine with a warm and inviting atmosphere. We take immense pride in our team, who work tirelessly to ensure that every guest's visit is memorable. In our quest for culinary excellence we are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Sommelier to join our dynamic team. As a Senior Sommelier, you will play a pivotal role in curating our wine selection, providing expert guidance to our guests, and mentoring our junior staff. Your knowledge, dedication, and exceptional service skills will be the cornerstone of our commitment to offering an unforgettable dining experience. Our ideal candidate is not only a wine connoisseur but also a natural leader with a passion for nurturing talent. If you are eager to share your expertise, grow within a supportive team, and help shape the future of one of the Midlands' most respected dining establishments we would love to hear from you. In return we offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development, and a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and continuous learning. Join us in our mission to elevate the art of dining and embark on an exciting journey with a team that truly appreciates your skills and expertise. To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please submit your updated CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you believe you would make an exceptional addition to our team. We look forward to hearing from you!

Benefits

Benefits of Joining our Team as a Senior Sommelier

*Culinary Excellence

• : Work in an environment where culinary innovation and exceptional taste are at the heart of everything we do. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in the art of wine pairing, expanding your palate and expertise.

• *Professional Growth

• : As a Senior Sommelier, you will be a key figure in our team, responsible for training and mentoring junior staff members. This role offers ample opportunities for career advancement within our organisation with potential progression to Assistant Manager or even Restaurant Manager positions.

• *Competitive Remuneration

• : We offer a competitive salary package that recognizes your expertise and the crucial role you play in enhancing our guests' dining experience. This includes an attractive basic salary, service charge, and a range of performance-based bonuses.

• *Comprehensive Training Programs

• : Our organisation is committed to the continuous learning and development of our team members. You will have access to extensive wine tasting sessions, supplier visits, and professional training courses to further hone your skills and knowledge.

• *Excellent Working Environment

• : We believe that a positive work environment fosters creativity and innovation. Our restaurants offer a vibrant, stimulating atmosphere where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

• *Staff Discounts

• : As part of our team, you will be entitled to generous discounts on food and drinks across all our establishments, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

*Work-Life Balance

• : We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Senior Sommelier, you will be provided with flexible working hours that cater to your personal needs and commitments, ensuring you can maintain a fulfilling life both in and outside of work.

• *Opportunities for Advancement

• : Beyond career progression within our organisation, there are opportunities for sommeliers to advance their knowledge and certifications through external programs and competitions. We actively encourage and support our team members in pursuing these development opportunities.

• *Recognition and Reward

• : We value the contributions of each member of our team and believe that recognition should be a part of everyday life, not just an annual event. You will have the opportunity to contribute ideas, suggestions, and improvements with your input being recognized and rewarded accordingly.

• *Community Engagement

• : As a responsible employer we are committed to giving back to our local community. Our team regularly participates in charity events, fundraisers, and initiatives that make a positive impact on the West Midlands area. Join us in making a difference!