Head Sommelier - London

Hilton Jobs

Head Sommelier – London

HEAD SOMMELIER – NEW RESTAURANT OPENING

Launching June 2023 – A fine-casual destination restaurant mixing modern British with tradition and an international accent. Buzzy and fast paced from morning to late, the menu which will include a market leading afternoon tea, showcase seasonal ingredients with provenance and sustainability at heart, perfect for an everyday treat, casual lunch, business meeting or celebratory dinner.

Salary: £14 per Hour plus annual service charge anticipated in the region of £7800

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• Competitive Salary and Benefits package
• 28 days paid holiday increasing with service
• Exclusive perks through our online discount portal
• Access to leadership and development programmes through Hilton University
• Exceptional Career opportunities
• Industry-leading Team Member discounts on hotel stays for you, your family and friends
• Wellbeing programmes to help you Thrive in the workplace
• Reward programmes, incentives and team member recognition, as well as long service awards
• 50% off in Hilton restaurants and bars (subject to individual outlets)
• Recommend a Friend incentive
• Uniforms provided and laundered complimentary
• Recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’
• Free meals on shift

Job Overview

The Head Sommelier works closely with the Restaurant Management and supports with the commercial performance, management and reputation of the new restaurant.

• Are you passionate about creating memorable customer experiences?
• Are you passionate about grapes?
• Do you love seeing customers enjoy a wine pairing menu you’ve created?
• Do you know what it takes to inspire your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences every time?
• As a leader, are you supportive and inclusive?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment?

If so, this role is made for you!

Key Responsibilities

As a Head Sommelier, you will:

• Excellent Food & Beverage
• Partner with the Restaurant General Manager to develop the restaurant’s wine list, considering the concept brief, menus, pricing strategy and customer requirements
• Work closely with the Head Chef to create attractive food and wine pairing options to drive revenue
• Manage the wine cellar and stores, maintaining proper storage conditions with the right temperature, lighting and humidity
• Partner with the Restaurant General Manager to design and host special events that enhance the restaurant’s image, such as wine tastings and pairing dinners
• Exceptional Customer Experiences
• Provide personalised advice to customers on their wine choices, recommending wines to accompany selected dishes and considering customer preferences
• Know your menus in detail, so you can also advise customers on other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Present, open and serve selected wines
• Work closely with the service team to make sure all wine orders are correct, delivered on time and served at the right temperature in the right glassware.
• Check that customers’ experiences meet their expectations, and take action to improve service and resolve complaints quickly
• Contribute to achieving restaurant revenue targets through effective upselling
• Train the service team on wine basics, food and wine pairing options, and how to open, present and serve wine correctly
• Commercial Performance
• Enhance the restaurant’s image through online reputation management, driving positive reviews on key platforms (e.g. TripAdvisor, Google Reviews)
• Support to achieve the restaurant’s targets, considering driving the average check value, team incentives, as well as team member and guest experience
• Understand business results – including sales, costs, covers, guest satisfaction – and support with actions to improve performance
• Great Working Environment
• Work effectively with the restaurant team to make sure operations run smoothly, contributing to a supportive, inclusive and motivational working environment for all Team Members
• Day-To-Day Essentials
• Make sure that you strictly comply with all regulations and standards, including health, safety and hygiene
• Manage trade visits and tastings, and keep updated on wine trends, winemakers and vintages
• Work with the procurement team to identify products and suppliers and to negotiate the best pricing
• Monitor sales and maintain optimum inventory levels, reviewing pricing strategies where needed
• Make sure that all transactions are recording in the POS system accurately at the time of order and that billing is accurate
• Give feedback and suggestions to the Restaurant leadership team to improve customer and team member experiences

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We’re looking for someone with a passion for wine and at least one year experience in a similar position. Sommelier or wine certification (such as WSET Level 2 or equivalent) is essential. Experience in a signature restaurant would be an advantage.To be successful in this position you will have:

• Guest focus, maintaining the highest standards of authentic service to create memorable guest experiences every time
• Excellent communication skills to create connections with diverse customers and share information clearly
• Effective relationship management skills to build good relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, brands and vineyards
• Great teamwork and a positive attitude
• Flexibility and adaptability, able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm and focused under pressure
• Curiosity in the latest beverage trends, in how these are blended into the menu, and in sharing these with guests using a suggestive sales approach
• Sustainability cautious, following best practices and taking pride telling product and supplier stories

Wine-pairing knowledge, wine list development and cellar management skills are essential. A good understanding of spirits, classic cocktails and tea is required.

USEFUL TO KNOW: This position is full-time and will require working weekend and evening shifts.Position requirements also include being able to walk and stand for hours and the ability to lift and carry moderate weights.

Work LocationsLondon Hilton on Park LaneScheduleFull-time

Apply Here

Apply direct

Find more new jobs on Wine Jobs UK.