Position Overview: Head Sommelier
The Head Sommelier is the senior wine and beverage specialist within the Bar & Beverage team, responsible for shaping the venue’s wine strategy, elevating guest experiences, and ensuring the wine program supports both service excellence and commercial performance. This role combines deep product knowledge with leadership, training, and operational discipline, making it central to the venue’s reputation for quality and sophistication.
- Organisational position and reporting line
- Sits within the Bar & Beverage department as the lead authority on wine and, where applicable, premium beverage pairings.
- Works closely with the restaurant, bar, and kitchen leadership teams to align beverage offerings with menu direction and guest profile.
- Typically reports to the Beverage Manager, Bar Manager, General Manager, or Director of Operations, depending on venue structure.
- Often leads or mentors sommeliers, wine waiters, and front-of-house staff on beverage knowledge and selling standards.
- Key areas of responsibility
- Curate, maintain, and evolve the wine list to reflect the venue’s concept, pricing strategy, and guest expectations.
- Manage wine purchasing, stock levels, cellar organisation, and inventory control to protect quality and margins.
- Deliver confident, personalised wine recommendations, pairings, and tableside service that enhance the guest journey.
- Train and coach service teams on grape varieties, regions, tasting notes, upselling techniques, and storage/serving standards.
- Build strong supplier relationships, negotiate with distributors, and identify commercial opportunities across wine and premium beverages.
- Support beverage menu planning, promotional activity, tasting events, and seasonal updates.
- What success looks like
- A polished, guest-focused professional with excellent palate, communication, and service standards.
- Highly organised, commercially aware, and calm under pressure.
- Confident leading teams while remaining hands-on during service.
- Passionate about wine, hospitality, and continuous learning, with the ability to balance luxury service with profitability.