Position Overview
As our Head Sommelier, you will have overall responsibility for the operational management of beverage and in particular of the wine service in the fine dining restaurant.
What you'll get
1. Complimentary nights with breakfast within Dorchester Collection
2. 50% F&B discount at selected restaurants
3. Very generous Employee Introductory Scheme offered
4. Team members' awards and incentives schemes
5. Contributory pension scheme entitlement from date of commencement
6. Life assurance cover for all team members
7. Uniform laundered complimentarily
8. Complimentary meals whilst on duty at our team members' restaurants
9. Complimentary Internet at allocated computers in team areas
10. Interest free Season Ticket Loan / Cycle to work scheme
11. Occupational Health, including subsidised massage treatments and health clinics
12. Complimentary Eye Test for VDU users
What you'll do
13. Create a wine experience by advising guests in an articulate, affable and friendly manner displaying professional salesmanship
14. Help and advise guests with their wine and after dinner drinks choices while serving them with accuracy & flair.
15. Take orders for cocktails, aperitifs, spirits, wines, liquors and soft drinks, attending to guest needs.
16. Actively up sell beverages to guests by imparting your knowledge of wines and beverages in regards to matching with their dish choice
17. To maintain, replenish & clean all wine service areas, cellar, wine racks, wine tables and fridges, leading to efficient wine service whilst ensuring consistently outstanding service.
18. Responsible for assisting and ensuring that the beverage sales forecasted for the restaurant are met including ensuring all team members are aware of targets
19. Make orders in a timely manner and monitor their correct storage, working closely with the Cellar Manager
20. Search, select and buy wines from around the world, in conjunction with the Cellar Manager and Purchasing and compose all wine lists to achieve maximum guest satisfaction, profit, prestige and trade recognition
21. Regularly review the wine list in line with the current trends and ensure that a the wine list appeals to a diverse customer base.
22. Play a key role in any wine tasting with guests and banqueting clients
23. Ensure that the beverage cost and contribution margins for wine meets the hotel targets
24. Ensure that all the restaurant & lounge staff are aware of the wine and drinks on offer
25. Support all Managers in the sales of wines and to advise them on the best wines appropriate for the guest or event
26. Take an active interest in the bar team and bar service, integrating with the restaurant to become a flexible workforce to support peak and troughs of business.
27. Liaise with suppliers to arrange frequent product knowledge training in both wine and spirits.
28. Share your wine knowledge and encourage your team to develop their wine knowledge further through regular training sessions such as workshops and upselling training.
29. Attend weekly banqueting meetings as required
30. Be available during service times to support the team
31. Take on management responsibilities and run a service in the absence of the Restaurant Director
32. Full use of InfoGenesis Point of Sale system and ensure the accuracy of information input.
What you'll bring
33. Master of Sommelier Diploma ideally
34. Minimum qualified as a Sommelier
35. Previous experience within a five star property or within a Michelin restaurant
36. Vast knowledge of wines and spirits worldwide
37. Business acumen
38. Operations orientated
39. Experienced in upselling techniques
40. Management experience