Sommelier

A Head Sommelier is a key figure in the restaurant and hospitality industry, responsible for overseeing the wine program, providing expert wine service, and enhancing the guest experience. Below is a detailed list of the skills, responsibilities, and qualities essential for a Head Sommelier role:

Key Skills for a Head Sommelier

1. Wine Expertise

• Wine Knowledge: In-depth understanding of wine regions, grape varieties, vintages, and production methods.
• Pairing Skills: Expertise in pairing wines with food to enhance the dining experience.
• Tasting Proficiency: Advanced palate for evaluating and selecting wines.

2. Customer Service

• Guest Engagement: Providing personalized wine recommendations and enhancing guest satisfaction.
• Educational Approach: Explaining wine choices in a way that is accessible and engaging for guests.
• Complaint Resolution: Addressing and resolving issues related to wine service professionally.

3. Leadership and Team Management

• Training Staff: Educating waitstaff and junior sommeliers on wine knowledge and service techniques.
• Delegation: Assigning tasks such as wine service or inventory checks to team members.
• Mentorship: Developing the skills of aspiring sommeliers on the team.

4. Organizational Skills

• Wine Cellar Management: Organizing and maintaining the wine inventory efficiently.
• Inventory Control: Monitoring stock levels, reordering, and reducing waste.
• Wine List Development: Curating a diverse and appealing wine list tailored to the establishment’s concept.

5. Sales and Upselling

• Upselling Techniques: Recommending premium or specialty wines to increase revenue.
• Promotions: Designing and executing wine promotions, tastings, or pairing events.
• Revenue Tracking: Monitoring wine sales performance and identifying opportunities for growth.

6. Communication Skills

• Guest Interaction: Speaking confidently and eloquently about wines.
• Vendor Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers and distributors.
• Team Communication: Sharing updates about wine inventory, specials, and changes to the wine list.

7. Financial Acumen

• Budgeting: Managing the wine program’s budget effectively.
• Cost Control: Balancing quality and cost when selecting wines.
• Profitability: Ensuring the wine program contributes positively to the establishment's financial goals.

As a Head Sommelier at Hakkasan, you will be working closely with the Restaurant General Manager in updating the wine list, ordering wines, and rotating wine stock. You will have the opportunity to be part of an exceptional Food and Beverage Team, using your excellent knowledge of wine pairing to make wine suggestions to pair with our authentic dishes. In addition to this, you will also be attentive to our guests, recommending wines based on their preferences. You will ensure wines are served at the right temperature and with the perfect glassware, and you will have a natural flair for recognizing opportunities to upsell any beverage, creating an amazing guest experience.

About You

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in luxury restaurants or hotels, having worked at this level for at least 2 years with a level 2 qualification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. International experience in a similar role would be preferred. Ideally, you will have experience preparing wine lists, maintaining wine stock, and training staff demonstrating your expertise. Atlantis, The Palm offers an unbeatable opportunity to grow and develop in your career right in the mix of a continuously developing city and a diverse range of cultures.