ROLE:
Working closely with the Group Sommelier, Restaurant Managers and Chefs, the Head Sommelier is a senior role with responsibility for planning, directing, and coordinating the wine programme of one or more than one outlet.
He/she is responsible for improving the performance and profitability of the restaurants through well-curated wine selections, excellent inventory and stock management and championing regular wine training with the team. He/she oversees a team of Sommeliers and takes part in their development, both as effective leaders and individuals.
Passionate about the restaurant business, the Head Sommelier has a genuine knack for hospitality and taking care of people—this includes guests and teammates. He/she is hungry and tireless in their commitment to creating a better guest experience and working environment for team members of all levels. Leading from the front, he/she advises on exceptional wine pairings whilst sharing their world-class knowledge with team members and guests.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage and supervise the overall wine and spirits program at Crown Super Deluxe.
- Regularly plan, create, and update the wine list in coordination with Crown Super Deluxe’s Chef De Cuisine and the food embodying Crown Super Deluxe’s concept and taking into consideration current trends to ensure that the wine list appeals to a diverse guest base.
- Build relationships with suppliers, negotiate prices receive stock, new bottle, and vintage updates.
- Create a wine experience by advising the guests on wine and spirits, particularly in respect of pre and post dinner drink choices whilst serving with accuracy and flair.
- Execute cellar maintenance and management.
- Support scheduling, holiday management and attendance records for the Sommelier team.
- Host regular catchups, one-on-ones and ensure annual team appraisals are taking place to assess and manage both individual and team performance on an ongoing basis.
- Participate at weekly operations meetings to feedback on wine sales.
- Champion onboarding, team inductions, recruitment, retention, and development initiatives.
- Nurture a positive working environment and maintain team morale.
- Embrace new events and initiatives, overseeing operations to make a success.
- Take a keen interest in food, wine, the hospitality industry, and happenings across the Black Sheep Restaurants community.
- Ensure Sommeliers are joining and participating in instructive and motivational daily team briefings.
- Devise, host and facilitating daily/ weekly and monthly training for all team members to improve their knowledge of tasting and service standards. Upkeep of training material and manuals.
- Lead from the front for every service, telling our story, driving wine sales, and delivering memorable guest experiences and world-class service.
- Manage the wine programme/s with passion, integrity and knowledge while promoting the culture and defining principles of Black Sheep Restaurants.
- Provide direction and leadership to the Sommelier team to stay motivated, focused and achieve restaurant goals.
- Ensure the team are driving revenue at every opportunity through upselling, spend per head and incentives.
- Implement Black Sheep Restaurants guidelines by developing SOPs, checklists and instructing the team.
- Take ownership of ordering, receiving, inventory, budgets, glassware, and wine cellar management.
- Liaise with Design Team to assist in new menu design, implementation, printing, and upkeep.
- Support Restaurant Managers to champion standards in food quality, safety, cleanliness, and maintenance.
QUALITY CONTROL:
- Maintain a high level of hospitality and professionalism with each team member and guest
- Act as a role model for servers, server assistants and the bar team in providing outstanding wine service and on-shift behavior.
- Execute outstanding wine service task in a professional and elegant manner-including decanting, pouring, using necessary tools to open old and rare bottles
- Maintain a ‘keen eye’ to ensure glassware, tools, service, and beverages are of a Black Sheep standard.
- Offer recommendations, take orders, and develop relationships with members and guests to deliver personal and notable experiences
- Develop and retain an overview knowledge of all food, (non-wine) beverage, and dietary restrictions to answer member and guest relations
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:
- Organize weekly/monthly Sommelier and team meetings
- Complete a post service report, building team knowledge of rare wines tasted and to enhance our guest’s experience
- Prepare and present informative wine classes for Sommelier teams
- Lead Food and Team training opportunities
- Train junior sommeliers and waiters in wine
- Join the Group Sommelier in tasting and producer events when appropriate
OTHER:
- Cultivate long-term relationships with distributors, vendors and vintners
- Work hand in hand with liquor licensee to ensure that the standards and wine programs of Crown Super Deluxe are following its liquor licensing conditions and all other applicable laws and regulations
EXPERIENCE:
- 6+ years of experience in a sommelier role
- Extensive training, i.e. WSET certificate / certified by Court of Master Sommeliers.
- Degree holder
- Excellent business Acumen and understanding of pricing, budget and cost controls
- Demonstrates exceptional service and selling skills
- Passionate about wine, is confident and has strong organizational skills
- Extensive knowledge of global wines, sake and spirits and ability to build wine lists based on this knowledge
- Ability to train and educate team members in all aspects of wine, from basics to an expert level.
- An understanding of exceptional guest service, exceeding expectations, and the ability to build a rapport with guests
- Clear communications skills and ability to work well in a team environment
- The ability to multi-task and work well under pressure
- Experience working in renowned restaurants in hospitality-driven cities
- Experience working to a MICHELIN level
- Strong English and French written and oral skills
ARE YOU A BLACK SHEEP?
- You take pride in your work and operate with integrity.
- You put family first and are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive community around you.
- You are solutions-oriented.
- You recognise that greatness is measured by consistency and in doing small things correctly.
- You play to win, give 100% at all times and never compromise standards.
- You take responsibility for your actions and support your teammates wholeheartedly.
- You lead by example and show up ready to fight every day.
- You recognise the opportunity in taking risks and embrace evolution, adaptation and innovation.
- No matter our differences, you demonstrate respect and unity at all times.
- You have a natural hunger, tenacity and doggedness for the pursuit of excellence.