Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Head Sommelier is responsible in managing all aspects of the wine program within a hospitality establishment. This includes assisting with wine selection, procurement, inventory management, and staff training. They work closely with the Head Sommelier to curate wine lists, provide recommendations to guests, and ensure exceptional wine service. Additionally, Assistant Head Sommeliers may assist in conducting wine tastings, organizing wine events, and maintaining cellar conditions. They play a key role in enhancing the overall guest experience and promoting the establishment's wine program.

Support the Head Sommelier in managing the wine program, including wine selection, purchasing, and inventory management.

Assist in curating and updating the wine list, ensuring it reflects the establishment's style, budget, and customer preferences.

Provide wine recommendations to guests, taking into account their preferences, food choices, and budgetary considerations.

Assist in conducting wine tastings and educational sessions for staff and guests to enhance their wine knowledge and appreciation.

Maintain the wine cellar, ensuring proper storage conditions, organization, and rotation of inventory to minimize spoilage.

Assist in training and mentoring sommelier staff, as well as other service staff, on wine service techniques and product knowledge.

Collaborate with the culinary team to pair wines with menu items, enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.

Assist in organizing and executing wine events, such as wine dinners, tastings, and promotions, to promote the establishment's wine program.

Stay informed about wine trends, new releases, and emerging wine regions to continuously update and improve the wine program.

Provide support to the Head Sommelier in administrative tasks, such as inventory management, ordering, and cost control, to ensure the efficient operation of the wine program.

HR/TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

To conduct performance management in the absence of the Head of Department/Manager (disciplinaries, appraisals, probations, coaching & counseling).

To support and facilitate training to junior and entry level new joiners.

To support and empower team members to perform training.

To successfully complete your training on the online training platform (Flow), use it on a regular basis and monitor your team members to do the same (where applicable).

To convey welfare issues to higher management.

To properly provide mentoring to your assigned new joiners.

MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT

To keep an open and creative mind to provide innovative ideas.

Understanding of different grape varietals, wine regions, vintages, and flavor profiles to provide informed recommendations to guests.

Ability to provide attentive and personalized service to guests, including assisting with wine selection, answering questions, and addressing preferences.

Knowledge of wine inventory management practices, including stocking, rotation, cataloging, and storage conditions.

Strong communication skills to effectively convey wine information to guests and collaborate with the culinary team to ensure wine selections complement menu offerings.

Ability to prioritize guest satisfaction and anticipate their needs, delivering exceptional service and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Minimum 8 year(s) working experience, 5 year(s) relevant working experience, 2 year (s) GCC is a plus