Property Sommelier and Beverage Ambassador

Marriott Hotels Resorts; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious hotel chain in Dubai is seeking a passionate Wine Manager to enhance the luxury beverage experience. Responsibilities include curating wine selections, training staff on service etiquette, and managing wine inventory while ensuring a five-star guest experience. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in a similar position within a five-star hotel and a deep knowledge of wines. This role offers opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in a similar position within a five-star hotel.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the luxury beverage experience and engage guests.
• Train staff on wine knowledge, tasting techniques, and service etiquette.
• Manage wine cellar organization and inventory control.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Restaurant Experience

Food Service

Hotel Experience

Hospitality Experience

Guest Relations Experience

Management Experience

Bartending

POS

Micros POS

Supervising Experience

Taleo

Job description

Overview

Enhances the luxury wine & beverage experience. Supports brand positioning through curated wine narratives and elevated guest engagement across venues. Key focus areas include VNTG Prime68 wine curation, team education, VIP wine service, supplier partnerships, and signature tasting events. Determines training needed to accomplish goals and implements plan.

Curating the Wine & Beverage Program

• Design and maintain an expertly balanced wine list reflecting global selections, vintages, and local pairings.
• Source unique and premium wines that align with the property's brand and culinary offerings.
• Develop beverage menus (wine, sake, non-alcoholic digestifs) with a focus on quality storytelling and guest appeal.

Wine Pairing and Culinary Integration

• Collaborate closely with chefs to develop thoughtful and seasonal food and wine pairings.
• Provide pairing recommendations for a la carte and tasting menus.
• Elevate the dining experience through harmonized beverage journeys.

Guest Engagement & Personalized Service

• Actively engage with guests to present and serve wines with deep knowledge and passion.
• Offer bespoke recommendations based on guest preferences and occasions.
• Lead tableside wine service, decanting rituals, and storytelling that enhances the luxury experience.

Staff Education & Training

• Train restaurant, bar, and room service teams on wine knowledge, tasting techniques, and service etiquette.
• Conduct regular workshops and blind tastings to raise service standards.
• Create a wine culture that empowers staff to speak confidently and passionately.

Inventory Cellar Management & Cost Control

• Oversee wine cellar organization, stock rotation, and optimal storage conditions.
• Maintain accurate inventory records; monitor pour cost and manage wine budget efficiently.
• Implement systems for tracking consumption and minimizing waste.

Hosting Tastings & Signature Experiences

• Design and lead wine tastings, masterclasses, vineyard-themed events, and exclusive guest experiences.
• Create VIP wine-pairing dinners or curated flight offerings to enhance guest engagement.
• Promote the property as a wine destination through experience-driven storytelling.

Beverage Brand Representation

• Act as the face of the property\'s wine and beverage philosophy internally and externally.
• Represent the property at wine events, sommelier competitions, and media opportunities.
• Build relationships with wineries, importers, and distributors to access rare or exclusive products.

Upholding Service Standards & Forbes Readiness

• Ensure all wine service meets Forbes LQA or brand luxury standards.
• Create rituals of service that align with 5-star expectations (e.g., label presentation, tasting protocols).
• Conduct internal audits and training to prepare for quality assurance evaluations.
• Adaptability: develops strategies and resources to implement and manage change; models flexibility in adjusting priorities; and communicates the need for change in a positive way that encourages commitment.

Management Competencies

Leadership

• Communication - Actively listens and uses appropriate communication styles to deliver complex information in a clear, concise way and influences others to accept a point of view, gain consensus or take action.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making - Models and sets expectations for solving complex problems, gathering and comparing information to evaluate alternatives, considering their potential impact before making decisions involving others to gain agreement and support and guiding others to implement solutions.
• Professional Demeanor - Exhibits behavioral styles that convey confidence and command respect from others; makes a good first impression and represents the company in alignment with its values.

Managing Execution

• Building and Contributing to Teams - Leads and participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of common goals while fostering cohesion and collaboration among teammates.
• Driving for Results - Focuses and guides others in accomplishing work objectives.
• Planning and Organizing - Gathers information and resources required to set a plan of action for self and/or others; prioritizes and arranges work requirements to accomplish goals and ensure work is completed.

Building Relationships

• Coworker Relationships - Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.
• Customer Relationships - Develops and sustains relationships based on an understanding of customer needs and actions consistent with service standards.
• Global Mindset - Supports employees and business partners with diverse styles, abilities, motivations, and/or cultural perspectives; utilizes differences to drive innovation, engagement, and business results.

Generating Talent and Organizational Capability

• Organizational Capability - Evaluates and adapts the structure of organizational units, jobs, and work processes to best fit needs and support goals.
• Talent Management - Provides guidance and feedback to help individuals develop and strengthen skills and abilities needed to accomplish work objectives.

Learning and Applying Professional Expertise

• Applied Learning - Seeks and makes the most of learning opportunities to improve performance of self and others.
• Business Acumen - Understands and utilizes business information to manage everyday operations and generate innovative solutions toward business challenges.
• Technical Acumen - Understands and utilizes professional skills and knowledge in a specific functional area to conduct and manage everyday business operations.
• Basic Competencies - Fundamental competencies required for basic work activities.
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing

Safety and Security

• Report work-related accidents or injuries immediately to manager/supervisor.
• Follow safety and security policies to ensure a clean, safe environment.
• Notify Loss Prevention/Security of any guest reports of theft.

Policies and Procedures

• Follow hotel and department policies and procedures.
• Follow Marriott International Hotels Limited Regional Office policies and procedures.
• Protect the privacy and security of guests and coworkers.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary materials and information.
• Ensure uniform name tags and personal appearance are clean, hygienic, professional and compliant with policies.
• Protect company tools, equipment, and assets.
• Perform other reasonable duties as requested by Supervisors and Management.
• Working hours as required, normally not less than 48 hours per week.

Guest Relations

• Actively listen and respond positively to guest questions, concerns, and requests using brand or property specific processes to resolve issues, delight, and build trust.
• Assist other employees to ensure proper coverage and prompt guest service.
• Anticipate guest service needs including asking questions to better understand their needs and preferences and acting on them when possible.
• Address guest service needs in a professional, positive and timely manner.
• Engage guests in conversation regarding their stay and area attractions and offerings.
• Thank guests with genuine appreciation and provide a fond farewell.
• Welcome and acknowledge each guest with a smile, eye contact and friendly verbal greeting using the guest's name when possible.
• Supply guests with directions and information regarding property amenities, services and hours of operation and local areas of interest.

Communication

• Answer telephones with appropriate etiquette, greet with a smile, and transfer calls as needed, requesting permission before placing calls on hold.
• Speak to guests and coworkers using clear, professional language.
• Talk with and listen to other employees to effectively exchange information.

Working with Others

• Support all coworkers and treat them with dignity and respect.
• Handle sensitive issues with employees.
• Partner with and assist others to promote teamwork and achieve common goals.

Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

• Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement - Maintain quality standards and contribute to improvement initiatives.

At Marriott International we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis including disability, veteran status or other basis protected by applicable law.

Key Skills

• Culinary Experience
• Restaurant Experience
• Food Service
• Hotel Experience
• Taleo
• Hospitality Experience
• Bartending
• Guest Relations Experience
• Management Experience
• POS
• Supervising Experience
• Micros POS

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a similar position within a five-star hotel.

Vacancy: 1