Sommelier

The First Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Sommelier to elevate the dining experience through expert wine management and recommendations. This role involves curating a diverse wine list, training staff, and ensuring exceptional service during meals. You will collaborate closely with the kitchen and food and beverage teams to create memorable wine pairings that reflect the hotel's brand and guest preferences. Join a dynamic team in a vibrant location where your expertise will contribute to unforgettable guest experiences and the hotel's reputation as a leader in hospitality.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sommelier in a hotel or upscale restaurant is required.
• Strong communication and customer service skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage the wine list to complement the hotel’s menu offerings.
• Provide expert wine recommendations to enhance guests' dining experiences.
• Oversee the organization and maintenance of the hotel’s wine cellar.

Skills

Knowledge of wine regions

Food pairings

Strong communication skills

Customer service orientation

Organizational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Team player

Attention to detail

Job description

Overview

Over the past two decades, The First Group has forged a reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s leading innovators, providing groundbreaking investment opportunities to clients and partners, while delivering exceptional, memorable experiences to hotel and leisure guests. Our corporate ethos and unique vision for the future of hospitality is encapsulated in our fast-growing portfolio of award-winning hotels and residences, exciting F&B outlets and lifestyle venues, and delivered through our array of complementary third-party hotel and asset management services.

Core to our vision for the future of hospitality is The First Collection, our award-winning hotel brand that reflects the rich culture, innovative spirit, and unparalleled refinement for which Dubai is famous. The First Collection’s urban lifestyle resorts, situated in prime locations across Dubai, are renowned for their unique blend of world-class hospitality and modern flair, as well as their cutting-edge guest facilities and services, which include exclusive access to the stunning Soluna Restaurants and Beach Club, located on the world-famous Palm Jumeirah.

Every hotel in our fast-growing portfolio reflects our ambition to capture the essence of urban living, blending it seamlessly with the tranquillity of a serene getaway. The First Collection echoes the city’s heartbeat, ensuring all our guests are made to feel a part of the magnificent tapestry of Dubai, the world’s most exciting metropolis.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Sommelier to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and curating the hotel’s wine and beverage offerings, providing expert wine recommendations, and enhancing the dining experience for guests. As the Sommelier, you will work closely with the kitchen, food and beverage teams, and guests to ensure an exceptional wine service experience, while maintaining high standards in inventory management and wine cellar organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curate and manage the wine list, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded selection that complements the hotel’s menu offerings. Stay up to date with wine trends, new releases, and market changes.
• Provide expert wine recommendations to guests based on their meal choices, preferences, and dietary requirements. Educate guests about wine pairings and enhance their overall dining experience.
• Oversee wine service during meals, ensuring wines are served at the proper temperature and poured correctly. Demonstrate proper wine presentation and decanting techniques when appropriate.
• Oversee the organization and maintenance of the hotel’s wine cellar. Ensure proper storage conditions, inventory tracking, and rotation to prevent spoilage and minimize waste.
• Monitor stock levels of wines, spirits, and other beverages. Order wine and related products as needed, working within budget constraints. Assist with cost control and ensure efficient stock management.
• Train and educate the food and beverage staff on the wine list, service techniques, and proper wine handling. Provide tastings and workshops to enhance the team’s wine knowledge.
• Assist in organizing wine-focused events, tastings, and wine pairings for guests or special events hosted by the hotel. Work with the events team to create tailored wine experiences.
• Build rapport with regular guests and wine enthusiasts, providing personalized service. Handle guest inquiries or complaints regarding wine selections or service professionally and promptly.
• Ensure the wine list reflects the hotel’s brand and meets the expectations of guests. Make recommendations for new wines to include and remove wines that no longer meet the hotel’s standards.
• Work closely with the chef and kitchen team to ensure wine pairings are tailored to seasonal menus and special dishes. Communicate wine availability and service timing to the team.
• Attend wine tastings, festivals, and educational programs to stay informed about new wines, trends, and developments in the industry.

Desired Skill & Expertise

• Knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and food pairings.
• Previous experience as a Sommelier in a hotel, fine dining restaurant, or upscale hospitality environment is required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to educate and interact with guests in an approachable manner.
• Customer service-oriented, with a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Excellent organizational skills to maintain inventory, wine cellar, and ordering systems efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure, especially during peak meal times, and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A team player who works well with kitchen, bar, and waitstaff to ensure a seamless dining experience.
• Attention to detail, particularly in ensuring the wine list remains current, organized, and aligned with the hotel’s brand and guest preferences.