Head Sommelier

The Lucas Collective; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lucas Collective in Melbourne is seeking a Head Sommelier to elevate our wine program across premium venues, including upcoming openings in 2026, delivering exceptional wine experiences and leading a passionate team. Bring deep wine knowledge, strong service skills, stock control experience, and a proactive management approach.

WSET or equivalent is highly regarded; full-time role with weekend and holiday shifts.

Qualifications

• . Demonstrated experience as Head Sommelier or Assistant Head Sommelier.
• . Extensive knowledge of wine, new and old world
• . Passion for the wine industry
• . Strong understanding of management practices
• . Demonstrated experience in leading high-performing teams and exceeding targets
• . Exceptional service skills and guest focused
• . Experience with stock control and inventory management is advantageous
• . Must be up-to-date with industry trends
• . Highly adaptable and able to perform in high-pressure service periods
• . Proven ability in building effective relationships
• . Organisational and time management skills
• . Exceptional communication and presentation
• . Full time availability including weekends, public holidays, opening and closing shifts

Responsibilities

• Lead wine service and guest wine experiences across venues
• Oversee cellar upkeep and maintenance
• Manage stock control and inventory across the wine program
• Lead high-performing teams and strive to exceed targets
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and innovations

Skills

Head Sommelier experience

Wine knowledge (new & old world)

Team leadership

Service excellence

Stock control & inventory

Industry trend awareness

Communication & presentation

High-pressure service

Relationship building

Time management

Availability for weekends

Education

WSET certification or similar

Job description

• Opportunity to work on Australia's best wine program
• Work with the industry's finest wine team
• Training & development led by Loic Avril & Yuki Hirose

• Opportunity to work on Australia's best wine program
• Work with the industry's finest wine team
• Training & development led by Loic Avril & Yuki Hirose

About Lucas Collective:

Lucas Collective (formerly LUCAS Restaurants) is a proudly founder-owned and led hospitality group, home to some of Australia's most loved and acclaimed restaurants, bars, and event brands - including Maison Bâtard, Society, Grill Americano, Chin Chin, Yakimono, Hawker Hall, Kisumé and more. We are curious, innovative, and constantly redefining the boundaries of hospitality, creating unforgettable experiences at the intersection of lifestyle, culture, and design. Led by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas, Lucas Collective sets the benchmark for premium dining and hospitality across Australia.

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a Head Sommelier to join our team and deliver an exceptional wine experience. You will bring an unwavering passion and appreciation for wine, combined with strong hands-on skills in service, cellar upkeep, and maintenance.

With exciting new venues opening in 2026, we are expanding our team and looking for someone ready to elevate our wine program across our growing portfolio of premium restaurants.

Ideal Candidate Must Have:

• Demonstrated experience as Head Sommelier or Assistant Head Sommelier
• Extensive knowledge of wine, new and old world
• Passion for the wine industry
• Strong understanding of management practices
• Demonstrated experience in leading high-performing teams and exceeding targets
• Exceptional service skills and guest focused
• Experience with stock control and inventory management is advantageous
• Must be up-to-date with industry trends
• Highly adaptable and able to perform in high-pressure service periods
• Proven ability in building effective relationships
• Organisational and time management skills
• Exceptional communication and presentation
• Full time availability including weekends, public holidays, opening and closing shifts
• WSET certification or similar is highly regarded

Working with Lucas Collective:

At Lucas Collective, we champion growth. We recognise talent, celebrate success and create space for individuals to thrive, proudly offering a culture that is inclusive, inspiring and grounded in respect. Our tailored training approach marries on-the-floor experience with our own digital education platform and we offer access to an array of career-changing opportunities.