Head Sommelier | Maison Bâtard

Lucas Collective; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance-based bonus

Professional development opportunities

Dining discounts

Job summary

Maison Bâtard is seeking an experienced Head Sommelier to lead and elevate our wine program in Melbourne. You will head a high-performing team, oversee cellar operations, and curate a distinctive wine experience for guests across a renowned dining venue.

The ideal candidate has extensive Old World and New World wine knowledge, a guest-centric service ethos, and a passion for continuous learning. A WSET qualification is highly regarded and you will be available full-time, including weekends.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as Head Sommelier or Assistant Head Sommelier.
• Extensive knowledge of Old World and New World wines.
• Passion for the wine industry and continued learning.
• Strong understanding of hospitality management and operational practices.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
• Exceptional service standards and guest-first approach.
• Experience with stock control, cellar management and inventory systems.
• WSET certification or equivalent wine qualifications highly regarded.
• Full-time availability, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the wine program for Maison Bâtard, developing a high-performing team.
• Hands-on involvement in service, cellar management and wine operations.
• Oversee wine purchasing, stock control and cellar development.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and guests.
• Design and host bespoke wine dinners and exclusive events.

Skills

Leadership

Wine knowledge

Guest service

Communication

Time management

Head Sommelier experience

Education

WSET certification

Tools

Stock control

Cellar management

Inventory systems

Job description

About Maison Bâtard:

Maison Bâtard is a celebration of modern French culture which has been imagined uniquely for Melbourne in a nod to the city’s golden era of hospitality. Careful and meticulous restoration has transformed the landmark heritage site at 23 Bourke Street into a four-level haven of immersive, French-accented dining and celebratory experiences; including a showpiece restaurant spanning the lower two floors, a late-night supper club in the basement and an elegant rooftop terrace.

About Lucas Collective:

Home to some of Australia's most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, Lucas Collective's portfolio includes Chin Chin, Kisumé, Hawker Hall, Baby Pizza, Yakimono, Society, Grill Americano, Tombo Den and Maison Bâtard. Our venues have earned some of Australia's highest hospitality accolades, including Maison Bâtard being named Australia's Best New Restaurant in 2025, alongside international recognition for excellence in food, wine and hospitality.

About The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Sommelier to lead the team at Maison Bâtard. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven wine professional to take ownership of a wine program, lead and develop a high-performing team, and contribute to the continued evolution of one of Melbourne's most celebrated dining destinations. You will bring an extensive knowledge and appreciation of wine, exceptional service standards and a genuine passion for creating memorable guest experiences. Combining strong leadership with hands-on involvement in service, cellar management and wine operations, you will play an integral role in shaping the venue's wine culture.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrated experience as a Head Sommelier or Assistant Head Sommelier.
• Extensive knowledge of both Old World and New World wines.
• A genuine passion for the wine industry and commitment to continued learning.
• Strong understanding of hospitality management and operational practices.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
• Exceptional service standards and a genuine guest-first approach.
• Experience with stock control, cellar management and inventory systems.
• A strong awareness of current wine trends and industry developments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, colleagues and guests.
• Excellent organisational, time management and communication skills.
• Full-time availability, including weekends, public holidays, and opening and closing shifts.
• WSET certification or equivalent wine qualifications highly regarded.

Why Join Lucas Collective?

• Competitive salary, tips & an annual performance-based bonus.
• Opportunity to collaborate on developing exclusive wine and beverage offerings across the group.
• Mentorship and development opportunities with Master Sommeliers.
• Involvement in wine buying, curation and cellar development.
• Opportunity to design and host bespoke wine dinners and exclusive events.
• Financial support for further wine studies and professional qualifications.
• Access to industry-leading training, development and specialist masterclasses.
• Lucas Education, including specialist wine and sake programs.
• Genuine career progression across our growing collection of award-winning venues.
• Dining discounts across our venues.
• A supportive, ambitious and collaborative team environment.

Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or build a long-term future in hospitality, Lucas Collective gives you the opportunity to work alongside some of the best talent in the industry, across some of Australia's most celebrated venues.

Ready to Join Us?

Proudly founder-owned and led, we are an acclaimed independent hospitality collective, with a portfolio that includes Australia’s most beloved and exciting concepts — spanning restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and other experiential offerings. Lucas Collective is brought to you by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas.

At Lucas Collective, we champion growth. We recognise talent, celebrate success and create space for individuals to thrive, proudly offering a culture that’s 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.

Proudly founder-owned and led, we are an acclaimed independent hospitality collective, with a portfolio that includes Australia’s most beloved and exciting concepts — spanning restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and other experiential offerings. Lucas Collective is brought to you by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas.

At Lucas Collective, we champion growth. We recognise talent, celebrate success and create space for individuals to thrive, proudly offering a culture that’s 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.