Head Sommelier - SHELL HOUSE

The Point; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing Learning & Development

Staff rewards program

Staff discounts across The Point

Staff referral program

Career development and progression

Job summary

Shell House, Sydney, is seeking a Head Sommelier to lead the wine program across four venues, including a 2-hatted restaurant. You will shape the programme, mentor sommeliers, and build strong supplier relationships to keep the cellar exceptional.

This senior, hands-on role combines technical depth with warmth, ensuring wine remains welcoming at every guest touchpoint across Shell House and The Point.

Qualifications

• WSET Level 3 or CMS Certified Sommelier minimum.
• 5+ years in hospitality, including 2+ years in a senior role in fine dining or comparable venue.
• Proven ability to lead across multiple sites and mentor staff.
• Comfortable owning margins, stock control and pricing strategy.
• Track record of securing strong supplier allocations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and evolve the wine list across four venues with balance, regionality and storytelling.
• Engage guests directly to guide wine selections and elevate experiences.
• Recruit, train and mentor a team of sommeliers and wine staff.
• Collaborate with culinary team for seasonal menus and events.
• Manage beverage KPIs, budgets and financial performance.

Skills

Wine program leadership

Guest engagement

Team development

Commercial acumen

Supplier relationships

Storytelling / warmth

Education

WSET Level 3

CMS Certified Sommelier

Job description

About Shell House

Shell House is home to some of Sydney's most distinct hospitality experiences under one roof - from our 2-hatted fine dining restaurant, to Menzies Bar & Bistro, Sky Bar, and the Clocktower. Each venue has its own personality, its own guests, and its own rhythm. Behind all of them sits one wine program, built to match the calibre of the food, the design, and the experience we're known for.

We're looking for a Head Sommelier ready to lead that program across the whole precinct.

The Role

As Head Sommelier, you'll curate and deliver the wine program across all four venues at Shell House — from an exclusive, story-driven list for our 2-hatted restaurant, through to approachable, well-considered selections for Menzies, Sky Bar, and Clocktower Bar. You'll lead our Sommelier team, mentor front-of-house staff across every venue, and build the supplier relationships that keep our cellar exceptional.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who wants ownership of a wine program at scale. With the technical depth to satisfy a hatted dining room and the warmth to make wine feel welcoming everywhere else.

Key Responsibilities

• Wine Program Leadership: Oversee and evolve the wine list across all four venues, with a focus on balance, regionality, sustainability, and storytelling
• Guest Engagement & Service Excellence: Personally engage with guests to guide wine selections and elevate their experience through storytelling, tasting notes, and thoughtful recommendations
• Team Development & Mentorship: Recruit, train, and mentor a team of passionate, knowledgeable sommeliers and wine waitstaff
• Collaboration & Events: Work closely with the culinary team to align wine offerings with seasonal menus, private events and group experiences
• Operational & Financial Oversight: Manage and report on beverage KPIs, sales, COGS etc in line with budget goals and guest value perception

A full position description is available on request.

What You'll Bring

• Relevant wine certification: WSET Level 3 or CMS Certified Sommelier as a minimum requirement
• Experience: Min 5 years in hospitality, including at least 2 years in a similar senior role in fine dining or comparable venue.
• Leadership: Proven ability to build, train, and mentor a team across multiple sites or outlets
• Commercial acumen: Comfortable owning margins, stock control, and pricing strategy
• Relationship-building: A track record of securing great allocations through genuine supplier relationships
• Warmth and storytelling: The ability to make wine feel exciting and accessible to every kind of guest

Reporting Line

This role reports to the General Manager, with support and guidance from the Group F&B Director on technical and program-wide matters.

Why Join Us

• Lead the wine program across four distinct venues under one address, including a 2-hatted restaurant
• Genuine autonomy to shape the direction and identity of the cellar
• Work alongside passionate, professional teams across every part of Shell House
• Access to premium allocations, supplier relationships, and industry events
• A leadership role with real scope to grow

Shell House is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

About The Point

Shell House is proudly part of The Point, a growing hospitality group behind some of NSW’s most loved restaurants, bars & pubs. When you join The Point, you become part of a business that genuinely invests in its people and believes in long‑term careers, not just jobs.

Staff benefits include:

• Ongoing Learning & Development programs
• A staff rewards program
• Staff discounts across all of The Point venues
• A staff referral program
• Genuine career development and progression opportunities