Sommelier/Venue Manager

bijou bottle store; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals and group discounts

Ongoing professional development

Inclusive team culture

Job summary

bijou Melbourne is seeking a permanent full-time wine bar manager to lead a small team and oversee daily service, wine purchasing, and guest experience. The role requires strong wine knowledge, 2+ years in a supervisory capacity, and a commitment to quality and learning.

The venue offers a collaborative environment with room to grow, staff meals, and ongoing professional development. Residency in Australia is a requirement, with a focus on thoughtful service and a high-quality guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in wine-focused service.
• Minimum 2 years in a management role with direct reports.
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace.
• Permanent residency required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily service and operational standards.
• Managing wine and liquor purchasing and maintaining a considered, unique and quality range.
• Leading, supporting and developing your team.
• Maintaining high standards of guest experience and service.
• Contributing to weekly reporting and business performance reviews.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Excel/Google Workspace

Residency requirement

Tools

Shopify

IMPOS

Job description

Rare opportunity to lead one of Melbourne's most intimate and considered wine bar experiences.

Position: Permanent Full Time

Hours: Strict 38 hours per week

Salary: $85,000 + $10k tips + Super + perks

Roster: 38 Hour week Includes 1 admin day + minimum three 2am closing shifts per week (Friday–Saturday evenings essential)

Start Date: As soon as the right candidate is able.

bijou is a small, highly considered venue focused on quality service and a curated wine and spirits offering. While primarily an on-premise bar, the business also includes a strong takeaway component + online sales Launched 2026.

bijou is part of the Vespertine Group, established in 1997 with Gin Palace - one of Melbourne's original laneway cocktail bars. The group also includes Bar Ampere and Black Kite Commune.

Each venue has a distinct identity, but all share a commitment to thoughtful service, strong culture, and high-quality guest experiences.

We're a people-focused business that values stability, growth, and a supportive working environment.

• Staff meals and group discounts
• Ongoing professional development (internal and external)
• A genuinely inclusive and supportive team culture

About the role

You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of bijou, leading a small team of approximately five staff (including one full-time and one part-time supervisor).

Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing daily service and operational standards

Managing wine and liquor purchasing and maintaining a considered, unique and quality range

Leading, supporting and developing your team

Maintaining high standards of guest experience and service

Contributing to weekly reporting and business performance reviews

Skills & experience

Minimum 3 years' experience in wine-focused service (restaurant or wine bar)

Minimum 2 years in a management role with direct reports

Management experience must be within the hospitality industry

Strong knowledge of wine and spirits, with a genuine interest in continued learning

Excellent communication skills across staff, guests, and stakeholders

Ability to engage guests in an approachable, inclusive way

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace

Permanent residency required for this position

Bonus

• Experience with IMPOS
• Experience with Shopify