Assistant Manager, Sommelier - Private Dining, Toronto

Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality; Toronto; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant group is seeking an Assistant Restaurant Manager with strong wine expertise to enhance guest experiences through exceptional service and wine knowledge. Responsibilities include overseeing private dining events, managing the wine program, and training staff on wine and service standards. Ideal candidates have 3+ years in fine dining, a passion for hospitality, and remarkable leadership qualities. This is a full-time position based in Toronto with competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health, dental and vision benefits

Paid vacation, sick, and personal days

RRSP matching

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a fine dining restaurant.
• At least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in private dining or event management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of private dining events.
• Manage wine inventory and oversee wine program.
• Coach team members on product knowledge and service standards.

Skills

Wine Knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Certified Sommelier

Job description

Company Description

Founded in 1993 by Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini, Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality is recognized as one of Canada’s leading restaurant and event groups. With operations in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and beyond. Our diverse portfolio includes a range of acclaimed restaurants, unique event venues and strategic culinary partnerships. We are passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality experiences through inspired food, genuine service, and great people.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Monday to Friday schedule
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• Health, dental and vision benefits with enhanced mental health coverage
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Group life & disability insurance
• Management uniform/clothing reimbursement
• Monthly dining allowance for O&B restaurants
• 50% dining discount for all O&B
• RRSP matching
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and service-driven Assistant Restaurant Manager with strong wine experience to lead the private dining program. This role focuses on enhancing the guest experience through exceptional wine knowledge, private event execution, and leadership in service standards.

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and natural leader with a passion for wine, hospitality, and seamless service. You will work closely with the Chef de Cuisine, and front-of-house team to curate unforgettable dining experiences with precision and warmth.

*Working primarily Monday through Friday, this individual will also oversee select evening events-especially during peak seasons such as holidays.

The Day to Day:

• Oversee all aspects of private dining events, ensuring flawless execution from planning to guest departure
• Liaise with clients and internal teams to tailor event experiences to guest expectations
• Lead Chef's Dinners andevent programming, ensuring impeccable timing, pairings, and guest satisfaction
• Responsible for the wine program's overall vision, curation, and evolution
• Manage wine inventory, including accurate costing, ordering, andorganization
• Guide guests through our diverse and dynamic wine list with approachability and expertise
• Create memorable food and wine pairings in collaboration with the kitchen team
• Stay up to date with wine industry trends, attending tastings and networking events to maintain supplier relationships
• Lead and conduct ongoing staff education on wine, service standards, and food pairing
• Coach team members to enhance product knowledge and confidence in upselling premium experiences
• Foster a culture of hospitality and professionalism throughout the front-of-house team
• Perform restaurant managerial duties including scheduling, inventory, training and recruitment
• Uphold all operational policies and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a fine dining restaurant, with at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role
• Certified Sommelier (or equivalent experience) with strong wine knowledge and a guest-first approach
• Proven experience in private dining or event management preferred
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment with high attention to detail

Additional Information

** We thank all applicants for their interest in Freehand Hospitality; however, only suitable candidates will be contacted to continue the application process. **

Freehand Hospitality's Diversity Commitment

At Freehand Hospitality, we are committed to treating every employee with dignity and respect. We strive to be fair and just, and create working environments where our employees can be at their best.