Head Sommelier

Sommelier Edit Ltd; Madrid; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Forbes House Madrid seeks an outstanding Head Sommelier to lead the wine programme and sommelier team, elevating the beverage experience to the highest international standards.

Reporting to the Beverage Director, Angelo Altobelli, this strategic leadership role requires an experienced hospitality professional with global mindset and fluent English; Spanish is valued. Luxury, private club environment with international membership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier role within Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels or prestigious private clubs.
• Expert knowledge of Old and New World wines, Champagne and premium beverages.
• Proven leadership of sommelier teams and development of premium wine programmes.
• Experience managing luxury events, wine dinners and high-profile guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the Sommelier team across Forbes House Madrid.
• Design and continuously evolve a world-class wine programme aligned with the culinary vision.
• Manage the wine cellar, purchasing strategy, supplier relationships and inventory control.
• Ensure exceptional wine service standards across all dining experiences.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Beverage Director on pairing menus and guest experiences.
• Plan and execute exclusive wine dinners, tastings, member events and VIP activations.
• Train and mentor front-of-house staff in wine knowledge and service.
• Drive beverage revenue through strategic wine list development and cost management.

Skills

Team leadership

Wine programme development

Budgeting / cost control

Staff training

Wine knowledge (Old & New World)

Communication

Education

WSET Diploma or CMS certification

Job description

Forbes House Madrid

Madrid | Full Time

Join the world's first Forbes House

Forbes House Madrid is the first private members' club by Forbes anywhere in the world. Conceived as an exclusive destination for global leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and tastemakers, Forbes House brings together exceptional hospitality, world-class gastronomy, culture and meaningful connections in one extraordinary setting.

We are seeking an outstanding Head Sommelier to lead the wine programme and sommelier team, elevating every aspect of the beverage experience to the highest international standards.

Reporting directly to the Beverage Director, Angelo Altobelli, this is a strategic leadership role requiring an experienced hospitality professional with a global mindset, exceptional wine expertise and a passion for luxury service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the Sommelier team across Forbes House Madrid.
• Design, curate and continuously evolve a world-class wine programme aligned with the culinary vision of the gastronomic restaurant.
• Manage the wine cellar, purchasing strategy, supplier relationships and inventory control.
• Ensure exceptional wine service standards across all dining experiences.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and Beverage Director on pairing menus and bespoke guest experiences.
• Support the planning and execution of exclusive wine dinners, tastings, member experiences, VIP events and international brand activations.
• Train, mentor and develop the front-of-house team in wine knowledge and beverage service.
• Drive beverage revenue through strategic wine list development, upselling initiatives and cost management.
• Maintain the highest standards of luxury hospitality, anticipating the expectations of an international membership community.
• Act as a key ambassador of Forbes House and assist the Beverage Director in the overall beverage strategy of the club.

Profile

• Minimum of 5 years experience as Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels or prestigious private members' clubs.
• International hospitality experience is highly valued.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading sommelier teams and developing premium wine programmes.
• Proven experience managing luxury events, wine dinners and high-profile guest experiences.
• Extensive knowledge of Old and New World wines, Champagne, fortified wines and premium beverages.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience in purchasing, budgeting and cellar management.
• Outstanding leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance luxury environment.
• WSET Diploma, Court of Master Sommeliers or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Fluent English is essential; Spanish is highly valued. Additional languages are an advantage.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to become part of the inaugural team of the world's first Forbes House.
• A unique leadership role within one of Europe\'s most exciting luxury hospitality projects.
• The opportunity to work alongside internationally recognised hospitality professionals.
• A dynamic, international and excellence-driven working environment.
• Competitive compensation package and attractive professional development opportunities.

If you are passionate about creating exceptional wine experiences and aspire to shape the beverage identity of one of the world's most exclusive private members' clubs, we would be delighted to hear from you.