Assistant Head Sommelier

MANA; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxurious restaurant in London is seeking an experienced Assistant Head Sommelier to support their beverage program. This role emphasizes collaboration with chefs and service teams to create exceptional pairings of wine and Japanese cuisine. Ideal candidates should have proven experience in fine dining, strong wine knowledge, and a passion for Japanese beverage culture. The position offers competitive pay, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and service charge

Continued training and professional development

Staff meals and wellness initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a fine dining environment.
• Strong understanding of wine styles and producers.
• A refined palate and passion for Japanese cuisine.

Responsibilities

• Support the wine and sake programme from sourcing to service.
• Train and mentor the front-of-house teams.
• Collaborate with kitchen teams on food and drink pairings.

Skills

Understanding of international wine regions

Knowledge of sake

Excellent guest communication

Organised and collaborative

Education

WSET Sake Level 3 or similar certification

Job description

Assistant Head Sommelier — MA/NA (Opening January 2026)

Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair

About MA/NA

Opening in January 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA/NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power — a life‑force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it.

‘Mana’ is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen — transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.

Guided by this belief, MA/NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar — refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine and sake list. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks.

Every element — from design and service to sound and light — is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

The Role - Assistant Head Sommelier

As Assistant Head Sommelier at MA/NA, you will support the creation and execution of an exceptional beverage programme that celebrates the harmony between wine, sake, and Japanese cuisine.

Working closely with the Head Sommelier, you will help develop and maintain a world‑class cellar — one that reflects refinement, discovery, and respect for craftsmanship. You’ll guide guests and team members through a journey of flavour and philosophy, connecting them to the story and energy behind each bottle.

Collaborating across the kitchen and bar teams, you’ll help ensure perfect synergy between dishes, cocktails, and pairings, elevating every aspect of the guest experience.

This is a dynamic, hands‑on role suited to a Sommelier who embodies curiosity, precision, and emotional intelligence — someone who strives to learn, lead, and grow within a world‑class opening.

Key Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of the wine and sake programme, from sourcing and selection to service and team education
• Assist in curating an innovative, balanced list featuring both iconic producers and artisanal discoveries
• Contribute to the development of a premium sake offering and guest education around Japanese beverages
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef, Head Sommelier, and Head of Wine & Sake to craft harmonious food and drink pairings
• Help train and mentor the sommelier and front‑of‑house teams to deliver expert yet intuitive service
• Support cellar management, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Represent MA/NA at industry tastings, events, and collaborations
• Step into leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Head Sommelier

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a fine dining or high‑end environment
• Strong understanding of international wine regions, producers, and styles
• Knowledge of sake, ideally with WSET Sake Level 3 or a desire to achieve certification
• A refined palate and passion for Japanese cuisine and beverage culture
• Excellent guest communication and storytelling ability
• Organised, motivated, and collaborative approach to service and leadership
• A calm, professional presence and commitment to continuous learning
• A desire to help shape one of London’s most exciting new openings

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and service charge package
• Opportunity to play a key role in the beverage programme for a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
• Collaboration with world‑class chefs and bar professionals
• Continued training, tasting, and professional development
• Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment

Join the MA/NA Opening Team

If you are guided by balance, curiosity, and craft — and want to grow within a team that transforms emotion into experience — we’d love to hear from you.