Assistant Head Sommelier

THE PIG Hotel | B Corp; Combe Raleigh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited staff stays across THE PIG

35% discount on food, drinks and spa

Meals on duty

33 days holiday allowance

GP access and counselling services

Job summary

THE PIG at Combe is seeking an ambitious Assistant Head Sommelier to join our award-winning wine team. You will help lead the wine programme, manage our underground cellar, and build strong supplier relationships while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Ideal candidates will have Sommelier experience and WSET qualifications, with a passion for wine and hospitality, and the ability to engage guests with confidence and warmth.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Sommelier or Assistant Sommelier role in a quality hospitality environment.
• WSET qualifications (or equivalent) preferred.
• Passion for wine and hospitality with strong guest communication.

Responsibilities

• As Assistant Head Sommelier, support the Head Sommelier in managing the wine programme.
• Help maintain and manage the local underground wine cellar.
• Build relationships with suppliers and producers.
• Recommend wines and craft food pairings for guests.
• Share knowledge with the wider team and contribute to service excellence.
• Engage with guests during service to enhance their dining experience.

Skills

Sommelier experience

Guest engagement

Wine knowledge

Team player

Education

WSET certification (or equivalent)

Job description

Location: THE PIG-at Combe, Honiton, EX14 3AD

Salary: OTE £16 per hour, inclusive of tronc

Hours: 40 hours over 5 days per week

For those who love wine, people, and creating unforgettable dining experiences.

At THE PIG, we see wine as an essential part of the story we tell our guests. We're not interested in stuffy traditions or formalities for the sake of it. Instead, we believe wine should be approachable, exciting, and enjoyed by everyone.

We're looking for an ambitious Assistant Head Sommelier to join our award-winning team at THE PIG at Combe. This is a rare opportunity to develop your career within one of the UK's most celebrated hospitality groups, working alongside passionate wine professionals and some of the country's finest food and beverage teams.

Why THE PIG?

Wine is at the heart of what we do. Our carefully curated wine lists showcase exceptional producers from around the world, local English vineyards, and even our own wines. In fact, THE PIG in the South Downs, boasts its very own vineyard, reflecting our commitment to celebrating outstanding wine from near and far.

What You'll Be Doing

As Assistant Head Sommelier, you'll be a key part of our restaurant and bar team, helping to deliver exceptional guest experiences through knowledgeable, engaging, and memorable wine service.

You’ll

• Support the Head Sommelier in the day-to-day management of the wine programme.
• Help maintain and manage our traditional underground wine cellar.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and producers.
• Recommend wines and create perfect food pairings for our guests.
• Share your enthusiasm and knowledge with the wider team.
• Play an active role in our vibrant restaurant service, engaging with guests and enhancing their dining experience.
• Continue developing your expertise through tastings, supplier visits, industry events, and professional training.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in a Sommelier or Assistant Sommelier role within a quality hospitality environment.
• WSET qualifications (or equivalent) preferred.
• A genuine passion for wine and hospitality.
• Strong guest engagement and communication skills.
• A desire to learn, develop and progress within a growing business.
• Positive energy, personality and a team-focused approach.
• Due to the location of the hotel, you will need to have your own transport

What's In It For You?

We believe great people deserve great rewards. Alongside a competitive salary and service charge, you'll enjoy:

• Unlimited staff stays across THE PIG Hotels with complimentary B&B.
• 35% discount on food, drinks and treatments.
• Meals on duty.
• Holiday allowance that increases with service, up to 33 days.
• Take-home goods at cost price.
• Free access to GP, physiotherapy and counselling services through Help@Hand for you and your family.
• Critical illness cover.
• Death in service benefit.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Career progression across our growing collection of hotels.
• Anniversary vouchers, including dinner and wine for two.

Join Us

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate wine professional to deepen their expertise, work with an outstanding people centric hotel group, and build a long-term career with one of the UK's most distinctive hospitality brands.

If you're ready to take the next step in your sommelier journey, we'd love to hear from you.

Home Grown Hotels is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against candidates based on any of the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act 2010.