Assistant Sommelier- Gordon Ramsay

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spa and golf discounts

Friends & family rates

20% food & beverage discount

Job summary

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere in Knutsford is seeking an Assistant Sommelier to support our wine programme across the restaurant, delivering refined guidance, glassware service, and thoughtful pairings in line with Gordon Ramsay's standards of excellence.

You will work closely with the Head Sommelier, train team members on wine knowledge, maintain cellar organisation, and contribute to guest engagement in a fast-paced five‑star setting with exceptional dining experiences.

Qualifications

• WSET Level 2 or Court of Master Sommelier Certified or higher (or equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge of global wine regions, producers, and vintages.
• Previous experience in a Michelin-starred or luxury dining environment preferred.
• Confident communication and guest-facing skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation service environment.

Responsibilities

• Wine service includes delivering refined, confident guidance on selections, decanting, and thoughtful pairing recommendations, ensuring each guest experience reflects exceptional standards.
• Guest engagement focuses on building genuine rapport, understanding preferences, and offering personalised suggestions that elevate the dining journey.
• Training support involves assisting with team development by reinforcing wine knowledge, service techniques, and pairing principles.
• Operational excellence includes maintaining impeccable standards across wine service, cellar organisation, and glassware presentation.
• Menu collaboration supports the culinary team by aligning pairings with seasonal dishes.
• Cellar management includes stock rotation, accurate inventory, and maintaining a well-organised, temperature-controlled environment.

Skills

WSET Level 2 or CMS Cert

Wine knowledge

Guest-facing communication

High-pressure service

Team training support

Education

Court of Master Sommelier level or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote)

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West's most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont's world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities. Whether visiting for relaxation, celebration, or business, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments and delivering the very best in 5-star luxury hospitality.

Your Purpose Will Be

The Assistant Sommelier supports the wine programme across the restaurant, ensuring guests receive exceptional, knowledgeable, and engaging wine service. You will work closely with the Head Sommelier to elevate the overall dining experience in line with Gordon Ramsay's standards of excellence.

Job Description

• Wine service includes delivering refined, confident guidance on selections, decanting, and thoughtful pairing recommendations, ensuring each guest experience reflects exceptional standards.
• Guest engagement focuses on building genuine rapport, understanding preferences, and offering personalised suggestions that elevate the dining journey.
• Training support involves assisting with team development by reinforcing wine knowledge, service techniques, and pairing principles.
• Operational excellence includes maintaining impeccable standards across wine service, cellar organisation, and glassware presentation.
• Menu collaboration supports the culinary team by aligning pairings with seasonal dishes.
• Cellar management includes stock rotation, accurate inventory, and maintaining a well-organised, temperature-controlled environment.

Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.

Qualifications

• WSET Level 2 or Court of Master Sommelier Certified or higher (or equivalent experience)
• Strong knowledge of global wine regions, producers, and vintages
• Previous experience in a Michelin-starred or luxury dining environment preferred
• Confident communication and guest-facing skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation service environment

Additional Information

What is in it for you?

• Exclusive Discounts:
  • Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discount
  • Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included)
  • 20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants
• Colleague restaurant
• Being part of The Mere Team - our culture is unique!
• You will benefit from training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits including pension
• 28 days of holiday including public holidays
• 1-5 days service award based on length of service
• Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide
• And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people