Bartender

The Conduit; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious dining establishment in London seeks an experienced sommelier to enhance the wine experience at Rucola restaurant. The ideal candidate will possess substantial wine knowledge and experience in high-end hospitality, along with a commitment to sustainability. This role involves collaboration with the culinary team on wine pairings, conducting staff training, and managing the wine cellar. Competitive benefits include 28 days annual leave and unique team experiences.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Birthday meal for 2

Volunteer day off

Refer a Friend bonus

Dining discount

Local discounts

Career development programs

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a sommelier in a high-end restaurant.
• Extensive knowledge of wine regions and winemaking techniques.
• Strong palate to discern flavors and aromas.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the culinary team for wine pairing suggestions.
• Conduct training for restaurant staff on wine.
• Oversee the wine cellar organization and inventory management.
• Interact with guests for tailored wine recommendations.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer engagement

Sustainability commitment

Education

Certification from recognized wine education programs

Job description

Sommelier - Rucola Restaurant, The Conduit

Set in the heart of Covent Garden, The Conduit serves as a home for people passionate about achieving positive social, environmental, and economic change.

Join the vibrant pre-opening team of Rucola, a revolutionary farm-to-plate, zero-waste restaurant concept located on the 5th floor of The Conduit Club in Covent Garden. Rucola is committed to offering an exceptional dining experience that celebrates sustainability, seasonality, and craftsmanship. We are currently seeking a skilled and passionate individual to be a part of the team and an advocate of our wine program assisting our members and guests in their wine choices while also supporting the rest of the team to ensure a seamless exceptional experience.

As the sommelier you will be expected to be an integral part of the team assisting your colleagues with other duties to ensure the Member / guest experience is the priority.

Key Responsibilities

Pairing and Recommendations

• Collaborate closely with the culinary team to develop wine pairing suggestions for the menu, considering flavor profiles, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
• Provide personalized wine recommendations to guests, enhancing their dining experience and promoting wine education.
• Stay informed about the latest developments and trends in the wine industry to offer informed and up-to-date recommendations.

Staff Training and Education

• Conduct training sessions for restaurant staff to enhance their knowledge of wine, including grape varieties, regions, and serving techniques.
• Foster a culture of hospitality and professionalism among the service team, ensuring they deliver exceptional wine service to guests.

Cellar Management

• Oversee the organization and maintenance of the restaurant’s wine cellar, ensuring proper storage conditions and inventory management.
• Implement procedures for stock rotation, labeling, and recording of wine purchases and sales.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in developing strategies to optimize wine sales and minimize waste.

Customer Engagement

• Interact with guests to understand their preferences and tailor wine recommendations to suit their tastes and preferences.
• Host wine tasting events, wine dinners, and other promotional activities to engage with club members and attract new clientele.
• Act as a brand ambassador for Rucola, promoting the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and excellence in wine service.

Equipment

• Take responsibility for maintaining any equipment under his purview.
• Report any breakages / shortage in a timely manner.
• Keep Wine Menus tidy and clean and report any shortages / damage to the HOD.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience as a sommelier in a high-end restaurant or hospitality establishment.
• Extensive knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques.
• Strong palate and ability to discern nuanced flavours and aromas.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with guests and inspire enthusiasm for wine.
• Certification from recognized wine education programs (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust) preferred.
• A passion for sustainability and a commitment to promote environmentally responsible practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and contribute to the success of the pre-opening team.

We strive to be a company that is inclusive, where everyone, from any background, can be happy at work. As part of our team, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits:

• We are closed on Sundays.
• 28 days annual leave +1 extra day each year for long service (up to a maximum of +5).
• 1 extra day off to celebrate your birthday and a complimentary birthday meal for 2.
• 1 extra day off each year to volunteer at a charitable organisation of your choice.
• Refer a Friend bonus of up to £500.Access to 150 member-only thought-leadership events per year.
• Healthy meals on duty.
• 33% dining discount for up to 4 once a month.
• Local discounts in and around Covent Garden, including restaurants, fashion, beauty and perks for food, and opticians, and many other businesses across the local area.
• Development and progression through Conduit Careers including e-learning programmes.