Cellar Master/Head Sommelier for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

vgroup; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

V.Ships Leisure, representing Orient Express Sailing Yachts, is seeking a Head Sommelier/Cellar Master to lead the beverage program across its sailing venues in the UK and beyond. You will shape wine lists, train staff, and ensure an elevated guest experience aligned with Orient Express standards.

The role combines financial oversight of beverage costs with operational leadership, ensuring best-in-class service, consistent quality, and a distinctive Orient Express brand experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive beverage strategy and elevate guest experience across multiple venues.
• Oversee cost control, beverage budgets, labor, wastage and staff training.

Job description

V.Ships Leisure is looking for Cellar Master/Head Sommelier on behalf of Orient Express Sailing Yachts.

The Head Sommelier/Cellar Master is responsible to drive the development and execution of Orient Express' beverage strategy in restaurants, with a focus on elevating the guest experience through a carefully curated wine portfolio for multiple venues. The Head Sommelier/Cellar Master ensures the smooth running of the beverage operation on a day-to day basis, in line with Orient Express standards and policies, including familiarizing and training of employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Oversees all aspects of financial management, including cost control (beverage cost, labor, comps, discounts, and wastage), to ensure that budgets and targets are consistently achieved and surpassed. Ensures an elevated beverage experience for all Guests to foster a unique and identifiable Orient Express' brand image.