Head Sommelier

MANA; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A refined dining establishment in Westminster is seeking a Head Sommelier to lead their wine and sake programme. The candidate will curate an exceptional beverage offering that enhances the dining experience and fosters guest education around Japanese beverages. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in fine dining, with a strong understanding of wine and sake. Competitive salary and opportunities for professional development are offered. Join us to help shape an unforgettable dining experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary and service charge package

Continued professional development

Supportive, creative working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in fine dining.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese beverage culture is preferred.
• Calm and confident leadership approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the wine and sake programme.
• Curate an innovative and balanced wine list.
• Train and mentor sommelier and front-of-house teams.

Skills

Deep understanding of international wine regions

Knowledge of sake

Exceptional guest communication

Organisational skills

Education

WSET Sake Level 3 or equivalent certification

Job description

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 — Head Sommelier

As Head Sommelier at MA/NA, you will curate and lead an exceptional beverage programme that celebrates the harmony between wine, sake, and Japanese cuisine.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining a world‑class cellar — one that reflects refinement, discovery, and respect for craftsmanship. You’ll guide guests and team members alike through a journey of flavour and philosophy, connecting them to the story and energy behind each bottle.

Working closely with the kitchen and bar teams, you’ll ensure perfect synergy between dishes, cocktails, and pairings, elevating every moment of the guest experience.

This is a leadership role suited to a Sommelier who embodies curiosity, precision, and emotional intelligence — someone who understands that the right pairing can transform a meal into memory.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the wine and sake programme, from sourcing and selection to service and education
• Curate an innovative, balanced list featuring both iconic producers and artisanal discoveries
• Develop a premium sake offering and lead guest education around Japanese beverages
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and Head of Wine & Sake to craft harmonious food and drink pairings
• Train and mentor the sommelier and front‑of‑house teams to deliver expert yet intuitive serviceManage cellar stock, cost controls, and supplier relationships
• Represent MA/NA at industry tastings, events, and collaborations

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a fine dining or high‑end environment
• Deep understanding of international wine regions, producers, and styles
• Strong knowledge of sake, ideally with WSET Sake Level 3 or equivalent certification
• A refined palate and passion for Japanese cuisine and beverage culture
• Exceptional guest communication and storytelling ability
• Strong organisational skills and a calm, confident approach to leadership
• A desire to help shape one of London’s most exciting new openings

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and service charge package
• Opportunity to lead the wine and sake 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 shape a beverage experience where emotion meets precision — we’d love to hear from you.