Head Sommelier

Hawksmoor; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tronc paid for every hour worked

Free team meals on shift

50% off food for you and family

Income protection

Paid volunteer days

Early wage access

Referral bonuses

Exclusive savings on travel

Welfare budget for snacks

Training and progression opportunities

Job summary

Hawksmoor in London is seeking a Head Sommelier to lead and inspire the wine team, delivering exceptional wine service and thoughtful pairings across the restaurant floor. You’ll work closely with the Wine Manager to grow the wine programme, manage stock and cellar organisation, and train the FOH team through tastings and product knowledge sessions.

This is a long-term opportunity with a clear pathway toward Assistant Wine Manager, championing Hawksmoor’s hospitality standards and memorable

Qualifications

• Experience leading sommelier teams in premium restaurants.
• WSET Level 3 preferred.
• Passionate about developing people and guest experiences.
• Calm, organized in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the sommelier team through coaching and hands-on leadership.
• Deliver exceptional wine service and pairings across the restaurant floor.
• Support the Wine Manager in developing the wine programme, stock and cellar organisation.
• Train and develop the FOH team with tastings and product knowledge sessions.
• Drive wine sales while upholding Hawksmoor’s hospitality standards.
• Contribute to menu development and seasonal wine selections.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Wine knowledge

Stock management

Team development

Education

WSET Level 3

Job description

Since 2006, Hawksmoor has been the UK’s home of ethically sourced, grass-fed beef, cooked over charcoal and paired with award-winning wines and cocktails. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, one of the most sustainable restaurant groups in the industry, and to have been recognised as one of the Best Companies to work for year after year.

As a Head Sommelier, you'll be a key leader within Hawksmoor's award-winning wine team, inspiring and developing sommeliers while delivering exceptional guest experiences. You'll work closely with the Wine Manager to drive wine sales, maintain outstanding standards, and support the continued growth of the wine programme in one of London's busiest restaurants.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and inspire the sommelier team through coaching, mentoring and hands-on leadership.
• Deliver exceptional wine service and pairings across the restaurant floor.
• Support the Wine Manager in developing the wine programme, stock management and cellar organisation.
• Train and develop the FOH team through regular tastings and product knowledge sessions.
• Drive wine sales while maintaining Hawksmoor's high standards of hospitality.
• Contribute to menu development, seasonal selections and continuous improvement of the wine offering.

Who You Are

• An experienced Sommelier with leadership experience in a premium restaurant.
• WSET Level 3 (or equivalent) preferred.
• Passionate about developing people and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Calm, organised and confident in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Looking for a long-term opportunity to grow within Hawksmoor, with a clear pathway to Assistant Wine Manager in the future.
• A team player who embodies Hawksmoor's values and culture.

Our Values

Welcome Everyone - we are warm, welcoming and help everyone feel comfortable being themselves

Work Hard and Be Nice to People - we balance hard work and ambition with integrity, kindness and fun

Hit Hawksmoor Standards - we all take accountability for the part we play

Keep Evolving - we continue to develop through listening, learning, feedback and new ideas

Benefits

• Tronc paid for every hour you work, including holidays and breaks
• Free team meals on shift
• 50% off food at Hawksmoor for you and your loved ones
• Income protection and death in service cover
• Paid annual volunteer days
• Stream early wage access and financial wellbeing tools
• Referral bonuses from day one
• Exclusive savings on travel, shopping and experiences
• Restaurant welfare budget for snacks, drinks and support
• Full training and development with clear progression opportunities

We’re building a team that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. At Hawksmoor, we welcome everyone and believe in creating a workplace where individuality is celebrated, kindness is key and high standards are met together. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, please apply anyway. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.