Head Sommelier

The Arts Club; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious private members' club in Mayfair is seeking a Head Sommelier to manage a team of wine connoisseurs, enhance wine selection, and provide exceptional service to members. The ideal candidate will possess WSET qualifications, outstanding wine knowledge, and excellent customer service skills. This role offers excellent career development opportunities and a rewarding work environment that supports diversity and inclusiveness.

Benefits

Excellent career development opportunities

Discounts on Food & Beverage

Private medical benefits

Enhanced sick pay and maternity pay

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Complimentary meals while on duty

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or in a similar role in a luxury dining environment.
• Exceptional communication and people skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate a team of wine experts.
• Maintain and improve the Club's wine selection.
• Build relationships with trade vendors.
• Train junior members to become wine experts.
• Provide a memorable guest experience.

Skills

WSET or equivalent Sommelier qualifications

Excellent customer service skills

Excellent knowledge of wine, liquor and Champagnes

Ability to work under pressure

Excellent attention to detail

A high standard of personal presentation and finesse

Confident, professional and welcoming personality

Job description

Overview

Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Arts Club is one of London’s oldest private members’ clubs and home to a community of members with a passion for the creative arts, literature, and business. From distinguished art exhibitions to fine dining, live music, and an exceptional programme of events for members, the club remains at the heart of contemporary cultural life in London.

We provide a haven of peace and sophistication to our members and their guests within elegant surroundings featuring exquisite pieces of art, incredible food and drink in our restaurants, bars and private dining event spaces.

We are currently looking for a Head Sommelier to come and join our team and share in this unique and luxury setting in Mayfair.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coach and motivate a team of wine connoisseurs in delivering a 5 star luxury lifestyle guest service for our Members during a dining experience.
• Maintain and improve the Club's extensive wine selection ensuring the highest quality of selected wines according to market availability and best value considerations.
• Build business relationships with trade vendors and ensure the best wines are purchased and menus are regularly reviewed.
• Recommend and match wines for our Members to complement their menu selection.
• Review and coordinate the selection and purchasing of the cigar stock items for the Club.
• Actively train the assistant head sommelier in all aspects of leadership and people management and develop junior members to become experts in this specialist arena.
• Provide an enchanting and memorable gastronomy experience.

Entry Requirements

We are searching for highly motivated and experienced individuals, who have worked in a similar role. You will be an excellent and confident communicator with exceptional people skills.

Qualifications & Skills

• Ideally WSET or equivalent Sommelier qualifications
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent knowledge of wine, liquor and Champagnes
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail
• A high standard of personal presentation and finesse
• Confident, professional and welcoming personality

Benefits

• Excellent career development opportunities
• Discounts on Food & Beverage in our sister restaurants
• Uniform laundry service
• Private medical benefits
• Enhanced sick pay and maternity pay
• Life assurance
• Long Service Awards
• Birthday Day Off
• Complimentary meals while on duty
• Pension scheme
• EAP scheme
• Reward Gateway benefits scheme
• Terms and conditions apply to all the above benefits

Eligibility

In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply. However applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.