Head Sommelier

Roe Restaurant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Learning opportunities

Wellbeing programme

Staff discounts

Friends and Family discounts

Supplier trips

Staff meals

Job summary

ROE is seeking an experienced and visionary Head Sommelier to take the reins of our dynamic wine program at our Wood Wharf site in London. You will curate a diverse, thought-provoking list and lead a passionate team, shaping the future of beverage service.

With responsibilities spanning supplier relations, cost control, staff development, and guest engagement, you will deliver confident service with wine pairings that elevate our British ingredient–driven cuisine, anchored in sustainability.

Qualifications

• Proven head sommelier or senior sommelier in a high-calibre, service-led environment.
• WSET Level 3 or CMS certification.
• Deep knowledge of global wine regions with a passion for sustainability.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Experience managing beverage costs, inventory, and supplier relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve Roe's wine program, ensuring alignment with our sustainable, ingredient-driven ethos.
• Curate and manage a diverse, innovative wine list that complements our cuisine.
• Deliver engaging service with thoughtful wine pairings and confident table-side presence.
• Build and nurture relationships with suppliers, championing lesser-known producers.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing sommelier team.
• Oversee stock management, inventory, and cost controls for profitability.
• Collaborate closely with culinary and front-of-house teams for seamless guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Wine knowledge

Guest service

Supplier relations

Inventory management

Cost control

Education

WSET Level 3 or CMS

Job description

Conscious & creative dining in the heart of Wood Wharf from the trio behind Fallow restaurant. Named after native deer of the British Isles, Roe will follow the same nose-to-tail and root-to-stem ethos as its critically acclaimed sister restaurant, Fallow St James's.

The extensive a la carte menu will be divided into nibbles and flatbreads, skewers, and grilled options, with larger plates and sides also available. As well as championing modest, British ingredients, Roe's dishes will showcase underused and underappreciated produce.

Roe is seeking an experienced and visionary Head Sommelier to take the reins of our dynamic wine program and elevate the guest experience to new heights. This is a unique opportunity to join one of London’s most progressive and sustainability-focused restaurants, where creativity, excellence, and innovation are at the core of everything we do. As Head Sommelier, you will have full ownership of our wine offering - from curating a diverse, thought-provoking list to leading a passionate team and shaping the future of beverage service at Roe.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and evolve Roe's wine program, ensuring alignment with our sustainable, ingredient-driven ethos.
• Curate and manage an exciting, innovative, and responsibly sourced wine list that complements our award-winning cuisine.
• Deliver engaging, informative, and confident service to guests, with thoughtful wine pairings and outstanding table-side presence.
• Build and nurture relationships with suppliers, championing lesser-known producers and sustainable vineyards.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing sommelier team, fostering a culture of education, passion, and hospitality excellence.
• Oversee stock management, inventory, and cost controls to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.
• Collaborate closely with the culinary and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless, world-class guest experiences.

About You:

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a high-calibre, service-led environment.
• WSET Level 3 or equivalent professional certification (e.g. CMS).
• Deep knowledge of global wine regions, with a passion for sustainability and emerging producers.
• Exceptional leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
• Strong operational acumen and experience in managing beverage costs, inventory, and supplier relations.
• Charismatic, engaging, and confident in guest interaction, with a calm, professional approach under pressure.

The benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Career progression.
• Continuous Learning and Development programme including external opportunities such as WSET and Leadership courses.
• Wellbeing initiatives.
• Reward and recognition schemes.
• Free welcome lunch for you and a guest.
• 50% restaurant discounts across the group.
• 25% Friends and Family discounts.
• 50% discount on company retail.
• Supplier trips, staff parties and team socials.
• Staff meal during your shift.
• Increased holiday entitlement after three years employment.
• Enhanced parental leave (after one year's employment).
• Sabbaticals (after three years employment).
• Fowl Mouth: the opportunity for our employees to use Fowl as a venue to organise a professional pop-up night.

At ROE, we're passionate about fostering an environment that allows everyone to thrive and prosper, regardless of background. Diversity of perspective and an inclusive approach that promotes the voice of those experiences and viewpoints are well-known to be beneficial for our company and, consequently, career advancement.