Head Sommelier

Milk Beach, Soho; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts (25-50% at group) {

Cost price wine

Meals on shift

Cycle to work

Team social events

Job summary

Milk Beach in London is seeking a dynamic Wine Manager to lead our wine program and position Milk Beach as the go-to Australian wine destination in London. You will curate a unique list from Australian producers and oversee all wine operations, service, training, and GP outcomes.

Bring 2+ years in wine leadership, WSET Level 3 or Diploma, and a passion for Australian culture. You'll work with top wineries and sommeliers to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive sales.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a Wine Manager or Supervisor or Head Sommelier.
• WSET Level 3 or Diploma certification or equivalent knowledge.
• Service oriented with high energy and engaging personality.
• Strong business acumen with attention to budgets, sales and inventory.
• Understanding of Australian wine culture and regional characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Curate and source a unique wine list showcasing Australian wines.
• Oversee wine operations, service, training and GP targets.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, winemakers and distributors.
• Host and develop wine events and tastings to promote Australian wine in London.
• Lead and mentor front-of-house team on wine service and knowledge.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Customer service

Training

Education

WSET Level 3 or Diploma

Job description

OPPORTUNITY: A bustling modern Australian restaurant in the heart of Soho is looking for an experienced and dynamic Wine Manager to lead its wine program and cement its place as the leading destination to experience Australian wine in London. An opportunity to work with Australia’s most iconic wineries, Wine Australia, Tourism Australia to champion Australian wine to a UK audience. An opportunity for someone to achieve a Star Wine List award.

MILK BEACH:

A leading modern Australian restaurant in London located in a spectacular venue in Soho

One of London’s favourite premium casual restaurant destinations

80 cover restaurant plus 10 spots at the bar and an additional 60 covers in the outdoor courtyard

Australian hospitality is professional, knowledgeable and passionate, but also engaging, friendly and fun

Seasonal a la carte lunch/dinner menu showcasing modern Australian cuisine - coastal, barbecue, with southeast Asian and Mediterranean influences

ROLE SUMMARY:

A key leadership role in the business, the Wine Managerwill have full responsibility for curating and sourcing an exciting and unique wine list for the restaurant; and will have full accountability for wine operations, wine service, team training and wine sales and GP financial results.

Wine List

Curation of a wine list that is unique in the European restaurant scene, that showcases the outstanding quality Australian wines have to offer

Target a Star Wine List award in 2027

Foster and grow relationships with all suppliers, Australian winemakers, Wine Australia and Tourism Australia

Make Milk Beach known as the go-to destination for Australian wine in London

Oversee wine operations:

Run the wine operations of the restaurant as their own business with full operating and financial responsibility

Ensure impeccable, knowledgeable, but approachable and fun wine service in the restaurant

Responsible for sales targets, gross profit targets, wine inventory and stock, ensuring proper storage, rotation, and ordering for optimal COGS management

Events

Host our ‘Toast Australia’ dinner series in which we partner with some of Australia’s most iconic winemakers and winery owners (including from Torbrek, Shaw + Smith, Henschke, House of Arras, Vasse Felix, Penfolds, Yalumba and more)

Host trade tastings alongside Amelia Jukes and Wilem Powel

Training

Wine is such an important area of development for many front of house team members. Team training and mentorship is a vital and important responsibility for this role

Build reputation

Build and maintain strong relationships with winemakers, suppliers, and distributors; both locally and globally, to secure exclusive and high-quality offerings.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Industry experience

2+ years as a Wine Manager or Supervisor and/or Head Sommelier

WSET Level 3 or Diploma certification, or equivalent knowledge

Previous restaurant management experience is also valued, but not required

Service oriented

The majority of the role is service-focused, and we are looking for a Wine Manager who is social, with high energy and an engaging personality, to bring a bit of fun to the wine experience for our guests.

A natural ability to build rapport with both guests and staff, providing exceptional guest experience and engaging training.

Business acumen

Strong business acumen with a high attention to detail to manage budgets, sales, and inventory.

Australian connection

Someone with a good understanding of Australian culture and hospitality and a genuine interest in and knowledge of Australian wine and understanding of its unique regional characteristics

Passion for L&D and Hospitality

We are seeking someone who is passionate about nurturing curiosity and pushing team members to learn and develop in their own wine journeys.

Someone who loves dining out and who is plugged in to the London restaurant and wine scene and trends.

What we Offer / Benefits:

Experienced management team who have been in positions for 2+ years including Head Chef, AGM, Restaurant Manager, Head of People

Career development and external educational development including management training

Personalised recognition schemes

Friendly and motivating team environment with an inclusive and diverse workforce

Flexibility and work/life balance

25-50% employee discounts at all group restaurants (Bar Blondie & Saltwater)

Cost price wine

Meals, softs, coffees, and teas while on shift

Cycle to work scheme

Team social events including comedy nights, bowling, darts and more