Head Sommelier

COYA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury lifestyle group in Greater London is seeking a Head Sommelier to lead the wine team during exciting international expansion. The role involves managing the wine department, ensuring high-quality service, and demonstrating knowledge of international wines. Applicants should have at least 2 years of hospitality experience, ideally in fine dining, and be a certified sommelier. This position offers ongoing training, great discounts, and opportunities for personal growth and overseas transfers.

Benefits

Ongoing training program

Excellent discounts at high-end restaurants

32 days paid holiday

Family meals twice a day

Opportunities for overseas transfers

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in hospitality, fine dining preferable.
• Solid knowledge of French and New World wines.
• Good command and understanding of English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the wine department to ensure seamless operations.
• Provide highly efficient service tailored to customer needs.

Skills

Knowledge of international wines

Customer service

Team player

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Certified sommelier

WSET Level 3

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Sommelier to join and lead our talented team at a time when the company is expanding internationally. COYA is a luxury lifestyle group with two venues in London, Mayfair and in The City, and global venues across the Middle East, Monte Carlo, Mykonos, Barcelona, and Marbella.

Responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Head Sommelier to join and lead our successful wine team. The role of the Head Sommelier is to ensure the seamless running of the wine department by providing a highly efficient and effective service tailored to the anticipated needs of the customer and being a role model for the wine team.

If you have a passion for people and are able to demonstrate knowledge of exotic international wines as well as excellent organisational and managerial skills, COYA might be your next step.

• Lead and manage the wine department to ensure seamless operations and provide highly efficient service tailored to customer needs; act as a role model for the wine team.
• Demonstrate knowledge of exotic international wines and maintain strong organisational and managerial skills.

What you can expect

• On-going training program and interactive induction.
• Excellent discounts at some of London’s most prestigious high-end restaurants.
• A fun workplace and great work-life balance.
• High street, leisure and retail discounts
• 32 days paid holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
• Family meals twice a day, every day of the week.
• External support help line for all staff.
• Opportunities to transfer overseas with COYA.
• Endless opportunities to grow and develop as we really do believe in promoting talent from within the business.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years experience in hospitality, fine dining would be preferable
• Certified sommelier or successfully completed equivalent of WSET, Level 3 would be preferable
• Solid knowledge of French and New World wines (South American and North American wines in particular would be advantageous)
• Attention to detail with good customer service
• A team player, pro-active with a can do attitude
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good command and understanding of English with the ability to communicate confidently
• Committed to personal development and a passion for working with people

If the Head Sommelier role sounds like you and you want to be part of our incredible team, please apply with your CV and tell us why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Eligibility

In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK, or be able to acquire such eligibility. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

We’re Here to Support You

We are proud to celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process such as support with your application, alternative formats or changes to the assessment process, please contact our People & Culture team by phone or email so we can support you accordingly.