Head Sommelier - Harrogate

Grantley Hall; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Grantley Hall in Harrogate is seeking a senior sommelier to develop an award-winning wine program across five restaurants, three bars and two Michelin-distinguished venues. You will lead and mentor the wine service team, coordinating tastings, staff training and bespoke pairings with chefs.

You will oversee cellar management, procurement, inventory control, and supplier negotiations to maintain a dynamic, temperature-controlled cellar.

Qualifications

• Proven senior sommelier experience in a luxury hotel or high-end restaurant, ideally MICHELIN or Forbes recognition.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, vintages and emerging market trends.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to inspire and develop a diverse team.
• Exceptional palate and ability to craft memorable wine-food pairings.
• Experience managing a large, temperature-controlled cellar and negotiating with reputable suppliers.
• Commitment to delivering service excellence and upholding high hospitality standards.
• Flexibility to work across multiple venues and during peak event periods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and curate an award-winning wine list that complements the hotel's five restaurants, three bars and two MICHELIN distinguished venues.
• Lead, mentor and schedule the wine service team, fostering continuous improvement and a culture of curiosity.
• Oversee cellar management, including procurement, inventory control, and preservation of rare and vintage bottles.
• Collaborate with chefs, restaurant managers and the spa to create bespoke pairings and exclusive tasting events.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards and uphold Forbes Travel Guide and Hospitality Assured World Class Status.
• Drive staff training programmes, ensuring the team possesses deep product knowledge and delivers exceptional guest experiences.
• Analyse sales data and market trends to optimise pricing, promotions and guest satisfaction.

Skills

Senior sommelier experience

Team leadership

Wine pairing expertise

Menu collaboration

Job description

• Develop and curate an award winning wine list that complements the hotel's five restaurants, three bars and two MICHELIN distinguished venues.
• Lead, mentor and schedule the wine service team, fostering continuous improvement and a culture of curiosity.
• Oversee cellar management, including procurement, inventory control, and preservation of rare and vintage bottles.
• Collaborate with chefs, restaurant managers and the spa to create bespoke pairings and exclusive tasting events.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards and uphold the high service standards recognised by Forbes Travel Guide and Hospitality Assured World Class Status.
• Drive staff training programmes, ensuring the team possesses deep product knowledge and delivers exceptional guest experiences.
• Analyse sales data and market trends to optimise pricing, promotions and guest satisfaction.
• Proven senior sommelier experience in a luxury hotel or high end restaurant environment, preferably with MICHELIN or Forbes recognition.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, vintages, and emerging market trends.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a diverse team.
• Exceptional palate and ability to craft memorable wine food pairings.
• Experience managing a large, temperature controlled cellar and negotiating with reputable suppliers.
• Commitment to delivering service excellence and upholding the highest standards of hospitality.
• Flexibility to work across multiple venues and during peak event periods.