Head Sommelier - Latymer

Exclusive Hotels and Venues; Bagshot; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stay rates across all hotels

50% F&B discount

Free meals on duty

Gym access on-site

Wellbeing resources

Hospitality discounts

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Pennyhill Park, part of the Exclusive Collection, is seeking a Head Sommelier to lead the wine programme for The Latymer and elevate the dining experience. Working closely with the Restaurant Director, Head Chef and front-of-house team, you will oversee all aspects of wine service, list development and staff mentoring.

You will curate an award-winning wine list, provide expert pairings, manage purchasing and costs, and drive exceptional guest experiences in a luxury hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in fine dining or luxury hospitality.
• Extensive wine knowledge with a passion for exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Commercial awareness with stock control, purchasing and profitability experience.
• Wine qualifications such as WSET or Court of Master Sommeliers are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the wine programme across The Latymer, ensuring exceptional wine service.
• Curate, maintain and develop an award-winning wine list that complements the cuisine.
• Provide expert wine recommendations and pairings to enhance guest dining experiences.
• Train, mentor and develop the sommelier and front-of-house teams.
• Manage wine purchasing, supplier relationships, stock control and cellar organisation.
• Monitor wine costs, margins and inventory to meet budget targets.
• Collaborate with Head Chef and restaurant leadership to deliver innovative wine and food pairings.

Skills

Leadership

Wine knowledge

Guest service

Communication

Education

Wine qualifications (WSET / CMS)

Job description

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Competitive salary and fantastic benefits

Working Hours:

40

Location:

Bagshot

Closing Date:

09/10/2026

Job Category:

Restaurants and Bars, Conference and Banqueting

Properties:

Pennyhill Park and The Spa, Bagshot, Surrey

Departments:

Restaurant

Job Introduction

Pennyhill Park, part of the Exclusive Collection, is one of the UK's finest luxury hotels and home to The Latymer, the hotel's Michelin-starred and 5 AA Rosette restaurant. Renowned for exceptional hospitality, world-class dining and an outstanding wine programme, Pennyhill Park offers an environment where excellence, attention to detail and genuine passion for service come together to create unforgettable guest experiences.

You will join as Head Sommelier, leading the wine programme for The Latymer and playing a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Working closely with the Restaurant Director, Head Chef and wider front-of-house team, you will oversee all aspects of the wine offering, from curating and developing the wine list to mentoring the sommelier team and creating memorable guest experiences through expert wine service and pairings. At Pennyhill Park, we believe in rewarding our team for their passion and dedication. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to the on-site gym and parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the wine programme across The Latymer, ensuring exceptional standards of wine service at all times
• Curate, maintain and develop an award-worthy wine list that complements the restaurant's culinary offering
• Provide expert wine recommendations and pairings, enhancing the overall guest dining experience
• Train, mentor and develop the sommelier and front-of-house teams, driving knowledge and confidence in wine service
• Manage wine purchasing, supplier relationships, stock control and cellar organisation
• Monitor wine costs, margins and inventory to achieve budget and profitability targets
• Work collaboratively with the Head Chef and restaurant leadership team to deliver innovative food and wine pairing experiences
• Maintain the highest standards of presentation, service excellence and attention to detail throughout the guest journey
• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations and company policies relating to the storage and service of alcoholic beverages

Person Specification

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier within a Michelin-starred, fine dining or luxury hospitality environment
• Extensive wine knowledge with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Relevant wine qualifications such as WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers or equivalent are highly desirable
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach and develop high-performing teams
• Commercial awareness with experience of stock control, purchasing and managing wine profitability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage with guests and colleagues at all levels
• A meticulous eye for detail and commitment to maintaining the highest service standards
• Professional, organised and calm under pressure in a fast-paced fine dining environment

We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression and a culture where people who share our values can thrive. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.