Head Sommelier - London

The Arts Club Ltd; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious private members' club in Mayfair seeks an experienced Sommelier to lead a team in delivering exceptional wine service. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of wines and customer service skills, along with relevant qualifications. Responsibilities include managing wine selection, training junior staff, and ensuring a luxurious experience for members. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent career development opportunities.

Benefits

Excellent career development opportunities

Discounts on Food & Beverage in sister restaurants

Uniform laundry service

Private medical benefits

Enhanced sick pay and maternity pay

Life assurance

Long Service Awards

Birthday Day Off

Complimentary meals while on duty

Pension scheme

EAP scheme

Reward Gateway benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Must have worked in a similar role.
• Excellent and confident communicator with strong people skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate a team to deliver luxury guest service.
• Maintain and improve the wine selection quality.
• Build relationships with trade vendors for best wine purchases.
• Train junior staff in wine knowledge and service.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Exceptional customer service

Strong knowledge of wine and liquor

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Professional presentation

Confident and welcoming personality

Education

WSET or equivalent Sommelier qualifications

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage, coach and motivate a team of wine connoisseurs in delivering a 5 star luxury lifestyle guest service for our Members during a dining experience.
• Maintain and improve the Club's extensive wine selection ensuring the highest quality of selected wines according to market availability and best value considerations.
• Build business relationships with trade vendors and ensure the best wines are purchased and menus are regularly reviewed.
• Recommend and match wines for our Members to complement their menu selection.
• Review and coordinate the selection and purchasing of the cigar stock items for the Club.
• Actively train the assistant head sommelier in all aspects of leadership and people management and develop junior members to become experts in this specialist arena.
• Provide an enchanting and memorable gastronomy experience.

Qualifications and Skills

We are searching for highly motivated and experienced individuals, who have worked in a similar role. You will be an excellent and confident communicator with exceptional people skills.

• Ideally WSET or equivalent Sommelier qualifications
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent knowledge of wine, liquor and Champagnes
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail
• A high standard of personal presentation and finesse
• Confident, professional and welcoming personality

Eligibility

In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply. However applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.

Location

Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Arts Club is one of London's oldest private members' clubs and home to a community of members with a passion for the creative arts, literature, and business. From distinguished art exhibitions to fine dining, live music, and an exceptional programme of events for members, the club remains at the heart of contemporary cultural life in London. We provide a haven of peace and sophistication to our members and their guests within elegant surroundings featuring exquisite pieces of art, incredible food and drink in our restaurants, bars and private dining event spaces.

Benefits

• Excellent career development opportunities
• Discounts on Food & Beverage in our sister restaurants
• Uniform laundry service
• Private medical benefits
• Enhanced sick pay and maternity pay
• Life assurance
• Long Service Awards
• Birthday Day Off
• Complimentary meals while on duty
• Pension scheme
• EAP scheme
• Reward Gateway benefits scheme