Head Sommelier – NEW Fine Dining Restaurant – Buckinghamshire 50k

Whisk Recruitment Limited; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative fine dining restaurant is seeking a passionate Head Sommelier to lead an exceptional beverage program. This role involves curating a unique wine list, managing inventory, and ensuring top-notch service, all while contributing to a farm-to-plate philosophy. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a bold dining concept, this position offers a chance to redefine the fine dining experience. Join a talented team and help create memorable moments for guests in an intimate setting, all while enjoying a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

75% staff discount on food and accommodation

Career Development: Access to industry-leading training programs

28 days of annual leave

Workplace pension scheme

Referral bonus for successful new hires

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience as a Senior Sommelier at Michelin star level.
• Strong wine and cocktail knowledge including infusions and health-conscious products.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for product selection, purchasing, storage, and delivery.
• Ensure excellent customer wine service experience and product quality control.
• Manage inventory and financial efficiency of the wine department.

Skills

Wine Knowledge

Cocktail Knowledge

Inventory Management

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Education

WSET Level 3

Job description

Head Sommelier – NEW Fine Dining Restaurant – Buckinghamshire 50k

Location - Mainline train from Marylebone Station takes 30 mins

Hours - Closed Sunday and Monday. Tues/Sat 10.30am - 11pm approx. Plus afternoon break

Opening in June 2025, this intimate 14-seat chef’s table introduces a bold new dining concept set to redefine the fine dining experience. At its core lies a meticulously curated tasting menu and selected wines, built around a farm-to-plate philosophy that celebrates the finest locally sourced British ingredients and seasonal produce — all with an unexpected twist.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Sommelier to lead the beverage programme for this unique culinary experience. The role encompasses full responsibility for the wine offering, including the selection and curation of the wine list, purchasing, inventory management, and service delivery. The successful candidate will ensure an exceptional guest experiences, uphold the highest standards of product quality, and contribute to achieving the venue’s financial objectives.

Head Sommelier Benefits

• On Target Earnings up to £50k per annum
• Career Development: Access to industry-leading training programs
• 75% staff discount on food, and accommodation
• A £300 referral bonus for successful new hires.
• 28 days of annual leave.
• A workplace pension scheme for your peace of mind.
• Perks and Benefits from Hospitality Rewards
• Every Sunday & Monday off

Head Sommelier Responsibilities:

• Working alongside and reporting to the Chef Patron you’ll be responsible for product selection, purchasing, storage and delivery, as well as the security of the wine stock and the overall profitability of the operations of the wine department.
• Responsible for the financial efficiency of the wine department, working to improve efficiency and manage costs appropriately in line with the company budget and policy.
• Inventory management, wastage, as well as theoretical and actual Gross Profit.
• Responsibility for the customer wine service experience. Setting standards and ensuring consistently excellent service.
• Responsibility for product quality control, training and testing of the team to enable them to knowledgeably deliver products of the highest standard.
• Responsibility for reporting the trade of the business on a weekly basis from Market Man, using the information to propose changes to continually improve the business.
• Responsibility for planning, three months in advance, the future operational requirements for the wine department.

·At least 2 years’ experience as a Senior Sommelier at Michelin star level

·Minimum level 3 WSET

·Strong wine and cocktail knowledge including infusions and health-conscious products.

·Impeccable standards with a passion for delivering outstanding service

·Immaculate presentation and communication skills

·Fluent in reading and writing of the English language

·Ideal if you drive and have your own transport or live nearby

·Must currently be eligible to live and work in the UK unrestricted