Head Sommelier - New Opening - MANA

Ma / Na; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A new upscale dining experience in London is seeking a Head Sommelier to curate a world-class beverage program. The ideal candidate will have proven fine dining experience and deep knowledge of wine and sake. Responsibilities include overseeing sourcing and service, collaborating with kitchen teams for pairings, and training staff to deliver exceptional service. This leadership role offers a competitive salary package, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to shape one of London’s exciting new openings.

Benefits

Competitive salary and service charge package

Training and professional development

Staff meals and wellness initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a fine dining or high-end environment.
• Exceptional guest communication and storytelling ability.
• Strong organizational skills and a calm approach to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the wine and sake programme.
• Curate an innovative, balanced list of beverages.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef for food and drink pairings.

Skills

Experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier

Knowledge of international wine regions

Understanding of sake

Guest communication and storytelling

Organizational skills

Education

WSET Sake Level 3 or equivalent certification

Job description

Head Sommelier - New Opening - MANA

Head Sommelier - MA / NA (Opening January 2026)

Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair

About MA / NA

Opening in January 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA / NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power - a life‑force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it.

'Mana' is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen - transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.

Guided by this belief, MA / NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar - refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine and sake list. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks.

Every element - from design and service to sound and light - is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

The Role - Head Sommelier

As Head Sommelier at MA / NA, you will curate and lead an exceptional beverage programme that celebrates the harmony between wine, sake, and Japanese cuisine.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining a world‑class cellar - one that reflects refinement, discovery, and respect for craftsmanship. You'll guide guests and team members alike through a journey of flavour and philosophy, connecting them to the story and energy behind each bottle.

Working closely with the kitchen and bar teams, you'll ensure perfect synergy between dishes, cocktails, and pairings, elevating every moment of the guest experience.

This is a leadership role suited to a Sommelier who embodies curiosity, precision, and emotional intelligence - someone who understands that the right pairing can transform a meal into memory.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the wine and sake programme, from sourcing and selection to service and education
• Curate an innovative, balanced list featuring both iconic producers and artisanal discoveries
• Develop a premium sake offering and lead guest education around Japanese beverages
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and Head of Wine & Sake to craft harmonious food and drink pairings
• Train and mentor the sommelier and front‑of‑house teams to deliver expert yet intuitive service
• Manage cellar stock, cost controls, and supplier relationships
• Represent MA / NA at industry tastings, events, and collaborations

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a fine dining or high‑end environment
• Deep understanding of international wine regions, producers, and styles
• Strong knowledge of sake, ideally with WSET Sake Level 3 or equivalent certification
• A refined palate and passion for Japanese cuisine and beverage culture
• Exceptional guest communication and storytelling ability
• Strong organisational skills and a calm, confident approach to leadership
• A desire to help shape one of London's most exciting new openings

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and service charge package
• Opportunity to lead the wine and sake programme for a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
• Collaboration with world‑class chefs and bar professionals
• Continued training, tasting, and professional development
• Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment

Join the MA / NA Opening Team

If you are guided by balance, curiosity, and craft - and want to shape a beverage experience where emotion meets precision - we'd love to hear from you.