Captain & Sommelier: Fine-Dining Wine Lead

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Voluntary Insurance

Job summary

Shinka is a modern Japanese and French restaurant seeking an experienced Captain/Sommelier to lead premium service and wine programs in our San Francisco venue. This hybrid role blends captain responsibilities with sommelier-level beverage leadership to elevate guest experiences.

You will guide guests through wine and menu pairings, mentor staff, and collaborate with culinary leadership to deliver a memorable tasting-menu dining experience.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of fine-dining restaurant experience, with Captain, Sommelier, or advanced server experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of wine, including major regions, varietals, producers, and fundamentals of winemaking.
• Ability to confidently discuss and create food and wine pairings.
• Sommelier certification, hospitality education, or equivalent beverage experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, leadership, and guest-relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute exceptional fine-dining service while maintaining high standards of hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Act as a floor leader during service, supporting servers, runners, hosts, bartenders, and other front-of-house team members as needed.
• Guide guests through wine, beverage, and menu selections with confidence, warmth, and insight into individuals’ preferences.
• Assist curating thoughtful wine pairings in collaboration with the Chef.
• Execute proper wine service, including presentation, opening, decanting, temperature, glassware, and preservation of open bottles.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the restaurant's wine and beverage programs, including varietals, regions, producers, vintages, pricing, and winemaking techniques.
• Assist with wine selection, inventory management, receiving, and organization of the wine program.
• Contribute to beverage sales through genuine hospitality, knowledgeable recommendations, and a sales-focused and guest-centered approach.
• Train and mentor service staff on wine, beverage, food pairings, service standards, and restaurant offerings, including developing weekly wine education presentations for FOH.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen and front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and a consistent guest experience.
• Assist with private events and special functions, including beverage planning, pairings, menu development, setup, and service execution.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional dining room and service environment, including the somm station.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, responsible beverage service, and workplace standards.
• Uphold restaurant service standards and contribute to the culture of respect, teamwork, curiosity, and learning that makes the workplace thrive.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Guest relations

Communication

Education

Sommelier certification

Hospitality education

Job description

Shinka is a modern Japanese and French restaurant seeking an experienced Captain/Sommelier to lead premium service and wine programs in our San Francisco venue. This hybrid role blends captain responsibilities with sommelier-level beverage leadership to elevate guest experiences.

You will guide guests through wine and menu pairings, mentor staff, and collaborate with culinary leadership to deliver a memorable tasting-menu dining experience.