Cigar Sommelier

Yaamava Resort & Casino at San Manuel; Highland (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel seeks a Cigar Sommelier to develop a world-class cigar program, curate premium selections, and train staff across venues. You will drive sales by offering expert pairings and recommendations while ensuring regulatory compliance and high service standards.

The role requires extensive cigar knowledge, hospitality experience, and leadership skills to educate guests and team members, manage inventory, and partner with vendors to maximize profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business or related field is required.
• Six (6) years of cigar-related experience in luxury hospitality or related field is required.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cigar education and training programs for team members.
• Oversee cigar program purchasing, inventory, and vendor relations.
• Maintain cigar storage, humidity, and compliance with regulations.
• Develop cigar-focused guest experiences and promotions.
• Provide expert recommendations and pairings to guests.

Skills

Cigar knowledge

Sales & upselling

Training & education

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality or related

Tools

Inventory management

Cigar storage & humidity control

Job description

Under the direction of the Director of Food & Beverage, the Cigar Sommelier is responsible for developing and managing a world-class cigar program, driving sales growth, and enhancing the overall cigar experience across assigned venues. Curates a premium cigar selection, provides expert recommendations and pairings, while educating guests, team members, and leaders on cigar knowledge, sales strategies, and best practices. Oversees inventory control, proper cigar storage, operational standards, and regulatory compliance while supporting financial objectives through effective reporting and revenue-generating initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leads the training and development of cigar education for team members, designing programs that align with Yaamava' Resort & Casino brand standards and elevate the guest experience. Demonstrates extensive knowledge of cigar brands, origins, blends, flavor profiles, and tobacco components—including wrapper, binder, and filler—and their impact on the smoking experience. Conducts customized training and educational audits across multiple venues while staying current on new releases, limited editions, and industry trends to ensure a high level of product expertise and service excellence.
2. Responsible for all aspects of the cigar program, including purchasing, inventory control, product organization, and sales, while maintaining cost efficiency and profitability. Provides expert cigar recommendations, pairings, and service support to enhance the guest experience and assist team members. Maintains an active presence on the floor to ensure exceptional service, operational excellence, and adherence to Yaamava' Resort & Casino brand standards.
3. Maintains accurate cigar inventory and service supplies, overseeing stock levels, ordering, receiving, and product availability while managing vendor and distributor relationships. Ensure proper inventory controls, minimizes waste and replacement costs, and monitors damage or loss to support profitability and operational efficiency. Maintains organized records and adequate inventory levels to deliver exceptional guest service.
4. Oversee the cigar storage, ensuring proper organization, product quality, and compliance with cleanliness, sanitation, and applicable regulatory standards. Establishes and monitors preventative maintenance (PM) program for cigar storage and display equipment to preserve product integrity and minimize repair and maintenance costs.
5. Develops and executes cigar-focused guest experiences, promotions, and special events while maintaining strong vendor partnerships and ensuring compliance with all tobacco regulations. Monitors humidor conditions, sales performance, and market trends to continuously enhance the cigar program, and drive revenue growth.
6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Business or related field is required.
• Minimum six (6) years of cigar-related experience in luxury hospitality, cigar lounges, tobacconists, premium retail, or cigar program management are required.
• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Must be familiar with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures related to the field.
• Strong knowledge of cigar service, including pairing and upselling.
• Strong beverage knowledge.
• Ability to frequently and efficiently train team members on cigar knowledge.
• Strong understanding of pricing, budgeting, and cost controls.
• Ability to rely on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• The ability to perform a variety of tasks given a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Must be able to delegate, multi-task, lead, and prioritize effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to provide friendly and efficient service to guests and team members, addressing their needs and resolving issues.
• Must be able to have clear and effective communication with guests and team members.
• Must be able to work under pressure by staying calm and efficient during busy period(s).

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Must obtain and maintain a current Serv Safe Certification.
• Certified Cigar Sommelier credential (IACS, CCST, or equivalent) is preferred.
• Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required.
• Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS - ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Primary work environment is in a Casino & Resort setting. Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences. Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment. Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally. Sedentary work: involves sitting some of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone. Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone. Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility. Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties. Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke. Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees.

San Manuel is one of the largest employers in California's Inland Empire. Managing one of the world’s busiest casinos, our many restaurants, and a fully functioning tribal government means we can offer an incredibly wide range of professional and support positions. Each is an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a better future for all of us. Your commitment to San Manuel is matched by our commitment to you. We offer a Total Rewards package of monetary, benefits and development rewards to individuals who meet and exceed specific goals. These programs support our pay-for-performance philosophy.