Head Sommelier

Faena New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury restaurant in New York is seeking a Head Sommelier to lead its wine program and ensure an exceptional guest experience. The role involves curating a world-class wine list, training staff in wine knowledge, and engaging with guests for personalized recommendations. Ideal candidates have a Certified Sommelier designation and 3-5 years of experience in a fine dining environment. This full-time position offers an annual salary of $90,000 and requires strong leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of wines.

Qualifications

• Certified Sommelier designation required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a Sommelier.
• Proficiency in wine list management.
• Strong relationships with wine producers.
• Familiarity with high-profile clientele is preferred.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage the wine list.
• Train staff in wine knowledge and pairing techniques.
• Engage with guests for personalized wine experiences.
• Oversee inventory management and supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with the culinary team for food pairings.
• Conduct wine tastings and VIP events.
• Monitor wine sales trends.

Skills

Deep knowledge of Old and New World wines

Ability to pair wines with complex dishes

Strong storytelling skills

Advanced communication skills

Meticulous attention to detail

Strong multitasking ability

Ability to educate and train service staff

Strategic pricing expertise

Education

Certified Sommelier designation

3-5 years of experience in a fine dining setting

Tools

POS systems

Birchstreet Purchasing Systems

Job description

The Head Sommelier is responsible for leading and managing the restaurant’s wine program, ensuring an exceptional guest experience through expert wine pairings, menu integration, and staff training. This role requires deep industry knowledge, strong leadership skills, and the ability to curate a world-class wine list that aligns with Faena’s luxury hospitality standards.

This full-time position has an annual salary of $90,000.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Curate and manage the restaurant’s wine list, ensuring a balance of global selections and unique offerings.
• Train servers and staff in wine knowledge, pairing techniques, and service etiquette.
• Engage with guests to provide expert recommendations and personalized wine experiences.
• Oversee inventory management, cellar organization, and supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to create seamless food and wine pairings.
• Conduct wine tastings, training programs, and VIP wine events.
• Monitor wine sales trends and optimize selections to drive revenue.
• Ensure full compliance with alcohol service regulations and responsible beverage programs.

Qualifications

• Certified Sommelier designation required (Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Level 3, or equivalent).
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a Sommelier in a fine dining or luxury hospitality setting.
• Proficiency in wine list management, including inventory control and cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of classic and modern wine pairing techniques.
• Strong relationships with wine producers and distributors to secure exclusive allocations.
• Experience with high-profile clientele and VIP guest services preferred.
• Familiarity with POS and reservation systems to track wine sales and guest preferences.
• Knowledge of spirits, aperitifs, and non-alcoholic beverage pairings is a plus.
• Familiarity with Purchasing Systems (Birchstreet)
• Fluency in English required; additional languages, particularly French, Italian, or Spanish, are highly desirable.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of Old and New World wines, varietals, and regions.
• Ability to pair wines with complex dishes and guest preferences.
• Strong storytelling skills to enhance the guest wine experience.
• Advanced communication and engagement skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail in wine service and storage.
• Strong multitasking ability in a high-energy, luxury dining setting.
• Ability to educate and train service staff on wine knowledge and sales techniques.
• Strategic pricing, cost control, and inventory management expertise.

Physical Demand and Work Environment

• Endure various physical movements throughout the work areas
• Ability to move safely in uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• Remain active, constantly moving, or prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer throughout work shift
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of constantly moving objects, may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds