Head Sommelier

Zuma - Miami; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-Class training

Global opportunities

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Family meals

Rewards & recognition

Staff discount

Job summary

Zuma seeks a Head Sommelier to curate and elevate our wine program across the dining experience. You will lead wine and sake selection, train front-of-house staff, and collaborate with the kitchen to develop pairing guidance that enhances guest satisfaction.

We value deep knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and service techniques, plus the ability to manage a diverse beverage program in a fast-paced, upscale setting. Flexibility with hours is required.

Qualifications

• Certified Sommelier or higher certification preferred.
• Experience as a Sommelier in a fine dining restaurant or similar upscale establishment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop an extensive and diverse wine list that complements the cuisine and Zuma's standards.
• Conduct tastings and evaluations of new and existing wines for inclusion and price points.
• Conduct weekly inventory assessments to ensure accurate stock levels.
• Collaborate with culinary team to develop wine pairing guidance for guests to enhance dining experience and promote wine sales.
• Oversee wine service standards and staff training to maintain high quality service.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Team player

Wine pairing

Staff training

Education

Certified Sommelier or higher

Job description

As a Zuma Head Sommelier, you are responsible for curating and managing the wine program to enhance the dining experience for our guests. You will use your expertise in wine& sake selection, and service to elevate the overall beverage program and contribute to the success of our restaurant.

Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection.

Life at Zuma

At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values:

Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do

Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness

Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do

Main Duties

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Maintain and develop an extensive and diverse wine list that complements the cuisine and reflects the style and standards of Zuma, ensuring that it offers a broad selection of wines to suit different preferences and occasions
• Conduct regular tastings and evaluations of new and existing wines to assess quality, value, and suitability for inclusion in the wine list, taking into account factors such as flavor profile, region, vintage, and price point
• Conduct weekly inventory assessments to ensure accurate stock levels
• Collaborate with the culinary team to develop wine pairing, guidance and expertise to guests to enhance their dining experience and promote sales of wine, sake and other beverages
• Oversee wine service standards and procedures, ensuring that wines are stored, handled, and served according to best practices to preserve quality and enhance the guest experience, and training and coaching staff as needed to maintain high standards of service
• Conduct wine training and education sessions for staff to increase their knowledge and understanding of wine and sake, including grape varietals, production methods, tasting techniques, and service etiquette, to enhance their ability to engage with guests and sell wine effectively
• Support overall restaurant operations by assisting on the floor, including clearing tables, running food and drinks, and other tasks as needed to ensure smooth service

What We Look For

Our ideal candidate embodies our values and the following:

• A genuine love for culinary experiences & a passion for Japanese cuisine
• A natural team player who is at home working in sync with a large team
• Naturally friendly, customer-oriented, and skilled at creating memorable dining experiences
• Certified Sommelier or higher certification preferred, with a deep knowledge of wine regions, grape varietals, production methods, and wine service techniques
• Previous experience as a Sommelier in a fine dining restaurant or similar upscale establishment
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

Benefits

We offer incredible career growth, international opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a world-renowned brand, where every detail from the finest ingredients to our unrivalled atmosphere is crafted to perfection.

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• World-Class training, designed toinspire and educate
• Global opportunities, experiencehospitality around the globe with our five incredible brands
• Health Benefits:Comprehensive Medical, Dental, andVision insurance to ensure your well-being
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, supporting your long-term financialwell-being and future goals
• Family Meals are shared daily
• Rewards & Recognition, we valueour team and celebrate your contributions to our success with meaningfulrewards and recognition
• Staff discount, enjoy exclusivediscounts across the Azumi group, worldwide!

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applicants. If you require any assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let one of our Talent Acquisition team know.

Ready to create some magic? Join us and bring your talent to a team that’s elevating contemporary dining on a global stage.

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