Sommelier

Yaamava Resort & Casino at San Manuel; Highland (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Yaamava Resort & Casino at San Manuel seeks a talented Sommelier to oversee the wine operations across all venues. You will be responsible for maintaining profitability of the wine program, training staff in wine service and pairings, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. The role also includes managing inventory and collaborating with chefs for optimal menu offerings.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree and significant experience in restaurant or wine settings. Join us to create a world-class wine program and enhance guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of restaurant or wine-related experience required.
• 2 years of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Train and develop wine education for front-of-house team members.
• Order, receive, and maintain wine inventory.
• Manage venues to meet budgeted revenue and costs.
• Collaborate with venue chef on wine pairings.
• Oversee the steakhouse wine storage display.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Fine-dining wine stewarding

Training on wine and spirits knowledge

Budgeting and cost controls

Effective communication

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in restaurant management or related field

Job description

Overview

Under the direction of the Director of Food & Beverage (F&B), the Sommelier is responsible for the overall wine operation and profitability of assigned venues and develops an ever‑evolving world‑class wine program and driving sales. The role achieves financial and enterprise objectives, maintains proper inventory control (including equipment and supplies), ensures correct wine storage, and provides consistent high‑quality customer service. It includes wine service, recommendations, pairings, and upholding wine‑related standards during operating hours. The position ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, creates staffing plans, prepares sales, inventory, and team member reports, and provides dedicated leadership to maximize team member morale. The role is revenue focused, accountable for driving sales and creating programs across the spectrum of wine in all venues. The role trains and develops the leadership team on beverage knowledge, training modules, cost management, preventative maintenance, waste minimization, and sales strategies to drive top‑line growth. The role covers all bars and restaurants within Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Train and develop wine education for all front‑of‑house team members; design training programs, conduct audits, and customize trainings for venues including an upscale casual café, in‑room dining, and a fine dining steakhouse; train the leadership team on modules and beverage information.
• Order, receive, maintain inventory, organize, and sell wine; oversee purchases and manage costs; assist guests with recommendations, pairings, decanting, and overall wine service; maintain presence on the dining floor during operating hours; direct controls for all front‑of‑house operations while maintaining brand standards.
• Manage assigned venues to meet budgeted revenue, beverage cost, expense, headcount, and profit; explain unfavorable variances and implement action plans to track toward budget; prepare forecasts as needed.
• Collaborate with the venue chef, oversee daily wine pairings, ensure menu items remain attractive and profit‑generating, and verify food and beverage presentation meets brand standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory of stemware, decanters, coasters, etc.; confirm replacement inventory, minimize replacement cost, and monitor damage to reduce waste.
• Oversee the steakhouse wine storage display, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation standards, and implement preventative maintenance to avoid repair costs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient department operation.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in restaurant management, food or institutional management (required).
• Minimum six (6) years of restaurant experience and/or wine‑related work experience (required).
• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience (preferred).
• Relevant, direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Strong knowledge of fine‑dining wine stewarding, service, pairing, and upselling.
• Ability to train team members on wine and spirits knowledge.
• Strong understanding of pricing, budgeting, and cost controls.
• Effective delegate, multi‑task, lead, and prioritize in a dynamic environment.
• Clear and effective communication with guests and team members.
• Ability to work under pressure, stay calm during busy periods.

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

• May be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license at the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission.
• Must obtain and maintain a current ServSafe Certification.
• Level1 Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers preferred.

Driving Responsibilities

Role requires regular commuting between locations; a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits are required. The role does not operate or drive tribe‑owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions – Environment

The primary work environment is a climate‑controlled casino & resort setting. Work may require evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, and traveling to meetings, trade shows, and conferences. Physical demands include lifting up to 10 pounds, moving up to 40 pounds occasionally, sitting, and operating computers and office equipment. The role requires balanced, stooping, kneeling, and reaching movements and ability to maintain effectiveness during extended work hours. Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, including secondhand smoke, is possible. A neat, clean, and well‑groomed appearance is required. Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with applicable law.