Sommelier

Ocean House; Westerly (RI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island is seeking an experienced Sommelier to join our acclaimed food and beverage team. The ideal candidate possesses deep knowledge of fine wines and a passion for hospitality, supporting dining and events with exceptional service.

This role requires excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and a minimum of one year in fine dining service. Responsibilities include maintaining the wine cellar, providing wine service across outlets, and assisting with staff training.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience in fine dining service.
• Fluency in English required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent wine service to guests.
• Maintain the wine cellar and inventory.
• Assist in staff training and motivation.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

College degree or equivalent work experience

Certification from Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET

Tools

POS systems

Wine List software

Job description

Job Description

Ocean House Management Sommelier A Collection Unlike Any Other

Scope of Position

Ocean House is seeking an experienced and passionate Sommelier to join our acclaimed food and beverage team. The ideal candidate possesses deep knowledge of fine wines, strong service instincts, and a genuine love for hospitality. This role will support our restaurant, private dining, and special events programs—elevating every guest experience through thoughtful wine curation and education.

Hourly Staff Schedule Requirements

All employees are kindly asked to understand that the property operation is 24 hours a day 7 days a week, inclusive of all holidays. While the company will make every attempt to create a work and life balance, all hourly paid team members may be asked to work extended shifts and additional days based on business demands. The busiest days during the season (Memorial Day through Columbus Day) are the weekend days from Friday thru Sunday and on holiday weekends that are celebrated on Mondays, this can include Mondays. All seasonal staff must be aware and able to work all weekends; requesting time off for a holiday weekend may not and will likely not be granted. The more flexible you are the more you can learn, grow, earn.

Reporting Relationship

Internal: The Sommelier reports to the Wine Director and Lead Sommelier

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constantly and consistently exhibit Ocean House core values and standards of behavior including adherence to the Forbes 5-Star standards
• Serves as the ambassador to the Ocean House wine program internally and externally.
• Service our guests with utmost professionalism and knowledge.
• Maintains the Ocean House’s wine cellar.
• Assists Wine Director in Resort related catered events.
• Liaise with all associates and managers to provide wine service in all aspects to our guests.
• Responsible for the organization, cleanliness, stocking (rotating of inventory) of all wine cellars and storerooms.
• Receives deliveries and confirms accuracy of invoices
• Keeping out of stock list up to date
• Provides all manner of wine service for all Food and Beverage outlets
• Sets wine station for service
• Assists Wine Director in monthly inventories
• Assists Wine Director in staff training and motivation
• Establishes and maintains relationships with guests, members and co-workers

Required Job Knowledge and Skills

• The ideal candidate will be experienced in all aspects of wine knowledge, sales and service.
• This person must be exceedingly well organized, able to adapt to various situations, personable, willing to learn and grow and enjoy the challenges of supporting a small resort delivering the highest caliber of service to its guests.
• Skilled in organizing resources and prioritizing.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently handle multiple, simultaneous, and complex tasks and projects
• Information research, analysis, and evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of POS, ordering, invoice systems
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse operation. Including Microsoft office and Wine List software.
• Knowledge of Classic and Modern wine regions from around the world.
• Expert people and sales skills
• Communicate effectively as a liaison between FOH and BOH to ensure guest experience is as enjoyable and effortless as possible
• Engage guests with a pleasant greeting and discreet name usage while performing duties
• Assisting in all dining areas with service of wine, beverages, food and service as a whole.
• All Forbes behavioral standards as they relate to Fine Dining and All Day Dining
• Able to describe with considerable detail all items on all menus
• Safe food handling practices must be followed
• Fluency in English both verbally and in writing
• Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy under pressure of tense/confrontational situations
• Uphold the Company standards, policies, and procedures
• Prioritize and organize tasks and work area
• Ability to remain calm and resolve problems using good judgement as interpreted by the management
• Follow directions
• Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team
• Maintain confidentiality of guest/employee information and pertinent company data

Qualifications

• Introductory level certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET or equivalent association.

Physical Requirements

See below Physical conditions description

Experience

• Preferred minimum one year experience in fine dining service - Forbes four / five star or equivalent.

Education

• College degree or equivalent work experience.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Please apply direct at Careers - Ocean House (oceanhouseri.com)