Head Sommelier

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts on wine

Professional development opportunities

Prestigious dining environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptional Head Sommelier in Cape Town to curate and lead the wine program for a renowned fine-dining establishment. You will manage procurement, inventory, and staff training while pairing wines with world-class cuisine.

Experience of 5+ years as a sommelier, plus advanced certification, is essential. The role requires leadership, guest engagement with a discerning clientele, and flexibility for evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a sommelier, with leadership experience.
• Advanced sommeliers certification highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, vintages, and winemaking techniques.
• Proven cellar management, inventory control, and wine procurement experience.
• Exceptional customer service for a sophisticated clientele.
• Strong leadership and staff training capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Curate, manage, and evolve the wine list with focus on quality and value.
• Oversee wine procurement, supplier negotiations, and cellar inventory.
• Lead staff tastings and training to raise service standards.
• Provide expert wine pairings and recommendations to guests.
• Manage wine service operations and presentation standards.
• Maintain cellar organization, temperature, and humidity control.
• Develop and manage beverage budget to protect profitability.
• Stay updated on global wine trends and vintages.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Education

Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced

WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned fine-dining establishment in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking an exceptional and experienced Head Sommelier to curate and manage their extensive wine program. This prestigious role involves leading the wine service, training junior staff, and ensuring an unparalleled beverage experience for discerning guests. You will be the custodian of our cellar, responsible for selection, procurement, inventory management, and the strategic development of our wine list to complement our world-class culinary offerings. This is a hands-on position requiring deep expertise, a refined palate, and a passion for educating and delighting patrons with exquisite wine pairings. The ideal candidate will possess an innate understanding of wine regions, vintages, and food-wine interactions, contributing significantly to the restaurant's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Curate, manage, and evolve the entire wine list, focusing on quality, diversity, and value.
• Oversee all aspects of wine procurement, including supplier negotiations and cellar inventory management.
• Conduct regular wine tastings and staff training sessions to enhance wine knowledge and service standards.
• Provide expert wine recommendations and personalized pairings to guests during dining experiences.
• Manage wine service operations, ensuring adherence to best practices and presentation standards.
• Maintain cellar organization, temperature, and humidity control to preserve wine integrity.
• Develop and manage the beverage budget, optimizing profitability while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Stay abreast of global wine trends, new vintages, and emerging producers.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Sommelier, with at least 2 years in a Head Sommelier or equivalent leadership role.
• Advanced Sommelier certification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced, WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines) is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, grape varietals, vintages, and winemaking techniques.
• Proven experience in cellar management, inventory control, and wine procurement.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to engage confidently with a sophisticated clientele.
• Strong leadership and training capabilities to mentor and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary, opportunities for professional development and further certification, staff discounts on wine purchases, and the chance to work in a high-profile, critically acclaimed dining environment in the heart of Cape Town. You will be part of a dedicated team of culinary professionals, contributing to a memorable dining experience for every guest. This role provides a unique platform to showcase your expertise and passion for wine within a supportive and thriving establishment.