Sommelier

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is seeking a qualified Sommelier to provide guests with expert wine service and pairing recommendations. You will manage the wine program, ensure stock accuracy, and collaborate with Food & Beverage teams to enhance guest experiences.

The role requires leadership, extensive wine knowledge of Southern African varieties, and a Cape Wine Academy / WSET Level 2 certificate. Professional presentation and strong service standards are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sommelier or wine steward in a hotel setting.
• Ability to create well‑balanced food and wine pairings.
• Extensive knowledge of Southern African wines and vineyards.
• Cape Wine Academy or WSET Level 2 certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Assist guests with wine and beverage pairings to complement the menu.
• Control the hotel’s wine dispensary with tight stock management.
• Promote sales through beverage offerings and trainings.
• Develop and maintain wine-related staff training programs.
• Develop budget plans and monitor Sales Mix Records.

Skills

Leadership

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Team training

Stock control

Education

Cape Wine Academy / WSET Level 2 certificate

Southern African wine knowledge

Job description

Company Description

Why work for Accor?

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor's limitless possibilities.

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo!

#BELIMITLESS

Job Description

Scope of Position:

As a Sommelier, you will provide guests with the full experience that encompasses engaging & personalized service from beginning to end of service. Your role is to turn their moments with us into memories by delivering Fairmont`s service promise and the highest level of brand standards.

To control the hotel’s wine dispensary, keeping a tight stock control, maximizing revenue and ensuring high quality guest service. Assist guests with wine and beverage pairing to compliment the menu.

Responsibilities

• Assists Food & Beverage Leaders to ensure all Food & Beverage Standard Operating Procedures are prepared to the highest quality and updated as needed.
• Clearly demonstrates to guests and colleagues a commitment to service excellence through the effective delivery of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Brand Standards at all times.
• Actively creates Sparkle moments that are based on personalization and creativity.
• Carries out the day-to-day tasks outlined in the shift task list to a high level.
• Ensure all telephone calls are answered courteously and efficiently, within the Brand standards always.
• Takes responsibility for guest experiences that have negatively been impacted and turns them into memorable moments.
• Constantly monitors and is aware of the latest industry trends, new and innovative products and service opportunities related to beverages. Presents implementation plan of such to Food & Beverage leaders when applicable.
• Positively promote sales within your department and maximize sales opportunities for the whole hotel.
• Work on special projects to strengthen the Hotel’s position as a market leader in wine.
• Take orders and serve food and drinks following brand standards, as per training when required.
• Effectively supervise the mise-en-place and ensure that there is adequate preparation for service to meet the required standards.
• Organize, supervise and assist with the service of beverages.
• Issue a receipt for every item sold. Ensure that tight control is kept on all stock used, and that all checks are raised and processed correctly, and are either paid or charged to account.
• Ensure all polishing and breakdown duties are completed.
• Ensure correct handling, use, storage and cleaning of all liquor service equipment.
• Oversee and complete beverage requisitions to ensure the department has the correct level of stock.
• Ensure that there is good control over all stock used, and that all checks are raised and processed correctly, and are either paid or charged to accounts accordingly.
• Liaise and coordinate with wine suppliers for wine updates, training and promotions.
• Work with Culinary team to devise harmonious food & wine pairings for menu updates.
• Develop budget plan and record, monitor and present a clear Sales Mix Record.
• Maintain updated Wine List while liaising with the F&B management.
• Regularly inspect quality of opened wine in F&B Outlets.
• Management of the wine preservation system and Coravin Systems.
• Ensure all reasonable requests made by a member of the management team are effectively carried out.
• Strictly follows the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cleaning schedules.
• Ensure you are punctual and are well always presented in full uniform.
• Assist Food and Beverage leaders to conduct regular beverage training and provide Food and Beverage teams with in-depth beverage product knowledge.
• Strictly follows finance related procedures and rules.
• Assist customers with their choice of wine or drink and to take the appropriate orders.
• Ensure correct handling, use, storage and cleaning of all liquor service equipment.
• Develop and maintain all wine-related staff training programs.
• Comply with Hotel’s policy and procedures on Fire, Health, Hygiene and Training
• Contribute to the restaurant operations if needed.
• Be knowledgeable of hotel information to be able to answer guest inquiries.
• Sound knowledge of local and international wine.

Additional Requirement

• Excellent reading, writing and oral proficiency in English.
• Computer literacy.
• Experienced in all aspects of restaurant service and management.
• Must be well presented and professionally always groomed.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and training skills to motivate employees as a team.
• High degree of professionalism, creativity, business acumen, energy and determination
• Proven organizational skills, able to set and meet deadlines with quality results.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sommelier, Wine Steward/Stewardess or similar role
• Ability to create well complimented food and wine pairings
• Extensive knowledge of Southern African wines and vineyards
• Certificate from Cape Wine Academy/WSET Level 2 or certification in related studies is a pre-requisite

Additional Information

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

We as a company are committed to diversity and inclusion. Our Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered during the recruitment process. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds.