Open roleExternal
Head Somelier
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- Permanent·On-site
- Full time
- £38,700 - £49,500 Per Annum
Job Description
Develop, curate and maintain an award‑winning wine list that aligns with the culinary vision of each of the hotel’s five restaurants and three bars.
- Lead, mentor and schedule the wine service team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high standards.
- Oversee wine purchasing, inventory control and supplier relationships to ensure quality, provenance and cost‑effectiveness.
- Conduct staff training and guest tastings, promoting curiosity and education about wine regions, vintages and food pairings.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and F&B managers to design bespoke wine pairings for special events, banquets and private functions.
- Maintain compliance with health, safety and licensing regulations, and uphold the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and diversity in sourcing.
- Analyse sales data and guest feedback to continuously refine the wine programme and drive revenue growth.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in a senior sommelier or wine director role within a luxury hotel or high‑end restaurant environment.
- Advanced wine qualifications (e.g., WSET Level 3 or higher, CMS, or equivalent) and a deep knowledge of global wine regions.
- Strong leadership and people‑development skills, with the ability to inspire and coach a diverse team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of building relationships with guests, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Commercial acumen, including experience with budgeting, cost control and revenue optimisation.
- Passion for delivering exceptional customer service and a commitment to the hotel’s values of honesty, curiosity and customer‑first focus.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required by the hospitality calendar


