Sommelier

Innovative, ingredient-driven restaurant group is seeking a passionate, experienced Sommelier for their newest concept opening soon! This intimate new California Italian-inspired concept will feature handmade pastas, Italian-inspired cocktails, and a fine-tuned wine program with a focus on California and Italian varieties. This role will help to manage shifts and remain hands-on during service, in addition to serving as the restaurant’s wine expert. There is a heavy emphasis on cross training across the entire team at this uniquely structured concept, and this role will also be responsible for ensuring staff is properly educated on wine offerings, program changes, pairings, and tasting notes.

The ideal candidate is highly service minded with a strong floor presence in order to emphasize wine sales and service, while effectively communicating and educating guests with varying levels of wine knowledge. Looking for someone with a true passion for and experience with wine, and the ability to factor in budget, consider flavor profiles, and guest preferences to make recommendations that provide a next level experience. This role also offers an untraditional schedule supporting work-life balance with a 4-day workweek! A great opportunity for a self-motivated, wine-experienced professional to join a forward-thinking group and passionate team.

Sommelier Responsibilities:

• Help establish and uphold the vision of the Wine Program
• Help oversee the FOH team and manage the floor
• Ensure the team is well educated on the menu items, wine offerings, and any changes to the program
• Continual education and training on the wine list
• Creating a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere for guests around wine
• Deliver a strong floor presence with a focus on wine sales and service
• Oversee the flow of the business and remain present in all areas of the restaurant during service
• Maintain, support and promote company culture and philosophies
• Contribute to controlling costs and maximizing efficiencies, identifying opportunity areas to course correct as needed
• Take initiative and help to build business and maintain the wine program
• Hold the team accountable to high standards while remaining hands on and leading by example
• Maintain a strong knowledge of all food and beverage offerings
• Enhance the guest experience by being present on the restaurant floor to provide recommendations
• Provide managerial duties as needed
• Inventory and cellar management
• Assist with ordering and any other FOH duties as needed
• Staying up to date with the world of wine – changes, trends, etc.
• Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
• Understand and comply with state & federal labor laws

Candidate Qualifications:

• 2+ years’ experience as a Sommelier, Wine Manager, Wine Director, Beverage Manager, Bar Manager, Service Manager, Dining Room Manager, FOH Manager, or comparable hospitality management role with a strong wine focus in a contemporary, full service restaurant concept
• High-touch, elevated service experience
• WSET or Court of Master Sommelier certification is a plus
• Extensive wine knowledge including characteristics, wineries, regions, varietals, food pairings and service
• California and Italian wine-specific knowledge is a plus
• Genuine passion for wine and beverage as part of the guest experience
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Understanding of COGs and cost management
• Achieve or exceed wine cost expectations while maintaining quality, accuracy and timing standards
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment surrounding a new opening
• Ability to recommend tasteful, knowledgeable food and wine pairings
• Energetic, personable, and guest service oriented
• Ability to establish a strong rapport with guests and support guest retention
• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and conflict resolution skills
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to guests and support to staff members
• Exceptional standards for cleanliness, health, and safety
• Must have a passion for progressive wine lists and wine program curation
• Active manager ServSafe Food Safety Certificate
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Compensation Includes:

• TIPPED , 40 hours/week position that is a 4-day schedule. Base pay of $20-$23/hour, with an estimated total compensation of $35-$45/hour inclusive of tips .
• Medical reimbursement plan
• PTO plan