Beverage Director

Beverage Director / Sommelier

Location: SONO
176 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009

Position Summary

SONO is seeking a passionate, hospitality-driven Beverage Director / Sommelier to lead and manage the restaurant's beverage program while actively participating in nightly service. This position is responsible for the development, organization, purchasing, training, and execution of all wine, beer, spirits, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage offerings while serving guests on the floor as a Sommelier.

The ideal candidate possesses strong wine knowledge, exceptional hospitality skills, sound financial acumen, and a desire to contribute to the growth of a dynamic Korean-Italian restaurant concept. This is a tipped position with management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Beverage Program Management
- Curate and maintain SONO's wine, beer, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage programs.
- Develop beverage offerings that complement the restaurant's culinary vision and seasonal menus.
- Build and maintain relationships with distributors, importers, and beverage vendors.
- Negotiate pricing, allocations, and promotional opportunities.
- Manage beverage inventory, ordering, receiving, and storage procedures.
- Monitor beverage costs and maintain target beverage margins.
- Conduct regular inventory counts and reconcile variances.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable liquor laws and regulations.

Service & Guest Experience
- Actively work service shifts on the dining room floor as the restaurant's Sommelier.
- Guide guests through wine selections, pairings, and beverage recommendations.
- Deliver exceptional hospitality and create memorable guest experiences.
- Assist service staff with beverage sales and table-side presentations.
- Support the dining room team during service as needed.
- Maintain a visible presence on the floor and build relationships with regular guests.

Team Leadership & Training
- Train and educate service team on wine, cocktails, beer, and beverage service standards.
- Develop ongoing beverage education programs and tasting sessions.
- Create service standards and beverage-related SOPs.
- Mentor staff to increase beverage knowledge and sales performance.
- Foster a positive, collaborative team culture.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
- Monitor beverage sales performance and identify opportunities for growth.
- Prepare and maintain beverage lists and pricing updates.
- Analyze product mix and profitability.
- Manage beverage budgets and purchasing goals.
- Assist ownership with strategic beverage planning and program development.

Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of sommelier, beverage management, or beverage director experience in an upscale restaurant environment.
- Strong knowledge of wine regions, varietals, production methods, and food pairing principles.
- Knowledge of spirits, cocktails, beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverage programs.
- Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
- Excellent communication and guest engagement abilities.
- Ability to lead staff training and educational programs.
- Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- NYC Food Handler Certification preferred.
- Court of Master Sommeliers(lvl2), WSET(lvl3), or equivalent certification preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry wine cases and beverage products up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Compensation
- Tipped position.
- Competitive hourly rate plus gratuities and elevated hourly rate for administrative beverage director duties
- Additional compensation structure may be available based on experience and program performance.

SONO is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees and guests.