At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an ambitious wine programme and create exceptional guest experiences at Beaufort Bar.
- Company: The Savoy, a legendary luxury hotel blending history with innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days holiday, exclusive discounts, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Join a colleague-centric culture with outstanding career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-class team and elevate the luxury wine experience.
- Qualifications: Extensive wine knowledge and leadership skills in hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Savoy is one of the world's most iconic hotels, known for outstanding service excellence and a rich history since 1889. We pride ourselves on creating special memories for our guests by delivering the very best in five-star luxury hospitality.
Your purpose will be to lead one of the most ambitious and extensive wine programmes in luxury hospitality. The Head Sommelier will be responsible for curating and delivering an exceptional wine experience centred around Beaufort Bar's Discovery Programme, featuring over 100 wines available by the glass and one of the largest public luxury wine selections in the market.
You will inspire guests and team members alike through exceptional wine knowledge, engaging storytelling, and a passion for discovery, ensuring every guest interaction reinforces Beaufort Bar's position as a world-class destination for wine, Champagne, and luxury hospitality.
You will be accountable for:
- Leadership and Team Management
- Always being present on the floor during service and getting hands-on to assist when needed.
- Lead, motivate, and inspire the bar team and support staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Set performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.
- Develop and implement training programmes to enhance the team’s knowledge and skills.
- Schedule staff efficiently to meet business needs while maintaining labour cost controls.
- Promote teamwork, collaboration, and excellent communication across the team.
- Assist with recruitment within the bar department.
- F&B Programme Management
- Leading and developing Beaufort Bar's wine Programme and extensive wine-by-the-glass offering.
- Maintaining one of the largest public luxury wine selections available in London.
- Delivering exceptional wine service standards that complement Beaufort Bar's luxury positioning.
- Driving wine sales, guest engagement, and profitability through expert recommendations and innovative activations.
- Managing wine procurement, inventory, supplier relationships, and cellar standards.
- Educating and inspiring the team to confidently navigate and sell a diverse portfolio of wines.
- Creating unique guest experiences that encourage exploration and discovery across the wine list.
- Supporting the ongoing evolution of the wine programme, ensuring it remains innovative, relevant, and commercially successful.
- Acting as an ambassador for Beaufort Bar within the global wine and luxury hospitality communities.
- Financial Management
- Achieve revenue and profitability targets in line with guidance from the Head of Bars.
- Monitor and analyse weekly performance reports, sharing insights and recommendations.
- Manage labour and inventory costs to achieve financial objectives.
What you will need to do in this role:
- Continuously identify opportunities to enhance the guest journey through innovative wine offerings.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including health and safety, liquor licensing, and food hygiene.
- Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organisation.
- Champion impeccable adherence to Forbes and LQA standards, curating an unparalleled five-star experience that reflects the sophistication and legacy of true luxury hospitality.
- Uphold The Savoy’s brand reputation by delivering consistently exceptional service.
Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary and additional service charge.
- Life insurance and pension.
- 31 days of holiday (including public holidays).
- Exclusive discounts at Savoy, Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor hotels (friends & family rates included).
- 50% off at American & Beaufort Bars, Afternoon Tea, spa, florist, and select Gordon Ramsay restaurants.
- 20% off at other Gordon Ramsay restaurants and Restaurant 1890.
- Free stay for two at The Savoy after successful probation.
- Colleague restaurant, gym, interfaith prayer room and wellness room.
- Laundry services.
- Cashback for wellbeing/healthcare expenses; HSF & Perkbox.
- Employee assistance program.
- Virgin Active and The Gym Group membership discounts.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Season ticket loan for commuting.
- Annual optician reimbursements of £100.
- Local discounts for F&B and retail.
Head Sommelier in London employer: AccorHotel
The Savoy is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to outstanding service excellence and a colleague-centric culture that prioritises employee experience. With competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and unparalleled career development opportunities within the Fairmont group, employees are empowered to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment. Located in the heart of London, The Savoy offers unique advantages such as exclusive discounts at luxury hotels and restaurants, wellness initiatives, and a vibrant work atmosphere that celebrates innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Sommelier in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, and connect with fellow sommeliers. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head Sommelier role at a top-notch venue like Beaufort Bar.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite wine stories and experiences. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also your enthusiasm for creating exceptional guest experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be hands-on during interviews! If you're invited for a tasting or a practical session, jump in and demonstrate your skills. Show them how you can lead a team and elevate their wine programme with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Make sure to highlight your unique experiences and how you can contribute to the luxury hospitality scene at The Savoy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Sommelier in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine:When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about curating exceptional wine programmes. We want to see that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about creating memorable wine experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Sommelier role. Highlight your leadership skills, team management experience, and any innovative ideas you have for enhancing the wine programme at Beaufort Bar. We love seeing how you can fit into our unique culture!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your written application. We appreciate authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share stories or anecdotes that showcase your journey in the world of wine and hospitality.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Savoy. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AccorHotel
✨Know Your Wines
As a Head Sommelier, your wine knowledge is crucial. Brush up on the wines featured in Beaufort Bar's Discovery Programme and be ready to discuss their origins, tasting notes, and food pairings. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your passion for delivering an exceptional wine experience.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you set performance expectations or developed training programmes. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively, which is key for this position.
✨Engage with Storytelling
The role requires engaging storytelling to inspire guests. Practice sharing anecdotes about memorable guest interactions or unique wine experiences you've created. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to connect with guests, reinforcing your fit for a luxury hospitality environment.
✨Understand Financial Management
Familiarise yourself with financial metrics relevant to the role, such as revenue targets and inventory management. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously achieved financial objectives and managed costs. This will show that you can contribute to the profitability of Beaufort Bar while maintaining high service standards.
