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- Tasks: Recommend wines and enhance guest experiences with your expert knowledge.
- Company: Join Raffles London, a luxury hotel steeped in history and glamour.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff meals, enhanced pay, and worldwide development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with fun events and strong team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious team and elevate your sommelier skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sommelier and a passion for exceptional guest service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Company Description
Raffles London at The OWO on London’s Whitehall unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world’s most historic addresses, synonymous with luxury, glamour, and extraordinary adventure. This fine Grade II* listed Edwardian building has been transformed with 120 rooms and suites along with a collection of 85 exceptional branded residences. Within The OWO destination, there are a total of nine restaurants and three bars, including one by our signature chef Mauro Colagreco. The Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellness offer the latest in wellbeing, and a 600 seated-capacity grand ballroom, The Whitehall, is perfect for all kinds of special occasions and events.
Within these much-storied walls, where legendary statesmen and women once shaped the modern world, guests are now invited to discover new and inspiring emotions and connections. At Raffles, you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family.
Job Description
SCOPE OF POSITION
As a Senior Sommelier, you are responsible for recommending wines and having a thorough and current knowledge of wines to deliver an excellent guest and member experience. A Senior Sommelier will also be required to assist in achieving department targets. You will be responsible for performing your tasks to the highest standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Operation
- Responsible for inventory of wines
- Provide professional and current knowledge of wines to guests
- Recommend wines to accompany relevant dishes
- Handle all customer inquiries in an appropriate and professional manner
- Accurately manage all transactions during service
- Describe and up-sell wines to provide excellent customer experience
- Suggest wines to accompany new menus in line with financial budget
- Ensure accurate billing
- Additional responsibilities in absence of line manager or senior employee.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant than usually assigned.
Leadership
- Ensure that revenue targets are met as set out in the annual budget
- Continually review and identify with your manager areas to increase revenue
- Ensure continued awareness and understanding of the industry and local markets
Health and Safety
- Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately and rectified
- Be fully conversant with all departmental Fire, Emergency and BOMB procedures
- Emergency procedures are rehearsed regularly with attendance records, implemented and enforced to provide for the security and safety of guests and employees
- Ensure the safety of the persons and the property of all within the premises, by strict adherence to existing laws, statutes and applicable ordinances, and by anticipating possible and probable hazards and conditions and either correcting them or pre-planning a defence against them
- Stimulate and encourage a general awareness of Health and Safety in relation to all tasks and activities undertaken in the department
Qualifications
Essential
- Intuitive & masterful
- Open minded
- Previous experience in a customer service role in the hotel/leisure/retail sector
- Good grooming standards
- Excellent communication skills
- Passion and commitment to delivering exceptional levels of guest service
- Excellent leadership skills where a positive environment culture is created by strong values
- Previous relevant experience as Senior Sommelier or high performing as Sommelier
Desirable
- A certification Hotel Management/Culinary Academy
- Sommelier qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of the London market
- Proficiency with computer programs, Purchasing systems, Training system
Additional Information
Why join our Raffles team? Not only will you be joining one of the world's best hotels, you will also receive great benefits including:
- Staff meals whilst on duty
- Free dry cleaning for uniform
- Employer pension contribution of 3%
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Life Assurance 1x salary
- Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice
- Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
- Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions
- Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice
- Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you
- Fun-filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party
- Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets
- Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio
Senior Sommelier employer: AccorHotel
Contact Detail:
AccorHotel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sommelier
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know in the hospitality scene, the better your chances of landing that Senior Sommelier role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your knowledge about wines and pairings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that resonate with your values. Raffles London is all about luxury and exceptional service, so make sure your application reflects that vibe when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you note can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When you're writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share your experiences and what makes you excited about being a Senior Sommelier. We want to see that passion and commitment to delivering exceptional guest service.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your previous experience in customer service and any relevant qualifications. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for!
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we want to see your personality, remember to keep it professional. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with guests, so show us you can do that in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at AccorHotel
✨Know Your Wines Inside Out
As a Senior Sommelier, you need to have an extensive knowledge of wines. Brush up on the latest trends, regions, and varietals. Be prepared to discuss your favourite wines and why they pair well with specific dishes.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
This role is all about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Think of examples from your past roles where you went above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your commitment to service.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with how wine sales contribute to revenue targets. Be prepared to discuss strategies you might implement to increase sales or improve inventory management. Showing that you understand the financial aspects will impress your interviewers.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
As a Senior Sommelier, you'll be expected to lead by example. Share your experiences in mentoring or training others in the industry. Highlight how you create a positive work environment and encourage teamwork, as this aligns with the company’s values.