Wine Director

Wine Director

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a world-class wine programme and enhance guest experiences with expert wine service.
  • Company: Join Brown's Hotel, London's first hotel, known for its rich history and luxury hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounted hotel stays, meals on duty, and extensive learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a family culture and excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that delights guests and cultivates a strong wine culture.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in luxury hospitality and deep knowledge of global wine regions.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our Hotel

Brown's Hotel, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels group, is London's first hotel, opening in 1832 on Albemarle Street.

With a rich history, it has become a prestigious landmark, welcoming distinguished guests.

Located in the heart of Mayfair, it offers easy access to Bond Street’s luxury boutiques, Dover Street Market, The Royal Academy of Arts, and independent galleries.

Brown's embodies Rocco Forte Hotels' philosophy of blending local character with world-class hospitality.

Rocco Forte Hotels are a collection of iconic hotels that respects the individuality of location and its team members, encouraging them to be their natural selves while providing a local, authentic experience to our guests.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a world‑class wine program for Brown's, curating an exceptional and diverse wine offering.
  • Oversee the premium wine strategy, enhancing the guest experience across all dining venues.
  • Manage wine procurement and inventory, optimizing stock levels and driving revenue and profitability.
  • Lead and mentor the Sommelier team, ensuring excellence in service, knowledge, and development.
  • Promote a strong wine culture across all Food & Beverage departments through training and continuous learning.
  • Enhance guest experiences with expert wine service, pairings, and engaging wine events.
  • Strengthen Brown’s reputation as a leading destination for wine lovers.
  • Work closely with the Director of Food & Beverage & Management Team to achieve commercial and guest experience goals.

Qualifications

  • Proven leadership experience as a Head Sommelier or Wine Director within a luxury hotel or high‑end restaurant environment.
  • Deep knowledge of global wine regions, producers and vintages, with a passion for curating exceptional wine lists.
  • Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing wine revenue, margins and inventory.
  • Emotional intelligence and strong team‑building skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team of Sommeliers.
  • A results‑driven mindset, with experience achieving revenue targets and driving wine sales.
  • High personal and professional standards, with a commitment to excellence in service.
  • Excellent communication skills with colleagues, guests and senior management.
  • Thorough practical knowledge of luxury service standards and wine service protocols.
  • Confidence to lead, motivate and mentor the team, creating a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Discounted rates across our collection of iconic hotels – £25/€30 per night.
  • 50% discount on Food and Beverage, 25% discount on Spa Treatments and 20% discount on Health Spa products.
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities.
  • Meals on duty.
  • Social activities and events.
  • Recognition programmes & annual awards.
  • Pension scheme.
  • Season Ticket Loan / Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.

Ready to take your next step in your career?

Apply now to become a valued part of Rocco Forte Hotels, an inspirational place to work, known for its commitment to excellence and a sense of familiar family culture everywhere, combined with the passion, commitment and desire from team members to delight guests and serve one another.

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Wine Director employer: Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Rocco Forte Hotels, with its iconic Brown's Hotel in Mayfair, offers an exceptional work environment that celebrates individuality and fosters a strong sense of community among team members. As a Wine Director, you will lead a world-class wine program while enjoying extensive learning opportunities, generous employee discounts, and a culture that prioritises excellence and personal growth. Join us to be part of a prestigious hotel group that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive in a vibrant, luxury setting.

Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Contact Details:

Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Wine Director

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Don't be shy about reaching out to Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Wine Director

Wine Knowledge
Leadership Skills
Wine Procurement
Inventory Management
Commercial Acumen
Team Building
Guest Experience Enhancement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!