At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate a unique wine programme across 21 luxury hotels.
- Company: Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned group with stunning locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, wellness support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a welcoming culture that celebrates diversity and long-term friendships.
- Why this job: Transform an extraordinary wine collection into a market-leading asset while enhancing guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial growth experience in hospitality or luxury sectors, strong wine knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family-owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality.
Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel.
Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the everyday.
Hand Picked Hotels are committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future, and all of our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation.
A recognition of our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
Hand Picked Hotels and our shareholders, Julia and Guy Hands, are passionate about wine.
With access to Julia and Guy's extraordinary personal wine collection, we are now ready to take our ambition to the next level.
We are looking for a Group Wine Director - Commercial to create long term value by building, leading and delivering one of the UK's most distinctive hotel wine programmes.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the shaping and execution of the commercial strategy for wine across our collection of 21 hotels, transforming an extraordinary private cellar of over 4,000 bins into a market-leading commercial and brand asset.
Working closely with Julia and Guy and our 21 Hand Picked hotels you will drive stock management, pricing, supplier partnerships and commercial performance, focused on growing revenue, profitability and guest engagement.
This isn't a traditional Hotel wine role. It is a commercial leadership role for someone who sees wine as both a remarkable guest experience and a powerful business opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the commercial performance of the wine programme, delivering revenue growth, margin improvement and return on investment.
- Develop and execute buying, pricing and stock strategies that maximise profitability while enhancing the guest experience.
- Work closely with our Shareholders to unlock the full commercial potential of their private cellar, creating a genuine point of difference for Hand Picked Hotels.
- Build strategic partnerships with producers, distributors and suppliers to secure exceptional wines, exclusive opportunities and commercial advantage.
- Use insight and data to optimise pricing, ranging, inventory and working capital across the portfolio.
- Create and deliver wine-led events, experiences and partnerships that drive demand, guest engagement and brand reputation.
- Lead and inspire specialist teams responsible for wine service, education and stock management, ensuring commercial excellence across all 21 hotels.
- Work collaboratively with hotel teams, Marketing and our Shareholders to position Hand Picked Hotels as one of the UK's leading wine destinations.
About You
- A proven track record of delivering commercial growth within hospitality, premium retail, wine or another luxury consumer business.
- Strong expertise in buying, pricing, supplier negotiation and margin management.
- Experience leading multi-site operations and influencing performance through others.
- A deep understanding of wine, the premium hospitality market and the expectations of discerning guests.
- Strong commercial judgement, using data and insight to make confident decisions on pricing, ranging and stock.
- The credibility to build relationships with leading producers, suppliers and senior stakeholders, including our Shareholders.
- The ability to lead specialist experts, bringing together commercial strategy, operational delivery and exceptional guest experience.
- Outstanding communication and storytelling skills, inspiring colleagues and bringing our wine proposition to life.
- Flexibility to travel regularly across our hotels in the UK and Channel Islands.
- Our Benefits
- Competitive salary package discussed at interview
- Generous company pension, private medical insurance & life assurance.
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) and enhanced sick pay.
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Ongoing career development with in-house and external training, including apprenticeships and industry-recognised courses.
- Colleague discounts on hotel stays, food & drink, and annual loyalty rewards.
- Access to retail and wellness discounts via our online benefits platform.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture where long-term friendships and diversity are celebrated.
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Group Wine Director - Commercial employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead spa operations across stunning luxury hotels in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training programmes and a supportive work culture that values individuality and community, you will thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a focus on well-being, all while being part of a family-owned group dedicated to delivering magical experiences for guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Wine Director - Commercial
✨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 Hand Picked Hotels Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd 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 Group Wine Director - Commercial
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 Hand Picked Hotels Ltd 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 Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨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!
