At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the wine programme and create unforgettable guest experiences at a unique vineyard hotel.
- Company: THE PIG - a renowned hotel group with a focus on local wines and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts, private healthcare, and extensive holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join a growing team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of English wine tourism and inspire guests with your passion for wine.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in wine programmes and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 34500 - 38500 £ per year.
Head Sommelier - Arundel, West Sussex
Package: £34,500 to £38,500 per annum, (OTE £42,100 to £46,100 including tronc).
Could you help shape the future of one of the most exciting wine destinations in the UK?
At THE PIG in the South Downs, wine is more than what's in the glass.
With our own vineyard on the estate and a commitment to showcasing the very best of Sussex and English wine, we're looking for an exceptional Head Sommelier to lead our wine offering and help establish THE PIG in the South Downs as the flagship wine hotel across the group.
This is a unique opportunity for a passionate wine professional to create memorable guest experiences, champion local producers, and play a leading role in developing a destination wine programme unlike any other.
What you'll be doing
As Head Sommelier, you'll oversee every aspect of the wine journey, ensuring our guests experience something truly special from vineyard to glass.
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Group Head of Wine, you'll be instrumental in developing and delivering an engaging, guest-facing wine programme that celebrates our location, our vineyard and the exceptional wines of Sussex.
You'll
- Lead and inspire the wine team, delivering outstanding service and expertise.
- Curate a dynamic and commercially successful wine offering that evolves throughout the year.
- Create and deliver guest experiences including vineyard tours, tastings, wine dinners, masterclasses and special events.
- Use our vineyard as a unique education, marketing and guest experience asset, bringing the story of English wine to life.
- Build meaningful relationships with local wineries and producers, showcasing the very best of the region.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure wine is at the heart of the guest experience.
What we're looking for
Beyond being an excellent Head Sommelier, we're looking for someone who can help drive our vision forward.
Key qualities and experience include
- The ability to position THE PIG in the South Downs as the group's flagship wine hotel, creating a reputation that attracts wine lovers from across the UK and beyond.
- Proven experience creating and delivering an engaging guest-facing wine programme, including tours, tastings, events and an innovative year-round wine offering that keeps guests returning.
- A genuine passion for using a vineyard as a unique guest experience, educational platform and marketing tool.
- Strong knowledge of the English wine industry, particularly Sussex, with an established network of contacts or the ability to build and nurture relationships with local producers.
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to engage guests at every level of wine knowledge.
- Commercial awareness and a passion for delivering both memorable experiences and strong business results.
- Leadership experience with the ability to coach, develop and inspire a high-performing team.
What's In It For You?
Alongside the opportunity to lead and shape one of the most exciting wine programmes in the UK, you'll enjoy a host of industry-leading benefits designed to reward, support and invest in you:
- Complimentary bed & breakfast stays across THE PIG Hotels - experience our unique properties as a guest and enjoy the hospitality we're renowned for.
- 35% discount on food, drink and treatments across the collection, so you can share THE PIG experience with family and friends.
- Freshly prepared meals on duty, every shift.
- Up to 33 days' holiday, increasing with length of service, giving you more time to relax and recharge.
- Take-home products at cost price, including some of the fantastic goods and produce we champion across the business.
- Private Healthcare, providing reassurance and access to quality medical support when you need it most.
- Critical Illness Cover and Death in Service Benefit, helping protect you and your loved ones.
- 24/7 access to GP appointments, physiotherapy and counselling services through Help@Hand, available to both you and your immediate family.
- Outstanding learning and development opportunities, including industry training, supplier visits, wine education and leadership development programmes.
- Exclusive team trips, experiences and performance incentives, celebrating success and creating memorable moments together.
- Anniversary dining vouchers with wine for two, because your milestones deserve to be celebrated.
- Exceptional career progression opportunities within a growing, award-winning hotel group that values talent and promotes from within.
Most importantly, you'll have the chance to play a leading role in establishing THE PIG in the South Downs as the group's flagship wine destination, working with an exceptional team, an on-site vineyard and some of the finest producers in English wine.
Head Sommelier - Arundel, West Sussex employer: leisurejobs
Giggling Squid is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises family values and a passion for Thai cuisine. With a strong focus on employee development through comprehensive training programmes, competitive salaries, and generous benefits like weekly pay and staff discounts, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. Join us in Leamington Spa, where you can enjoy a fulfilling career in one of the UK's fastest-growing restaurant groups while embracing the warmth of our unique Thai heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Sommelier - Arundel, West Sussex
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
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We think you need these skills to ace Head Sommelier - Arundel, West Sussex
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 leisurejobs 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 leisurejobs
✨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!
