At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape an exceptional beverage experience with wine, sake, and Japanese cuisine.
- Company: Join MA/NA, a unique restaurant-bar fusion celebrating Japanese culinary philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, ongoing training, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on creativity, learning, and personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship opening and collaborate with world-class professionals.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Sommelier, strong knowledge of wines and Japanese beverages.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Opening in early 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA/NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power - a life-force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it. Guided by this belief, MA/NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar - refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine, and sake list.
The Role - Senior Sommelier
As Senior Sommelier at MA/NA, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering an exceptional beverage experience that harmonises wine, sake, and Japanese cuisine. Working closely with the Head Sommelier and beverage leadership team, you will support the leadership, execution, and daily management of the wine and sake programme. You will guide guests through thoughtful pairings and recommendations, while helping to develop the team's knowledge, confidence, and consistency on the floor. This is a hands-on senior service role suited to an experienced Sommelier with strong technical foundations, refined guest intuition, and the ability to lead by example.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver confident, intuitive, and elevated wine and sake service aligned with MA/NA's philosophy
- Support the Head Sommelier in the daily leadership and execution of the wine and sake programme
- Guide guests through pairings, recommendations, and storytelling with clarity, warmth, and authority
- Help maintain and evolve the wine and sake list, including iconic producers, artisanal discoveries, and Japanese beverage selections
- Support sake service standards and assist with guest education around Japanese beverages
- Lead by example on the floor, supporting sommeliers and front-of-house colleagues during service
- Collaborate closely with the kitchen, bar, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless food and drink synergy
- Assist with cellar organisation, stock rotation, ordering, and inventory control
- Contribute to tastings, team training sessions, and ongoing beverage education
- Uphold the highest standards of service, presentation, professionalism, and product knowledge at all times
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a fine dining or high-end hospitality environment
- Strong knowledge of international wine regions, styles, vintages, and producers
- A genuine interest in sake and Japanese beverage culture; certification is an advantage but not essential
- A refined palate with a thoughtful, guest-focused approach to service
- Confidence in leading service, supporting junior team members, and maintaining standards under pressure
- Strong communication skills and a natural ability to tell the story behind each bottle
- Organised, calm, collaborative, and detail-focused working style
- A passion for learning, teaching, and developing within an ambitious opening team
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and service charge package
- Opportunity to be part of a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
- Close collaboration with world-class chefs, sommeliers, and bar professionals
- Ongoing training, tastings, and professional development
- Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment
If you are guided by balance, curiosity, and craft - and want to help lead a team that transforms emotion into experience - we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Sommelier - MaNa Mayfair in London employer: Ma/Na
At MA/NA Mayfair, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and supportive work environment. As part of our flagship opening, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with world-class chefs and beverage professionals while receiving ongoing training and professional development. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our wellness initiatives and staff meals, ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired to grow within our innovative establishment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sommelier - MaNa Mayfair in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, and local meet-ups to connect with fellow sommeliers and hospitality professionals. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for wine and sake. Talk about your favourite pairings or memorable experiences – it’s all about making that emotional connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or bars you admire, like MA/NA, and express your interest in joining their team. A personal touch can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on wine trends, sake varieties, and Japanese beverage culture. Consider attending workshops or online courses to enhance your knowledge and skills, which will impress potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sommelier - MaNa Mayfair in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for wine, sake, and Japanese cuisine shine through. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with MA/NA's philosophy of transforming meals into memories.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in fine dining. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your knowledge of international wine regions and your ability to guide guests through thoughtful pairings.
Be Authentic:Your application should reflect your personality and storytelling skills. Use a warm and engaging tone to convey your approach to service and how you connect with guests. Remember, we value emotional intelligence just as much as technical skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our exciting new team at MA/NA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ma/Na
✨Know Your Wines and Sakes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international wine regions, styles, and producers, as well as Japanese beverages. Be prepared to discuss specific pairings and your personal experiences with different wines and sakes during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Senior Sommelier, storytelling is key. Think about how you can convey the essence of each bottle and its journey from vineyard to table. Practise sharing engaging anecdotes that highlight your passion for wine and sake, and how they enhance the dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Teamwork
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading a team and supporting junior sommeliers. Share examples of how you've collaborated with kitchen and bar teams to create seamless service, showcasing your ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Embrace the MA/NA Philosophy
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's philosophy around ingredients and experiences. During the interview, express how you align with their values and how you can contribute to creating memorable moments for guests through thoughtful beverage pairings.
