At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional wine and sake experiences while guiding guests through thoughtful pairings.
- Company: Join MA/NA, a unique restaurant blending Japanese philosophy with fine dining.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, ongoing training, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on creativity, learning, and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship opening and collaborate with world-class chefs and sommeliers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Sommelier, strong knowledge of wines, and a passion for Japanese beverages.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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. ‘Mana’ is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen — transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory. 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.
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. You will bring precision, warmth, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for storytelling to a world-class opening.
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
- 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
- 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 in London employer: MaNa Mayfair
At MA/NA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and supportive work environment. As a Senior Sommelier, you will not only have the opportunity to collaborate with world-class chefs and beverage professionals but also benefit from ongoing training and professional development. Our commitment to employee wellness and a culture of curiosity ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to a truly memorable dining experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sommelier in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, and culinary festivals to meet fellow sommeliers and chefs. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even 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 and experiences — it’s all about storytelling!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! If you’re preparing for interviews, role-play common questions with friends or colleagues. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when discussing your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who align with our philosophy. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sommelier 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 our philosophy at MA/NA.
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 skills in wine and sake service, so don’t hold back!
Be Personable:Remember, we value emotional intelligence and storytelling. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to connect with guests and create memorable experiences through your recommendations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at MA/NA!
How to prepare for a job interview at MaNa Mayfair
✨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 your favourite pairings and how they enhance the dining experience. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since storytelling is a key part of the role, think about how you can convey the essence of each bottle or sake. Practice sharing anecdotes or interesting facts that connect the beverage to the dining experience. This will help you engage with guests and demonstrate your refined guest intuition.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sommelier, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've supported junior team members or maintained high standards under pressure. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you can contribute to a seamless service.
✨Embrace the MA/NA Philosophy
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's philosophy of transforming emotion into experience. Think about how you can embody this in your service style and interactions with guests. Showing that you align with their values will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the essence of MA/NA.
