Senior Sommelier

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. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks. Every element — from design and service to sound and light — is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

Role

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

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.