At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the wine selection and assist in managing restaurant operations daily.
- Company: Join MOI, a trendy restaurant blending Japanese flavours with modern twists in Soho.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant location with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team making a social impact through innovative cuisine.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and a passion for wine are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 57600 £ per year.
Join the MOI Team – Wine Lead / Assistant Restaurant Manager – £48,000+ per annum
MOI is an inventive fusion of Japanese flavours with a modern, elevated twist coming the heart of Soho’s iconic Wardour street. Led by the Executive Chef Andy Cook, the kitchen embraces Japanese cuisine as a canvas, highlighting peak-season ingredients and global influences to create dishes that are both complex and inviting.
Wine Lead / Assistant Restaurant Manager at Moi, responsibilities:
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As the Wine Lead / Assistant Restaurant Manager, you will combine your expertise in wine with strong leadership abilities to ensure exceptional guest experiences. In this dual role, you will jointly oversee the restaurant’s wine and sake programme while also supporting the front-of-house team in delivering smooth and efficient service. Sharing your passion for wine through engaging briefings & wine training on and off the floor.
Staff Benefits & Rewards:
- 50% staff dining discount across MOI, ALTA & DOMU
- Extra holidays, kicks in after 2 years in the company, 1 day of holiday extra for each year completed. Up to 33 days max!
- Cycle to work scheme, save on a new bike or Lime / Forest bike subscription
- Fantastic Supplier trips & training
- Referral Bonus, Hourly staff referral - £250, Salaried staff - £500
- Wellness, mental health, and healthcare perks
- Delicious meals provided on shift
- Opportunities for growth and professional development within an expanding restaurant group
What we Look for:
- A passion for wine, while delivering outstanding guest experiences
- A consummate hospitality professional with great wine knowledge and experience in delivering wine programmes
- You are looking for a role that is exciting, interesting and provides you with great stepping point for a future move into senior management
- You have experience in overseeing small teams but are ready for the next step up
- You thrive on organisation, structure and providing support and want to be more heavily involvement in management
- A natural outgoing hospitality professional who loves to interact with people & share wine knowledge
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to multitask and thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
- Prior experience in a busy, high-end restaurant or similar setting
- Ability to represent our restaurant with pride and professionalism.
- Flexibility to respond to a variety of different work situations
- Approachable, reliable, enthusiastic, and a true supportive team player across all departments including kitchen and bar staff, to ensure smooth operations
- An appreciation of Japanese, Asian cuisine and culture is a plus, but not essential
- Ambassador of our brand through exceptional food and wine knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm to share this with our guests. Maintain a deep knowledge of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods.
Wine Programme Management:
- Collaborate with the Beverage Manager to jointly curate and manage the restaurant’s wine, sake and agave spirits list, ensuring a diverse, balanced selection that complements the menu and aligns with the restaurant’s concept to deliver a fluid, exciting and complete culinary experience
- Source high-quality wines from reputable suppliers, maintaining relationships to secure exclusive selections and competitive pricing
- Monitor wine inventory and oversee stock rotation, ordering, and storage to minimise waste and maintain quality
- Conduct regular staff training on wine and sake knowledge, service, and pairing recommendations to elevate team expertise
- Stay informed about industry trends, new wine regions, and emerging producers to keep the wine list fresh and exciting
Restaurant Supervision:
- Support the Restaurant Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring the seamless flow of service from front-of-house to the kitchen
- Supervise the front-of-house team during service, addressing challenges and maintaining high standards of efficiency and professionalism
- Assist in scheduling, training, and mentoring front-of-house staff to build a motivated and knowledgeable team
- Conduct pre-service briefings, communicating key information about the menu, wine list, and special events to the team
- Step into the Restaurant Manager’s role when , ensuring consistency in leadership and service delivery
Operational and Financial Management:
- Monitor beverage sales and contribute to strategies to maximise revenue through upselling and thoughtful recommendations
- Track and analyse key performance metrics, such as wine sales, inventory turnover, and guest feedback, to optimise the beverage programme and service operations
- Assist in managing the restaurant’s budgets, contributing to cost control and profitability targets
- Compliance and Standards
- Ensure compliance with UK licensing laws and health and safety regulations in wine storage and service
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation in the wine storage and service areas
- Set an example for the team by upholding the restaurant’s values, standards, and service ethos
Experience:
- At least 3–5 years of management experience in a high-end, fast-paced restaurant environment
- Proven ability to manage daily operations while delivering outstanding results, ideally in central London or a similar market
Financial Management:
- Manage budgets and control costs, including labour, food, and beverage, to achieve financial targets
- Monitor and evaluate sales performance, developing strategies to maximise revenue and minimise waste
- Liaise with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and cost-effective procurement of goods
Team Development:
- Recruit, train, and mentor team members to build a motivated and high-performing team
- Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback to encourage growth and accountability
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued
Guest Experience:
- Deliver an exceptional guest experience by ensuring consistent, high-quality service at every touchpoint
- Engage with guests to build strong relationships, resolve concerns promptly, and incorporate feedback into service improvements
- Act as the face of the restaurant, representing the brand in the local community and at industry events
About MOI:
MOI is setting the stage for a new wave of culinary excellence in London’s dynamic food scene. Named with a nod to Soho’s vibrant culture, MOI, literally translated as a ‘bowl’, presents a Neo-Japanese dining experience in a relaxed, stylish space where guests can savour the atmosphere as much as the food for patrons to see and be seen.
Be part of something extraordinary, Apply now!
https://www.instagram.com/moi.soho/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/moi-restaurant
MOI is part of MAD Restaurants Group, where we celebrate the differences within our team, believing they enrich the culture and character of our restaurants. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment—embracing all ages, genders, identities, races, sexual orientations, and ethnicities—where everyone feels welcome, no matter their background.
Wine Lead & Assistant Restaurant Manager in London employer: Moi
At MOI, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and teamwork. Located in the heart of Soho, our bartenders enjoy competitive pay, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work with innovative culinary concepts that push the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are valued and every day brings new experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wine Lead & Assistant Restaurant Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Japanese cuisine and wine pairings. Understanding the nuances of the dishes served at MOI will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the hospitality industry, especially with professionals who have experience in fine dining or Japanese restaurants. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in the restaurant industry, particularly those related to wine and food pairings. Being knowledgeable about what’s trending can set you apart as a candidate who is passionate and informed.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage a team in a fast-paced environment. Highlighting your experience in similar roles will demonstrate your capability to thrive as an Assistant Restaurant Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Wine Lead & Assistant Restaurant Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities of a Wine Lead and Assistant Restaurant Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in managing restaurant operations and knowledge of wine.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any previous roles in hospitality, particularly those involving wine management or restaurant leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Japanese cuisine and your understanding of the restaurant's concept. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and enhance the dining experience.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are professionally formatted and easy to read.
How to prepare for a job interview at Moi
✨Know Your Wines
As a Wine Lead, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of different wine varieties and pairings. Brush up on your wine knowledge, including regions, tasting notes, and how they complement various dishes on the menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves being an Assistant Restaurant Manager, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Highlight situations where you've successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts, demonstrating your ability to lead in a busy restaurant environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Japanese Cuisine
Given the restaurant's focus on Japanese flavours, it would be beneficial to research traditional Japanese dishes and cooking techniques. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the cuisine.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the restaurant's vision, team culture, and how they incorporate seasonal ingredients into their menu. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
