At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the wine service and curate an exceptional wine list for a new fine dining restaurant.
- Company: Join Chaiyo, a vibrant Thai restaurant group with a passion for quality and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounts, wellness support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join an award-winning team committed to your growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of London's exciting culinary scene and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Wine Manager or Head Sommelier in a quality restaurant is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
- Salary - Competitive
- Schedule - Full Time
Experience - Prior experience as a Wine Manager or Head Sommelier within a quality restaurant
Chaiyo Restaurants, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is seeking a talented and passionate Wine Manager to lead an extraordinary new chapter - a landmark fine dining Thai restaurant opening in Central London.
If you're ready to be part of one of the most exciting new openings in London's culinary scene, working alongside a world-class team committed to delivering exceptional food and genuine Thai hospitality at the very highest level, we want to hear from you.
Chaiyo Group
Chaiyo was born from Chef Luke Farrell's near two-decade love affair with Thailand - its food, its spirit, and its people.
Having opened Plaza Khao Gaeng on Tottenham Court Road, Borough Market, Covent Garden, Speedboat Bar in Chinatown and Notting Hill.
Chaiyo has built a reputation for restaurants that carry the true soul of Thai life into the heart of London.
Each venue is an expression of a culture Luke has called home, celebrated through vibrant food, warm hospitality, and an infectious passion for sharing it all.
Central to Chaiyo's ethos is Luke's Ryewater Nursery in Dorset, where a growing collection of tropical greenhouses supplies the restaurants with the brilliantly fresh herbs and aromatics that are essential to genuine Thai cooking - an extraordinary commitment to quality and provenance that sets Chaiyo apart.
Now, in partnership with JKS Restaurants - one of the UK's most celebrated and ambitious restaurant groups - Chaiyo is taking a bold new step: a fine dining Thai concept with huge ambitions, set to become one of London's most talked-about openings
The Position
This is a full-time service-based Management role for our exciting new opening.
As Wine Manager, you'll manage the wine list, liaise with suppliers, and train the team to deliver impeccable wine service - blending expertise, enthusiasm, and a guest-centric approach to create memorable dining experiences.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and develop an outstanding wine list, including vintage/price updates, new listings and quarterly reviews
- Build and manage supplier relationships, organising tastings, samples and tenders
- Guide guests confidently through wine selections, descriptions and food pairings
- Deliver attentive wine service, overseeing presentation standards
- Manage stock-takes, ordering and cellar organisation
- Manage wine costs and GPs, keeping pricing and listings accurate
- Lead wine training for the team and support their WSET development
- Continually build your knowledge of wine, producers and suppliers through trade tastings
The successful Wine Manager will have
- An engaging and personable nature
- A passion for hospitality and delivering an exceptional guest experience
- Prior experience as a Wine Manager or Head Sommelier within a quality restaurant
- A professional and confident communication style with fluent English language ability
- Proven ability to lead, inspire and motivate a team
- An excellent knowledge of food and beverage
- The eagerness to continually learn and develop your career within an award-winning group
At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people.
Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.
- Award-Winning Workplace
- Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
- Dining & Hospitality
- Lunch for 2 after probation
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
- CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
- Self care salary - £500 additional salary to spend on your self care. After 1 years service
- Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
- 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
- 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
- Health, legal, money and debt support services available
- Entertainment
- Up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
- Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK
- Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
- Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
- Company donations for your involvement with charities
- Special Occasions & Recognition
- Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
- Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
- Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral
- Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
- The Group
JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008.
Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World's 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2026.
The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.
JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
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Wine Manager - New Opening employer: Plaza Khao Gaeng
At Legado, located in the vibrant heart of Shoreditch, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion, creativity, and dedication to culinary excellence. Our team enjoys a supportive work culture with numerous benefits, including up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants, access to mental health support, and opportunities for career growth within a Michelin-starred environment. Join us to be part of a dynamic kitchen team where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wine Manager - New Opening
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Plaza Khao Gaeng. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Plaza Khao Gaeng
Don't be shy about reaching out to Plaza Khao Gaeng directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Wine Manager - New Opening
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 Plaza Khao Gaeng 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 Plaza Khao Gaeng
✨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!