At a Glance
- Tasks: Recommend wines and enhance guest experiences with your expert knowledge.
- Company: Join Raffles London, a historic luxury destination with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff meals, enhanced pay, and worldwide development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with fun events and a strong focus on personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that creates memorable experiences in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as a Sommelier and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Company Description
Raffles London at The OWO on London’s Whitehall, unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world’s most historic addresses. This fine Grade II* listed Edwardian building has been transformed with 120 rooms and suites along with 85 branded residences. The OWO destination includes nine restaurants and three bars, including one by chef Mauro Colagreco. The Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellness provide wellbeing services, and a 600‑seated grand ballroom, The Whitehall, is suitable for events. Guests discover new emotions and connections within these storied walls. At Raffles, you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family.
Job Description
Scope of Position
As a Senior Sommelier, you are responsible for recommending wines and having a thorough and current knowledge of wines to deliver an excellent guest and member experience. A Senior Sommelier will also be required to assist in achieving department targets. You will be responsible for performing your tasks to the highest standards.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for inventory of wines
- Provide professional and current knowledge of wines to guests
- Recommend wines to accompany relevant dishes
- Handle all customer inquiries in an appropriate and professional manner
- Accurately manage all transactions during service
- Describe and up-sell wines to provide excellent customer experience
- Suggest wines to accompany new menus in line with financial budget
- Ensure accurate billing
- Additional responsibilities in absence of line manager or senior employee.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant, than usually assigned.
Leadership
- Ensure that revenue targets are met as set out in the annual budget
- Continually review and identify with your manager areas to increase revenue
- Ensure continued awareness and understanding of the industry and local markets
Health and Safety
- Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately and rectified
- Be fully conversant with all departmental Fire, Emergency and BOMB procedures
- Emergency procedures are rehearsed regularly with attendance records, implemented and enforced to provide for the security and safety of guests and employees
- Ensure the safety of the persons and the property of all within the premises, by strict adherence to existing laws, statutes and applicable ordinances, and by anticipating possible and probable hazards and conditions and either correcting them or pre-planning a defence against them
- Stimulate and encourage a general awareness of Health and Safety in relation to all tasks and activities undertaken in the department
Qualifications
Essential
- Intuitive & masterful
- Open minded
- Previous experience in a customer service role in the hotel/leisure/retail sector
- Good grooming standards
- Excellent communication skills
- Passion and commitment to delivering exceptional levels of guest service
- Excellent leadership skills where a positive environment culture is created by strong values
- Previous relevant experience as Senior Sommelier or high performing as Sommelier
Desirable
- A certification Hotel Management/Culinary Academy
- Sommelier qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of the London market
- Proficiency with computer programs, Purchasing systems, Training system
Additional Information
Why join our Raffles team?
- Staff meals while on duty
- Free dry cleaning for uniform
- Employer pension contribution of 3%
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Life Assurance 1x salary
- Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice
- Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
- Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions
- Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice
- Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you
- Fun-filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party
- Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets
- Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio
Senior Sommelier in London employer: Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Raffles London at The OWO is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With comprehensive benefits such as enhanced sick pay, generous parental leave, and tailored development programmes, team members are supported in their professional journeys while enjoying a dynamic environment in one of London's most historic locations. Join us to be part of a family where your contributions are valued and celebrated, all while delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests.
Contact Details:
Raffles Hotels & Resorts Recruitment Team
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, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know in the business, the better your chances of landing that Senior Sommelier role at Raffles.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your knowledge about wines and pairings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from passionate candidates. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality and why you’d be a great fit for the Raffles team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sommelier in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine:When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share your experiences and what makes you excited about being a Senior Sommelier. We want to see that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about enhancing guest experiences with your recommendations.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your previous experience in customer service and any specific achievements related to wine recommendations or sales. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for at Raffles.
Be Professional Yet Approachable:While we love a friendly vibe, remember to maintain professionalism in your written application. Use clear language and proper formatting, but don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with guests while also upholding high standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining the Raffles family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raffles Hotels & Resorts
✨Know Your Wines Inside Out
As a Senior Sommelier, you need to have an extensive knowledge of wines. Brush up on the latest trends, regions, and varietals. Be prepared to discuss your favourite wines and how they pair with specific dishes, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
This role is all about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Think of examples from your past roles where you went above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your commitment to service excellence.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with how wine sales contribute to revenue targets. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've used in the past to increase sales or manage inventory effectively. This shows that you understand the financial aspects of the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, training opportunities, and how they measure success in the sommelier role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
