At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Sommelier team and enhance guest experiences with exceptional wine service.
- Company: Join the luxurious Raffles London at The OWO, a historic and glamorous venue.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, staff meals, and discounts at Accor worldwide.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious hotel and create unforgettable moments for guests.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury hospitality and a passion for delivering top-notch service.
Come and join us in bringing the Raffles experience to London. The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. 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* Edwardian building has been transformed into a spectacular stage for dazzling celebrations; with fine dining, lively bars, the latest in wellness and beauty therapies, the most luxurious suites and rooms, versatile ballroom and event space. Within these much‑storied walls, where legendary statesmen and women once shaped the modern world, guests are now invited to discover new and inspiring emotions and connections. At Raffles, you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family.
Job Description Scope Of Position
The Assistant Head Sommelier will be responsible for the day-to-day service within Mauro Colagreco Restaurants along with other outlets, keeping in with the brand's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service. Specifically, responsible for performing tasks to the highest standards from the moment a guest enters to the moment they leave and enhancing their experience with us. Overseeing supplier relationships, managing stocks and store rooms, developing wine menus and continuous training and development of the team. Responsible for maintaining the stations and the restaurant itself along with being the communication point between back of house and front of house. Supporting hostess, baristas and other team members when required and supplying guest feedback and requests to management.
Responsibilities
- Manage the Sommelier team
- Responsible for stock of wines
- Responsible for cost control and pricing of wines
- Responsible for the upkeep of the wine menu
- 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
- Manage Team Member schedules, stock, and wastage levels
- 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
- Performs other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant than usually assigned
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
- 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
- Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in English, both verbal and written
- Enthusiasm and commitment to delivering and offering the best service and experiences possible in any situation
- Proven track record of surprising and delighting guests
- To be detail oriented and to work within a team
- Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situations
- Works well within a team environment
- A proven track record and ability to provide high levels of service under pressure
- Strong time management skills with the ability to multi‑task while maintaining an immaculate and professional appearance
- Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards
Additional Information
Why join our Raffles team? Not only will you be joining one of the world’s best hotels you will also receive great benefits including:
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays plus a day extra for every year of your service up to 5 years (35 Days)
- Staff meals whilst on duty
- Free dry cleaning for uniform
- Employer pension contribution of 3%
- 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
What are the Raffles Values?
- Respect: We value the needs ideas and individuality of others; we treat everyone with fairness and dignity
- Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together
- Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic
- Empowerment: We have the authority to take initiative and anticipate moments to create unforgettable experiences
- Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special
This document reflects the job content at time of writing and will be subject to periodic change in the light of changing operational and environmental requirements. Such changes will be discussed with the jobholder and the job description amended accordingly.
Assistant Head Sommelier employer: RAFFLES
Joining Raffles London at The OWO means becoming part of a prestigious team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences in a luxurious setting. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from tailored development programmes, generous holiday allowances, and a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and teamwork. Enjoy unique perks such as discounted rates across Accor's global portfolio and opportunities for career advancement within one of the world's most iconic hotel brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Sommelier
✨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 RAFFLES. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to RAFFLES
Don't be shy about reaching out to RAFFLES 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 Assistant Head Sommelier
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 RAFFLES 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 RAFFLES
✨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!
