At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Commis Sommelier and delight guests with exceptional beverage service.
- Company: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, a top-rated workplace in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, and a robust pension scheme.
- Why this job: Learn from industry legends and elevate your skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Participate in fun social events and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Join us as a Commis Sommelier at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, recently recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024 and ‘Hotel of the year – London’ at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success. We care about your career and are proud to have the absolute best people in the industry. When you join us as a Commis Sommelier, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award-winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership.
What you’ll do
- You will be responsible for the setup and maintenance of the beverage station throughout the day. This includes receiving and organising beverage deliveries, checking inventory, storing items in the correct places, and ensuring everything is prepared before service.
- You will be setting up glassware and other necessary equipment for service before the restaurant opens, ensuring that everything is clean and in place.
- During the service, you will focus on delivering beverages quickly and efficiently to ensure that guests are served in a timely manner. You may receive specific timeframes for delivery, and it’s important to communicate any delays to the team.
- Occasionally, guests may have special requests such as preferences for certain wines, dietary requirements, or requests for special celebrations. Most of these requests are fulfilled by our Commis Sommelier.
The operational hours of work are shift-based and may be subjected to change. These currently set as:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 14:30 - close
- Sunday and Monday: Off
What you’ll bring
Essential Skills and Experience
- Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately follow wine service procedures, monitor stock levels, and ensure proper storage.
- Communication Skills: Clear verbal communication for effectively interacting with guests and team members.
- Team Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with senior sommeliers, kitchen staff, and waitstaff to provide seamless service.
- Customer Service: Ability to create a positive experience for guests by responding to their needs, answering questions about wine, and offering recommendations.
- Basic Organizational Skills: Capacity to keep wine areas organized and assist with the setup and breakdown of service.
- Willingness to Learn: Openness to developing wine knowledge and skills through training and on-the-job learning.
- Manual Handling: Ability to handle wine bottles and glassware carefully and safely.
Preferred Skills
- Basic Wine Knowledge: Some understanding of wine varieties, regions, or service techniques, though training will be provided.
- Experience in Upscale Dining or Hospitality: Previous experience in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment is beneficial.
- Language Skills: Additional languages beyond English can be helpful for communicating with an international clientele.
- Knowledge of Food and Wine Pairing: Basic understanding of pairing principles, with a willingness to learn more.
What you’ll get
- Complimentary Stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
- Discounts: Get 50% off food and beverages at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection; enjoy Friends & Family stay discounts at our hotels; benefit from discounts at various high street and online shops.
- Employee Perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Aviva Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8% towards your pension); benefit from seasonal ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and eyecare vouchers.
- Training and Development: Advance in your career by accessing various apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5. We partner with outstanding nationally recognised Apprenticeship providers.
- Social Events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral Bonus: Earn a £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well-being Support: Access immediate well-being advice because we care about our employees.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process (such as adjustments to how you apply, alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process itself), please do call the People & Culture team so that we can discuss how we can support you through this process.
Commis Sommelier in London employer: The Dorchester
Contact Detail:
The Dorchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Sommelier in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked at Alain Ducasse or similar venues. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wine! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, share your enthusiasm and any knowledge you have about wine varieties and pairings. It’ll make you stand out as a Commis Sommelier.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical assessment! Many places will want to see how you handle service under pressure. Practise your speed and efficiency in serving beverages, and brush up on your communication skills to ensure smooth teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Sommelier in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When you're writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share any experiences you've had with wine, whether it's tasting, pairing, or just enjoying a good glass. We want to see that you're excited about the role and eager to learn more.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: As a Commis Sommelier, you'll be working closely with others, so make sure to mention your teamwork skills in your application. Give examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past, especially in busy environments like restaurants or events.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this role, so emphasise your ability to follow procedures and keep things organised. Mention any relevant experiences where you had to manage inventory or maintain high standards in service – it’ll show us you’re the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our amazing culture at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Dorchester
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different wine varieties, regions, and basic pairing principles. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow in the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, practice clear and confident communication. Be prepared to discuss how you would interact with guests and team members. Think of examples where you've successfully handled customer requests or collaborated with colleagues to enhance service.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight your ability to follow procedures accurately and manage stock levels. You might be asked about how you would ensure the beverage station is set up correctly, so come ready with specific examples from past experiences that showcase your organisational skills.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role requires working closely with senior sommeliers and kitchen staff. Share experiences where you've worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure environments. This will illustrate your ability to contribute positively to the team dynamic at Alain Ducasse.