Head Sommelier

Role Summary

This position is responsible for shaping and managing the hotel’s wine offering across restaurants, bars, lounges, and banquet services. It calls for a polished professional who combines strong wine expertise with exceptional guest interaction skills and the ability to deliver a premium wine experience aligned with a luxury hotel environment.

Wine Program Leadership

• Create, refresh, and oversee a wine list that balances international trends, local specialties, and the hotel’s culinary direction.
• Review wine stock regularly to maintain variety, quality, and healthy profit margins.
• Develop productive working relationships with wine suppliers, distributors, and wineries.

Guest Experience and Service

• Offer tailored wine suggestions that enhance each guest’s dining experience.
• Deliver tableside wine service with confidence, refinement, and accuracy.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and food and beverage leaders to design pairings for menus, tasting events, and seasonal features.

Inventory and Cost Control

• Manage wine buying, delivery checks, storage, and cellar arrangement.
• Track stock, complete monthly inventory counts, and apply cost controls to meet financial goals.
• Maintain suitable storage conditions and stock rotation practices to protect wine quality.

Training and Team Development

• Coach restaurant and bar teams on wine knowledge, service etiquette, and pairing methods.
• Run tastings, workshops, and support staff certification development.
• Help strengthen the hotel’s service standards through ongoing guidance and mentoring.

Events and Representation

• Plan and host wine dinners, tastings, and special guest experiences.
• Represent the hotel at industry events, competitions, and partnership activities.
• Contribute wine expertise to marketing content and storytelling initiatives.

Qualifications and Standards

• Certified Sommelier qualification, such as WSET Level 3 or above, Court of Master Sommeliers, or an equivalent credential.
• At least 5 to 7 years of sommelier experience in luxury hotels or fine dining venues.
• Strong knowledge of wine regions, varietals, vintages, and food pairing principles.
• Well-developed leadership, communication, and guest engagement abilities.
• Demonstrated capability in inventory control, budgeting, and supplier management.
• Professional presentation, polished demeanor, and dedication to five-star service expectations.

Additional Information

Job Number: 26070972

Job Category: Food and Beverage & Culinary

Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Schedule: Full Time

Remote Work: No

Position Type: Management

Equal Opportunity

The employer states that it is committed to equal employment opportunity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Selection is based on merit, and discrimination is not permitted on protected grounds such as disability, veteran status, or any other status covered by applicable law.

About the Brand

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is known for luxurious hospitality, refined experiences, and highly personalized service. The brand operates in more than 50 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide and is recognized for its classic sophistication, modern sensibility, and signature Butler Service.