Lead Sommelier

Job Title: Lead Sommelier - Birdee Wine Bar
Reports to: Renata Ameni, Kristen Goceljak

Overview:

This role is ideal for a hospitality professional with strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of wine and cocktails, and a dedication to exceptional floor service. The Lead Sommelier will focus primarily on overseeing dining room operations and ensuring that our established beverage program is executed flawlessly. This is a hands-on, service-oriented role that requires a presence on the floor during peak service times.

Dining Room Service and Oversight

• Lead service on the floor, ensuring a seamless and elevated guest experience.
• Act as a point of contact for guests, staff, and management
• Work closely with the dining room team to ensure consistent service standards and provide on-the-floor support during service.
• Address and resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally to maintain high levels of satisfaction.
• Responsible for overseeing the transition of the bakery to a wine bar in the evening
• Execute all necessary closing procedures and duties for the restaurant.
• Act as a liaison between kitchen & dining room team

Beverage Program Execution

• Implement the beverage program as directed by the wine director
• Ensure that all wine, cocktail, and beverage offerings are presented according to company standards.
• Collaborate with the wine director to maintain product quality and service consistency.
• Maintain beverage menus. Removing and adding new items weekly and printing as needed.

Team Leadership and Training

• Mentor the dining room staff
• Conduct ongoing training sessions for the dining room teams to enhance product knowledge and service techniques.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, emphasizing teamwork and guest service excellence.
• Execute new hire training as created by the chef and wine director

Inventory Management and Cost Control

• Oversee weekly beverage inventory, including ordering, receiving, and stock rotation, to ensure optimal availability and cost control.
• Monitor beverage costs, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and minimizing waste.
• Conduct monthly inventory audits and maintain accurate records to ensure accountability.
• Track and process invoices into inventory management and accounting systems.
• Maintain monthly budget set by Wine Director

Compliance and Licensing

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and alcohol service regulations, including DOH, SLA, and other local laws related to beverage operations.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in beverage-focused roles within a high-volume, upscale dining environment.
• Experience with inventory management and purchasing beverage
• Exemplary knowledge of global wine, spirits, and cocktails, with relevant certifications (e.g., WSET, CMS, BarSmarts)
• Proven leadership skills, with a hands-on approach to service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on guest service and hospitality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and service.

This role is perfect for a beverage professional who excels in guest interaction, floor management, and executing a well-established beverage program within a dynamic and fast-paced dining environment.