Head Sommelier

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced Head Sommelier to lead our beverage program at Kochi. This individual will combine superb bottle-service expertise with strategic wine programme ownership, working closely with the GM, Executive Chef, and FOH leadership to curate, elevate and execute an exemplary list and service experience.Key Responsibilities

Guest Service & Floor Leadership

• Welcome and engage guests at the table, make wine and beverage recommendations that align with their tastes, the menu, and our brand style.

• This role functions primarily as a lead server while overseeing the full wine program — combining exceptional tableside service with expert wine curation and management.

• Present, open, decant, and pour wines and sparkling wines with precision and theatre as appropriate for the fine-dining setting.

• Work the floor during service, overseeing the sommelier station and assisting with complex pairings or large wine orders.

• Collaborate with servers/maître d’ to ensure smooth timing between food and wine service, and to proactively anticipate guest needs.

• Maintain impeccable service standards: glassware, temperature, wine presentation, cleanliness of the cellar, wine station, and back-of-house wine prep.

Wine & Beverage Programme Management

• Curate and maintain the wine list, including by-the-glass selections, reserve bottles, spirits, aperitifs and relevant complementary beverages. This includes writing descriptions, updating the list regularly to reflect seasonality, trends, inventory and cost targets.

• Manage wine, spirits, and beverage inventory: purchasing, receiving, cellaring/storage, rotation of stock, managing costs and wastage, conducting periodic inventory checks.

• Develop and manage supplier relationships: negotiate with wine purveyors, importers/wineries, secure allocations of key bottles, collaborate on promos or special events.

• Training & team development: Educate and mentor the FOH team (servers, bartenders, sommelier) on wine knowledge, service standards, pairings, and guest-interaction skills.

• Collaborate with the Chef/culinary leadership on menu development and wine-pairing strategy to elevate the total guest experience.

• Lead special wine events: tastings, pairing dinners, wine-education nights, guest-winemaker visits, and other guest-engagement opportunities.

• Monitor sales performance, margin and cost targets for the beverage programme; identify growth opportunities (upsells, by-the-glass, rare bottles) without compromising guest experience.

Operational & Leadership Duties

• Oversee the wine cellar and storage environment: temperature, humidity, stock / capacity, layout, cleanliness, and audit readiness.

• Ensure compliance with all local and state liquor laws, internal policies, and health & safety standards.

• Participate in pre-service and post-service briefings; lead the wine team during service and fill in as needed for service execution.

• Develop budgets, purchasing forecasts, par levels, and supplier contracts.

• Provide regular reports and insights to GM, guest feedback, emerging trends and opportunities.

• Minimum of 3 + years in fine-dining hospitality with increasing responsibilities; prior sommelier or leadership experience is required.

• Sommelier certification preferred (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)) or equivalent credible professional credentials.

• Deep knowledge of global wine regions, appellations, vintage variation, trends in fine-wine market, and excellent service standards.

• Strong leadership, communication and training skills; ability to coach and inspire a team.

• Business acumen: ability to balance guest experience with cost, margins and operational controls.

• Excellent guest-facing skills: storytelling, recommendation, conversational-pairing expertise, upselling with subtlety.

• Ability to work high-end service hours: evenings, weekends, holidays—and lead by example in service excellence.

• Hands-on: comfortable on the floor, in the cellar, and in back-office tasks.

• Collaborate with our Chef on seasonal menus and bespoke pairings that reflect Kochi’s culinary identity.

• Be part of a passionate team in a Michelin-level setting where wine is treated as an integral part of the art of dining.

• Opportunity to shape and grow our beverage story, showcase rare bottles, prioritize region-forward selections, and drive guest delight at the highest level.

• $13/hour + tips (average earnings competitive with fine dining industry standards)

• Staff meal provided daily.

• Opportunities for creative input and menu development.

• Potential for advancement within our growing hospitality group.

• Health Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Dining Discounts at company-affiliated restaurants

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, bend, and move with agility throughout service.

• Kochi is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

  To apply, please send your resume. We look forward to welcoming new talent to our growing team.