Sommelier

About the Role

Soho Hospitality is seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, and service-oriented Sommelier to lead and elevate the wine experience across its portfolio of premium dining and nightlife venues, including Above Eleven, Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill and other luxury hospitality brands.

Guest Experience & Wine Service

• Deliver exceptional wine service and personalized recommendations to guests.
• Assist guests in selecting wines based on preferences, occasions, cuisine, and budget.
• Recommend and execute food and wine pairings that complement each venue's culinary concept.
• Conduct professional wine presentations, decanting, and tableside service according to luxury hospitality standards.
• Create memorable dining experiences and handle guest inquiries and feedback professionally and efficiently.

Wine Program Development

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve wine lists across Soho Hospitality venues.
• Source and evaluate new wines, vintages, and beverage products aligned with company concepts and target markets.
• Ensure a balanced and commercially viable wine portfolio covering premium, mid-tier, and accessible selections.
• Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to create pairing menus and seasonal beverage promotions and monitor industry trends to recommend innovations.

Revenue Generation & Commercial Performance

• Drive wine and beverage sales through effective upselling and guest engagement to increase average beverage spend and overall beverage revenue.
• Promote premium wines, reserve labels, and special beverage offerings and support wine dinners, tasting events, brand activations, and promotional campaigns.
• Contribute to achieving outlet and company revenue targets through strategic beverage initiatives.

Inventory Management & Cost Control

• Manage wine inventory levels, ordering, stock rotation, and conduct regular stock counts and reconciliations.
• Minimize beverage wastage, breakage, spoilage, and inventory variances and ensure proper storage, handling, and preservation of wines.
• Monitor beverage cost percentages and coordinate with Purchasing and Finance on procurement and inventory control.

Training & Team Development

• Develop and deliver structured wine education programs for service teams covering wine fundamentals, food and wine pairing, wine service standards, upselling techniques, and product knowledge.
• Coach and mentor restaurant managers, supervisors, bartenders, and service staff and support onboarding for new team members to foster a culture of beverage excellence.

Supplier & Industry Relations

• Establish and maintain relationships with wine importers, distributors, and suppliers and participate in supplier tastings and product evaluations.
• Negotiate promotional support, staff training opportunities, and wine event partnerships and stay informed of market developments and emerging beverage trends.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with all Thai alcohol regulations and licensing requirements and promote responsible alcohol service practices.
• Adhere to Soho Hospitality SOPs, service standards, and operational policies and maintain high standards of professionalism, hygiene, and workplace safety.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Food & Beverage Management, Wine Studies, or related field preferred.
• Professional certifications preferred: WSET Level 2 or 3, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Professional (CWP) or equivalent international wine qualifications.
• Hotel experience is a must.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Sommelier or Senior Beverage Professional in luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, premium hospitality venues, or Michelin-starred establishments.
• Proven track record in wine sales, guest engagement, beverage program management, inventory management, and staff training; experience in upscale international restaurant environments desirable.

Skills / Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of Old World and New World wines, international wine regions, grape varietals and vintages, Champagne and sparkling wines, fortified and dessert wines, premium spirits and digestifs, wine storage and cellar management, and beverage costing.
• Core skills: exceptional guest service and communication, strong sales and upselling abilities, training and coaching capability, commercial awareness, inventory management and cost control expertise, organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, professional presentation, and ability to work under pressure.

Additional Information

• Key Performance Indicators include beverage revenue growth, wine sales contribution, average beverage spend per guest (APC), premium wine sales performance, beverage cost percentage, inventory accuracy and variance control, and guest satisfaction scores.