Head Sommelier
£40,000 per annum plus generous tronc and fantastic benefits
Due to the location of the estate, a driving license if recommended for this role
www.thenewtinsomerset.com
Our Head Sommelier
Our Head Sommelier will be driven, experienced and passionate about everything to do with wine and exceptional guest service. You will exude passion about the Wine Sector and be continually at the forefront of industry developments.
You will be a wine leader, a natural presenter and host and a leader of people. You will naturally inspire all those around you about wine.
You will fully drive wine sales, managing and supporting the development of an exceptional wine list and the seamless running of the wine service, enhancing our reputation for perfection and attention to detail ensuring our guest have a truly memorable and exciting experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the daily wine operations within the Botanical Rooms, and support and advise the Farmyard Kitchen.
- Take a leading role in the restaurant’s management team.
- Oversee the selection, procurement, and management of our wine cellar, ensuring a diverse and dynamic collection that complements our estate's culinary offerings.
- You will create exceptional and informative wine experiences by advising guests on beverage choices.
- Maintain accurate records of wine inventory, oversee ordering processes, and ensure proper storage conditions to preserve the integrity of our collection.
- Lead tastings, and special events, sharing your expertise with guests and members, enhancing their appreciation of wine.
- Mentor and train our service team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and passion for wine.
- Supporting the management of the Wine Stock in conjunction with the wider Estate team ensuring we have a fully stocked, well organised and easily accessible stock at all times.
- Creating memorable experiences for our guests, simultaneously ensuring that service is prompt and professional.
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
- Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
- A team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and Estate-wide team events
- Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide brand discounts
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team
What we're looking for
- Previous experience as a Head Sommelier within a similar environment, with an exceptional passion and knowledge of wines, spirits and food.
- An authentic and instinctive delivery so that you provide intuitive service, with absolute understanding of our guests needs to create exceptional service experiences that result in lasting memories.
- A team player who is an avid learner, adaptable and has exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure with excellent attention to detail
- Immaculate personal presentation and confident, professional and welcoming personality
- An exceptional level of communication
- Exceptional service standards with attention to detail
Where you'll be working - The Botanical Rooms Restaurant
The Botanical Rooms is the jewel in the crown of the hotel, and estate set in the Georgian house of Hadspen. Wine & Cyder are key to the guest experience, with a focus on our own produce and that of our sister estates.
Who are we - The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.