TITLE: Head Sommelier

REPORTS TO: Wine Director and General Manager

TYPE: Full Time, Non-Exempt 

TIP ELIGIBLE: Yes

ABOUT PEASANT : Opened in 1999 Peasant quickly became a mainstay in Nolita and beyond. Chef Marc Forgione continues the Peasant tradition of wood fire cooking with a rustic Italian menu.

Peasant Restaurant is looking for a SOMMELIER who is committed to creating an unforgettable dining experience for our guests, educating our staff and growing our business. Peasant is owned by Chef Marc Forgione.  Located in Nolita, Peasant is in its 21st year of business. We celebrate the best of Italian food, wine, and lifestyle and we seek team members who understand the responsibility it entails to work at such an establishment. 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Head Sommelier is responsible for working as part of the wine team and delivering excellent wine service and hospitality through a consistently high-quality and successful program with strong product knowledge and excellent training and development. They also take on additional administrative duties to assist the Wine Director in their role of running the wine program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Service and Operations

• Service based role delivering consistently excellent wine service 
• Supporting the Wine Director to ensure that the wine program is run successfully both operationally and financially
• Participate in monthly wine inventory, cross checking for vintage, price, and quantity
• Focusing on wine service during service
• Set up and break down, daily and weekly wine/cellar procedures
• Embody and uphold the company values of Peasant 
• Demonstrate and maintain excellent product knowledge
• Participate in all steps of service as needed (outside of wine)
• Assist with creation and distribution of BTG tech sheets
• Lead staff wine training classes when needed
• Assist with running of public wine events (breakdown, setup, planning, instruction/leading)
• Update and post bin lists for accuracy
• Print and update wine list pages as needed on a weekly basis for 86ed and new items
• Ensure the wine cellar is always at a high standard of organization
• Make wine recommendations to guests during service and answer questions
• Check identification of all customers who appear under 30 to verify they are of legal drinking age prior to serving them
• Take orders from customers, ensuring 100% accuracy when entering orders into POS
• Follow responsible alcohol service guidelines, as outlined by the Employee Handbook
• Process transactions using the POS system; prepare checks for guests and process payments
• Maintain organization and aesthetic appeal of wine displays
• Maintain sanitation to Department of Health standards; keep work area clean and organized
• Inform the Wine Director or Manager on Duty immediately of any DOH or OSHA/workplace safety violations
• Monitor inventory; restock bar inventory as needed; inform Management of any product or supply needs
• Handle guest complaints by finding a way to say yes; Involve the MOD as needed
• Update knowledge and skills continually by participating in, and leading staff trainings

Menu Knowledge 

• Maintain an understanding of Peasant’s food menu and have the ability to clearly describe our offerings 
• Have a grasp of Peasant’s beverage program and be able to summarize our philosophy and identify our different offerings 
• Understand different types of allergy restrictions and help communicate potential issues to floor and kitchen staff

Brand

• Understand and communicate Peasant’s values and brand philosophy to customers and staff and set the tone for a positive work environment
• Walks the talk with who we are and what we stand for internally and externally
• Brings to life a guest-centric vision with our restaurant operation

Additional Skills and Responsibilities

• Shows a desire to learn about wine and develop within our company
• Demonstrates good organizational skills with an eye for detail
• Exude excellence in hospitality 
• Passion for exceptional hospitality in food and beverage
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Self-driven, results-oriented, and a passion for excellence
• Highly effective communicator through email, phone, video, and in person
• Up to date and passionate about culinary trends in the United States and abroad

Experience/Education

• 1+ years of sommelier experience in a restaurant
• Ability to lift and move 50+ lbs
• Proficient in a variety of technology systems, especially Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and POS systems
• Able to work nights, weekends and holidays, and variable schedule, per the needs of the business 
• Ability to walk, stand, and/or bend continuously and for extended periods as required to perform essential functions 
• Ability to perform essential job functions when working under stress, in fast-paced environments 
• Polished personal presentation: grooming meets Company standards, as outlined by Employee Handbook