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.
Key Responsibilities:
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.
Qualifications:
- 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.
2026
