Head Sommelier

The Arts Club Dubai is perfectly located in the heart of the DIFC, set over four floors and totaling 65,000 square feet, in the brand-new ICD Brookfield Place development designed by Foster + Partners. It is the first international outpost of the celebrated and historical private members’ club, established in 1863 in Mayfair, London. The Club’s membership is a growing community of like-minded, diverse and dynamic people, all hailing from different cultures and sectors, from the region and further afield. A lifestyle for our members. The Club provides its members with a home away from home: a sanctuary for those seeking comfort, hospitality and elegance, with a level of quality, service and attention to detail that will leave them wanting for nothing. The Arts Club Dubai unveils an amazing opportunity for a talented artisan to join our passionate and creative team. The Head of Wine will be responsible for ensuring that the wine and sake departments are well managed and running a successful operation within the Club and that service, standards and procedures are adhered to at all times, while continually improving guest satisfaction. While operating within budget to consistently ensure the highest quality of all the wines and sake served, he/she will be controlling the cost to maximise the gross profit percentage and help ensure financial success of the department. WHAT WILL YOU DO Your main duties and responsibilities are:

Manage and lead wine and sake sales and revenue for the entire restaurant beverages operation, whilst motivating and driving the team in a positive manner

Source wines and sake, and establish a strong relationship with key suppliers and manage them effectively by negotiating the best possible prices and stock allocation

Manage beverage cost and targeted gross profit as per targets outlined, by estimating consumption, forecasting requirements and maintaining inventory

Control and manage stock, wine and sake orders, listings, par levels, corked wines, wastages and comps

Review and analyze sales to ensure stock rotation and profitability remains within targets

Plan new and update existing wine and sake menus, and constantly seek possibilities for developing the wine and sake list

Plan and develop the overall restaurants beverages, wines and sake marketing strategy in liaison with other departments

Ensure all relevant colleagues are trained to the highest knowledge of wine and sake products, service and selling

techniques through a continuous training program

Minimum 5 years’ experience in same or similar role in luxury hotels or fine dining restaurant

Internationally recognized professional certification

Excellent level of English, written and spoken

Ability to recommend food and wine/sake pairings

Have strong organisational and time management skills with a high degree of flexibility

Excellent team management, communication and listening skills

Demonstrate integrity in all dealings and maintain high level of confidentiality

Be a self-motivator and someone who is ready to challenge in the interest of continuous improvement

Ability to work long shifts and stand for the extended period of time