Head Sommelier

Additional Information

Job Number 26070972

Job Category Food and Beverage & Culinary

Location Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates,VIEW ON MAP

Schedule Full Time

Located Remotely? N

Position Type Management

Overview: Leads the hotel’s wine program with expertise, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This role oversees all aspects of wine service across the hotel’s restaurants, bars, lounges, and banquet operations. The ideal candidate is a refined professional with deep wine knowledge, exceptional guest‑facing skills, and the ability to curate a world‑class wine experience that reflects the hotel’s luxury standards.

Key Responsibilities

Wine Program Leadership

• Develop, curate, and maintain an exceptional wine list that reflects global trends, regional specialties, and the hotel’s culinary vision.
• Conduct regular reviews of wine inventory to ensure diversity, quality, and profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with wine suppliers, distributors, and vineyards.
  
  

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Provide personalized wine recommendations to guests, ensuring memorable dining experiences.
• Lead tableside wine service with precision, elegance, and confidence.
• Collaborate closely with Executive Chef and F&B leadership to create wine pairings for menus, tasting events, and seasonal offerings.
  
  

Inventory & Cost Management

• Oversee all wine purchasing, receiving, storage, and cellar organization.
• Monitor stock levels, conduct monthly inventories, and manage cost controls to achieve financial targets.
• Ensure proper storage conditions and rotation to maintain wine quality.
  
  

Team Training & Development

• Train and mentor restaurant and bar teams on wine knowledge, service standards, and pairing techniques.
• Conduct regular tastings, workshops, and certification support for staff.
• Uphold and elevate the hotel’s service culture through continuous coaching.
  
  

Events & Brand Representation

• Design and host wine dinners, tastings, and exclusive guest experiences.
• Represent the hotel at industry events, competitions, and partnerships.
• Support marketing initiatives by contributing expertise to promotional content and storytelling.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Certified Sommelier (WSET Level 3 or higher, Court of Master Sommeliers, or equivalent).
• Minimum 5–7 years of sommelier experience in luxury hotels or fine‑dining establishments.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, vintages, and food pairing principles.
• Strong leadership, communication, and guest‑engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage inventory, budgets, and supplier relationships.
• Professional appearance, refined demeanor, and commitment to five‑star service standards.
  
  

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at more than 50 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by a team of gracious hosts that combine classic sophistication and modern sensibility, as well as our signature Butler Service. We invite you to explore careers at St. Regis. In joining St. Regis, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.