Assistant Head Sommelier

Come and join us in bringing the Raffles experience to London

The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Raffles London at The OWO on London’s Whitehall, unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world’s most historic addresses. 

This fine Grade II* Edwardian building has been transformed into a spectacular stage for dazzling celebrations; with fine dining, lively bars, the latest in wellness and beauty therapies, the most luxurious suites and rooms, versatile ballroom and event space. Within these much-storied walls, where legendary statesmen and women once shaped the modern world, guests are now invited to discover new and inspiring emotions and connections. 

At Raffles, you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family. ​

Scope Of Position

The Assistant Head Sommelier will be responsible for the day-to-day service within Mauro Colagreco Restaurants along with other outlets, keeping in with the brand's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service. Specifically, responsible for performing tasks to the highest standards from the moment a guest enters to the moment they leave and enhancing there expires with us. Overseeing supplier relationships, managing stocks and store rooms, developing wine menus and continuous training and development of the team.

Responsible for maintaining the stations and the restaurant itself along with being the communication point between back of house and front of house. Supporting hostess, baristas and other team members when required and supply guest feedback and requests to management.

Responsibilities

Operation

• Manage the Sommelier team
• Responsible for stock of wines
• Responsible for cost control and pricing of wines
• Responsible for the upkeep of the wine menu
• Responsible for inventory of wines
• Provide professional and current knowledge of wines to guests
• Recommend wines to accompany relevant dishes
• Handle all customer inquiries in an appropriate and professional manner
• Accurately manage all transactions during service
• Manage Team Member schedules, stock, and wastage levels
• Describe and up-sell wines to provide excellent customer experience
• Suggest wines to accompany new menus in line with financial budget
• Ensure accurate billing
• Additional responsibilities in absence of line manager or senior employee.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant, than usually assigned.

Health and Safety

• Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately and rectified.
• Be fully conversant with all departmental Fire, Emergency and Bomb procedures.
• Ensure the safety of the persons and the property of all within the premises, by strict adherence to existing laws, statues and applicable ordinances, and by anticipating possible and probable hazards and conditions and either correcting them or pre-planning a defence against them.

Stimulate and encourage a general awareness of Health and Safety in relation to all tasks and activities undertaken in the department

Essential

• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in English, both verbal and written.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to delivering and offering the best service and experiences possible in any situation.
• Proven track record of surprising and delighting guests.
• To be detail oriented and to work within a team.
• Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situation.
• Works well within a team environment.
• A proven track record and ability to provide high levels of service under pressure.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task while maintaining an immaculate and professional appearance.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards.

Why join our Raffles team?

Not only will you be joining one of the world’s best hotels you will also receive great benefits including:

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays plus a day extra for every year of your service up to 5 years (35 Days).
• Staff meals whist on duty.
• Free dry cleaning for uniform.
• Employer pension contribution of 3%
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Life Assurance 1x salary
• Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice.
• Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions.
• Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice.
• Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you.  
• Fun-filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party.
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets.
• Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio.

What are the Raffles Values?

Respect: We value the needs ideas and individuality of others; we treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.

Integrity:  We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.
Empowerment:  We have the authority to take initiative and anticipate moments to create unforgettable experiences.

Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.

This document reflects the job content at time of writing and will be subject to periodic change in the light of changing operational and environmental requirements. Such changes will be discussed with the jobholder and the job description amended accordingly.