Sommelier

Raffles Hotels & Resorts

The Birthplace of stories and legends since 1887, Raffles is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by generations past, present and future.  Raffles, at distinguished landmark addresses around the world, is the vibrant heart of its destination, curating experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. 

About Raffles London

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 with a name is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and extraordinary adventure. 

This fine Grade II* listed Edwardian building has been transformed with 120 rooms and suites along with a collection of 85 exceptional branded residences. Within The OWO destination there are a total of nine restaurants and three bars, including one by our signature chef Mauro Colagreco. The Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellness offer the latest in wellbeing, and a 600 seated-capacity grand ballroom, The Whitehall, is perfect for all kinds of special occasions and events.

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

A Sommelier you will be responsible for the day-to-day service within Mauro Colagreco Restaurants and other F&B 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 their expires with us.

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.

The Sommelier will support the day-to-day operation of the wine service, including recommending wines, taking orders, serving and presenting wines to the highest standards, and ensuring the wine list is maintained and presented accurately. The role will contribute to driving beverage revenue through thoughtful recommendations and upselling, while maintaining strong knowledge of the wine list, cellar organisation, stock levels and current industry trends. The Sommelier will also support the development of colleagues through knowledge sharing and training, helping to foster a strong culture of wine appreciation and delivering the exceptional standards of service expected at Raffles London.

Responsibilities

Operation

• You will promote positive colleague relations through an environment that encourages open communication, trust, mutual respect and continuous feedback.
• You will be an effective communicator, who adheres to both legal/statutory responsibilities and Company Policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of menu and all products.
• Provide professional and current knowledge of wines to guests and recommend wines to accompany relevant dishes.
• Describe and up-sell wines to provide excellent customer experience.
• Assist the Sommelier team with table setting by fetching and placing appropriate tableware, and glassware.
• Explain the dishes to the clients with a knowledgeable and professional way.
• Check in with customers and take additional orders or refill water, as needed.
• Handle all customer inquiries in an appropriate and professional manner.
• 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.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

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

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

Disclaimer

• The information and statements in this Job Description only indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employee. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills. Additional duties may be assigned and requirements may vary from time to time, in particular during special project periods. You may also be required to work in another position and another department from time to time, dependent on the needs of the business and within reason.
• Please note that this position will involve an element of pulling, Lifting, Pushing and/or Manual Handling.

Employee Benefits:
Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits.

• 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.

Our Values

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

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

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

Empowerment:
We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences. ​

Integrity:
We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.​

Diversity & Inclusion

Raffles is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

About the Application Process:

At Raffles, we want to bring out your highest potential. Shortly after applying, you will receive an email from our partner AssessFirst prompting you to create a profile and complete a questionnaire. This is a mandatory step for your candidacy to be considered as it enables us to explore your compatibility with this role and our culture of luxury excellence.

We aim to respond to every application promptly, however if you do not hear form us within 2 weeks, please assume your application has not been successful at this time.