Head Sommelier

Description

Job Summary: We are seeking a Head Sommelier to join an excellence-driven team responsible for delivering an exclusive and distinctive enological experience. Key Highlights: 1. Lead the creation and updating of the wine list 2. Lead and train the Sommelier team 3. Join one of Portugal's most prestigious restaurants We are looking for a Head Sommelier (m/f) to join our team and become part of a project offering customers an exclusive and distinctive experience. If you are a team player and aspire to be part of the Pedro Lemos project, this is the ideal opportunity for you! Responsibilities: \- Advise customers on wines and food pairings \- Lead the creation and updating of the wine list in coordination with the Executive Chef and General Manager \- Supervise wine shop operations, including product organization and display \- Manage wine and beverage inventory, ensuring proper storage and timely reordering \- Organize wine tastings and enological experiences at the shop and associated venues \- Lead and train the Sommelier team and shop staff, setting performance goals \- Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver gastronomic pairings \- Implement cross-selling strategies between the wine shop and F\&B venues \- Supervise wine service, ensuring proper presentation and techniques \- Conduct training sessions on wine, pairing, and customer service Profile: \- Minimum 2 years of proven experience as Senior Sommelier or Head Sommelier in fine-dining restaurants or 5-star hotels \- In-depth knowledge and enduring passion for wine (national and international), spirits, craft beers, waters, and other beverages, including emerging trends and regions \- Inspirational leadership ability to motivate and develop a Sommelier team, fostering knowledge, service excellence, and continuous learning \- Experience creating and managing a diverse, balanced wine list that optimizes value for customers and business profitability \- Proficiency in inventory management, stock control, appropriate storage, supplier negotiation, and cellar cost optimization \- Ability to deliver impeccable, personalized wine and beverage service exceeding the expectations of the most discerning customers \- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both with front-of-house and kitchen teams and with guests, translating complex enological concepts accessibly and engagingly \- Proactive approach to discovering new wines and producers, organizing events and tastings, and continuously elevating the restaurant’s enological experience \- Fluency in Portuguese and English (mandatory). Knowledge of additional languages (French, German, Spanish) is considered an asset \- Recognized wine certifications (e.g., WSET Advanced/Diploma, Court of Master Sommeliers) are highly valued \- Impeccable professional appearance reflecting the excellence of our restaurant \- Flexibility to adapt to variable working hours Offer: \- Join an excellence-driven team at one of Portugal's most prestigious restaurants, recognized for one of the country's finest wine lists \- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning within a top-tier team \- A dynamic, challenging, and innovation-focused work environment \- Internal mobility and career progression opportunities \- Compensation commensurate with experience and performance Work Location: On-site