Head Sommelier

Description

Job Summary: We are seeking a Head Sommelier to lead the team, manage the wine list, and deliver an exclusive, distinctive experience to guests within a high-end gastronomy project. Key Highlights: 1. Join an excellence team at a prestigious restaurant 2. Opportunity for professional development and continuous learning 3. Dynamic work environment focused on innovation We are looking for a Head Sommelier (m/f) to join our team and be part of a project offering guests 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 guests 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 shop and F\&B venues \- Supervise wine service, ensuring proper presentation and techniques \- Conduct training sessions on wines, pairing, and customer service **Profile:** \- Minimum 5 years of proven experience as Senior Sommelier or Head Sommelier in high-end restaurants or 5-star hotels \- In-depth professional knowledge and boundless 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—optimizing value for guests 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 that exceeds the expectations of the most discerning guests \- 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 team at one of Portugal’s most prestigious restaurants, recognized for one of the country’s finest wine lists \- Opportunity for professional development and continuous learning within a top-tier team \- Dynamic, challenging, and innovation-focused work environment \- Internal mobility and career progression opportunities \- Compensation commensurate with experience and performance Experience: * sommelier: 5 years (Mandatory) Language: * Portuguese C2 and English C1 (Mandatory) Work Location: On-site