Sommelier

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Job description

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, has been meticulously restored to capture all the romance and glamour that endeared it to both the local Santa Barbara community and visitors alike. Ninety-two quintessential, California-styled suites and bungalows dot the lush, terraced grounds featuring seven-acres of gloriously landscaped gardens with sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Original architectural features have been lovingly restored, including the historic, trellis-lined Arbor and Lily Pond. Modern additions to the expansive outdoor zero-edge pool and a new beautifully appointed boutique spa enhance the journey for todays luxury-seeking guest.

We are seeking a seasoned Sommelier to be responsible for the management of all aspects of the wine program, cellar and wine storage rooms, in accordance with Forbes five-star service criteria. Maintains a service and management philosophy that serves as a guide to respective team members. Assist with the attainment of specific departmental goals and Belmond organizational goals. An elevation in wine sales and maintenance of inventory/receiving standards to be met daily with a direct focus of beverage cost controls according to all El Encanto Standards.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

QUALITY CONTROL

* Highest standard of wine, sanitation, storage, and handling procedures.
* Wine product, presentation, and service standards.
* Monitor wine quality, and portion control standards.
* Construct detailed cocktail build sheets for each Belmond El Encanto signature recipes to create consistency amongst staff.
* Create, train staff and manage all beverage menus in the Dining Room, Pool, IRD, and Banquets.

OPERATIONS

* Maintain complete knowledge of inventory for:

* All liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections available at The Dining Room.
* Particular characteristics and descriptions of every wine/champagne by the glass and on the wine list.
* Designated glassware and garnish for drinks.
* All menu items, preparation methods and time, ingredients, sauces, portion sizes, garnishes, presentation and prices.
* Daily menu specials.
* Correct maintenance and use of equipment.
* Daily house count, arrivals/departures, V.I.P.s.
* All other departmental policies and service criterias.

* Maintain complete knowledge and strictly abide by state liquor regulations.
* Training on wine knowledge of Servers in dining room, lounge, and banquets.
* Create and maintain a wine list.
* Create revenue generating programming for all F&B outlets.
* Check storage areas for proper supplies, organization and cleanliness including rectifying any deficiencies.
* Direct and regular communication with the Purchasing department to ensure proper delivery, receiving, stocking, and security of all beverages.
* Training on wine knowledge of Servers in dining room, lounge, and banquets.
* Create and maintain a wine list.
* Check storage areas for proper supplies, organization and cleanliness including rectifying any deficiencies.
* Establish par levels for supplies and equipment, and replenish shortages along with additional items needed for anticipated business. Ensure that all alcoholic beverages, wines, are securely stored and proper checking procedures are present.
* Review wine sales for previous day. Evaluate opportunities to increase daily wine/beverage sales.
* Conduct pre-shift meetings with team members and review all information pertinent to the days business. Include daily briefings on wine sales techniques.
* Follow Belmond appearance criteria daily.
* Inspect all aspects of The Wine Room ensuring cleanliness and order.
* Anticipate guests needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and at all times of the day. Promote positive guest relations at all times.
* Monitor and handle guests beverage inquiries and ensure guest satisfaction.
* Check the status of all orders and ensure that they are served in a timely manner.
* Foster and promote a cooperative working environment, maximizing productivity and team member moral.
* Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of tables, service areas and outlet itself.
* Present guest checks and process payment.
* Extend courteous departures when guests leave outlet.
* Evaluate, measure, and modify critical processes with support of management team.
* Facilitates continuous learning and skills development of team members for wine knowledge..
* Pleasantly assist guests with a variety of needs including, but not limited to all aspects of guest service in designated department.
* Keep breakage of items to a minimum and observe all glass handling procedures.
* Respond competently in any resort emergency or safety situations in accordance with legendary service criteria.
* Maintain a competent and motivated team, creating a learning environment for wine maximizes productivity, skill development and team member retention.
* Document pertinent information utilizing a daily handover with management team.
* Complete all paperwork and closing duties in compliance with The Dining Room service criteria.
* Ability to multi-task between guests requests, vendors, administrative tasks and service.
* Ability to remain calm and pleasant under stressful situations in accordance with legendary service criteria.
* Provide direction, support and communication to food and beverage team members to ensure complete guest satisfaction and attention to detail
* Control usage of all food and beverage items and appropriate usage of equipment, tools and service equipment.
* Food product, presentation, service and guest relations standards.
* Comply with all hotel policies as noted in Employee Handbook.
* Follow labor and daily work assignment
* Prepares service station
* Thorough menu knowledge
* Monitor pace and table service detail
* Touch each table during dining
* Participate daily line ups
* Knowledge of Menu description of all items being served Adhere to strict uniform and grooming standards
* Thorough conversational knowledge of Hotel history and statistics
* Handle guest concerns and recognize and address potentially intoxicated, disruptive or undesirable guests.
* Use utilities and resources in a responsible manner to control wastage.
* Communicate relevant information to the department, your line manager and across departments, as appropriate.
* Comply with safe working practices, Health and Safety policy and ensure accidents/defects are reported immediately.
* Attend learning and development courses and complete eLearning modules, as required.
* Demonstrate and be a role model of Belmonds core values of Care, Confidence, Curiosity and Community.
* Flexibility in availability

Requirements
* Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in similar position, with proper certification.
* Ability to create tasteful food and wine pairings
* Extensive knowledge of different wines and which regions produce each type
* Knowledge of local vineyards and wineries
* Understanding of the winemaking process
* Good communication skills
* Availability to work during opening hours, including weekends and holidays
* Degree in hospitality is a plus

Benefits

El Encanto offers a full array of benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage. In addition, the company pays for basic life and AD&D as well as short term disability. Team members can choose additional coverage to include voluntary life/AD&D, spouse life/AD&D, dependent life, critical care, hospital indemnity, accident and flexible spending.

The Company offers paid time off, sick pay, a 401(k) program with Company matching, and an employee assistance program. Team members enjoy free cafeteria meals and discounts on food and beverage, spa treatments, and retail boutique items.

The Discovering Belmond program offers complimentary accommodation for team members while on leisure travel outside their region at any Belmond hotel and resort. It also offers food and beverage at a discounted rate. In addition to the complimentary offerings, discounted rates are available for safaris, trains and cruises.