South Africa: Sommelier posted by President Hotels

At The President Hotel, operational excellence and guest satisfaction sit at the heart of everything we do. As the hotel continues its journey toward luxury, exceptional Food & Beverage experiences are essential to creating memorable moments for our guests.

We are recruiting an experienced and highly knowledgeable Sommelier to elevate our wine service and enhance the overall dining experience. This is a specialist role suited to a polished wine professional who combines deep technical expertise with refined, intuitive hospitality.

This role is ideal for a Sommelier who understands that every memorable meal deserves the perfect pour, and who can bring wine stories to life through expert pairings, curated selections, and confident guest engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Wine Programme & List Management

• Curate, manage, and continuously refine a balanced and innovative wine list
• Create and manage wine costings, margins, and pricing structures with the Food and beverage manager
• Ensure wine offerings align with the hotel’s luxury positioning and Food & Beverage concepts
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on wine pairing menus and signature dining experiences

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Guide guests with expert recommendations on wines, vintages, regions, and pairings
• Deliver polished, confident wine service with a strong luxury service presence
• Conduct wine tastings, guest activations, and educational wine experiences
• Enhance guest satisfaction through personalised and intuitive wine engagement

Training & Team Development

• Train, mentor, and uplift the Food & Beverage team in wine knowledge and service techniques
• Support service teams during peak periods with on-floor expertise
• Ensure wine service standards are consistently applied across all outlets

Stock Control & Supplier Management

• Ensure correct storage, rotation, cellar organisation, and stock control
• Maintain accurate wine inventory using Micros POS and inventory systems
• Build and maintain relationships with wine suppliers, distributors, and estates
• Drive revenue through upselling, premium wine offerings, and exclusive selections

Compliance & Operational Standards

• Uphold hygiene, safety, and operational standards at all times
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies and Food & Beverage procedures

Minimum Requirements

• Valid South African ID or valid work permit
• Matric (Grade 12) – essential
• Recognised wine qualification:
• WSET Level 2 or 3
• Cape Wine Academy Diploma
• Or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years’ recent Sommelier experience within:
• Luxury hotels
• Fine dining restaurants
• Premium wine estates
• Exceptional knowledge of South African wines
• Strong tasting ability and pairing expertise
• Confident, professional guest interaction skills
• Experience training and mentoring service teams
• Familiarity with Micros POS and wine inventory systems
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• CV must be fully updated before submission

Key Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional wine knowledge and technical expertise
• Strong luxury service presence and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and guest engagement skills
• Commercial awareness and cost control focus
• Organised, disciplined, and detail-oriented
• Passionate about wine, service excellence, and guest experience

Why Work With Us

• Be part of a hotel committed to sincere, memorable hospitality
• Work within a luxury-focused Food & Beverage environment
• Opportunity to shape and elevate wine service at a flagship Cape Town hotel
• Competitive salary and employee benefits, including medical aid and pension fund contributions

Recruitment is aligned with the company’s Employment Equity Plan.
If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.