Overview of WAKUDA:
50 Eggs Hospitality Group presents WAKUDA, a unique and artful dining experience that merges time-honored Japanese culture with modern culinary innovation. Conceived by world-renowned, two-Michelin-starred chef Tetsuya Wakuda in collaboration with 50 Eggs Hospitality CEO John Kunkel, WAKUDA epitomizes the duality of tradition and modernity, creating a sophisticated environment for a culinary journey unlike any other.
Job Details
Role: Level II Sommelier
Reporting to: Senior Vice President / CEO
The Level II Sommelier at WAKUDA is a key ambassador of our wine program, responsible for curating an exceptional wine experience that complements the culinary excellence of our establishment. This role is critical in guiding guests through a wine journey, providing personalized recommendations, and upholding WAKUDA’s reputation for exceptional service standards.
Primary Job Duties:
WINE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT:- Curate an extensive and diverse wine list that aligns with WAKUDA’s high standards, with an emphasis on wines that enhance Japanese cuisine.
- Collaborate with the Senior Management to introduce seasonal and limited-edition wines, ensuring an innovative and dynamic selection.
- Oversee wine purchasing, inventory management, and cost control to achieve optimal financial performance within budgeted parameters.
- Monitor and assess wine sales trends, adjusting selections and inventory based on demand and guest preferences.
GUEST RELATIONS & WINE SERVICE:- Provide expert guidance to guests on wine selections, tailoring recommendations to enhance the dining experience with personalized and insightful suggestions.
- Host wine tastings and exclusive pairing events to enrich guest engagement, sharing expertise on flavor profiles, vintages, and pairing philosophies.
- Train and mentor staff on wine knowledge, instilling confidence in their recommendations and enhancing the overall service quality in line with WAKUDA’s brand values.
- Engage with guests both on the floor and during special events, building relationships that foster loyalty and return visits.
STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT:- Lead comprehensive training programs for the staff, focusing on wine knowledge, tasting techniques, and service etiquette to ensure consistent and exceptional guest experiences.
- Organize regular tastings and educational sessions for both front- and back-of-house teams to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the wine selection.
- Encourage a culture of learning and excellence, providing constructive feedback and continuous development opportunities for staff.
INVENTORY & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT:- Manage inventory levels, including purchasing, receiving, and storage processes, to maintain quality and prevent overstock or spoilage.
- Conduct regular financial analyses, tracking wine program profitability and contributing insights to optimize the beverage program’s cost efficiency.
- Prepare inventory reports for leadership, presenting data on stock levels, sales trends, and financial performance metrics.
BRAND REPRESENTATION & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT:- Serve as a WAKUDA brand ambassador, attending industry events and wine showcases to represent the establishment and foster industry relationships.
- Stay current on industry trends, innovations, and emerging wine regions, bringing unique and sought-after selections to WAKUDA’s wine program.
- Develop partnerships with wineries and distributors to secure exclusive offerings and build a network that strengthens WAKUDA’s wine program.
Job Requirements:
- Certification: Advanced certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers (Level II Sommelier preferred) or equivalent wine certification.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of sommelier experience in fine dining or luxury hospitality, preferably within an internationally recognized establishment.
- Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, Japanese sake, and food and wine pairings, with a focus on Japanese cuisine.
- Skills: Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with an ability to educate and inspire both guests and team members.
- Organizational Abilities: Detail-oriented and adept at managing inventory, financial oversight, and event coordination.
- Physical Demands: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and navigate a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.