Assistant Head Sommelier

Assistant Head Sommelier 

The award-winning Fife Arms Hotel in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is seeking an exceptional Assistant Head Sommelier to join our Food & Beverage team.  

Working alongside our Head Sommelier, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering one of Scotland's most exciting wine programmes. From curating wine lists and leading service to developing talent and enhancing guest experiences, this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced sommelier ready to take the next step in their career within a world-class luxury hotel. 

The Role 

As Assistant Head Sommelier, you will support the management of The Fife Arms wine programme, ensuring exceptional wine service, operational excellence, and the continued development of our sommelier team. 

You will be a visible presence across our restaurants, bars, private events and guest experiences, sharing your expertise and passion while helping to create memorable moments for every guest. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the Head Sommelier with the day-to-day management of the wine programme and cellar operation 

• Leading wine service across all outlets and events, ensuring the highest luxury hospitality standards 

• Maintaining and developing wine lists, including formatting, updates and guest-facing content 

• Assisting with wine purchasing, stock control, cellar management and monthly stocktakes 

• Conducting wine tastings and delivering engaging training sessions for colleagues across the hotel 

• Writing tasting notes and supporting the continuous development of the team’s wine knowledge 

• Managing guest wine requests, pre-orders and bespoke wine experiences 

• Supporting operational planning, team rotas and service preparation 

• Acting as an ambassador for wine throughout the hotel, inspiring colleagues and enhancing guest engagement 

• Working closely with Reservations, Reception, Housekeeping and Events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences 

About You 

Our ideal candidate is an experienced sommelier with a genuine passion for wine, hospitality and storytelling. 

You will have: 

• Experience in a similar Sommelier or Assistant Head Sommelier role within a luxury hospitality environment 

• Outstanding knowledge of wine and wine service 

• WSET Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) preferred 

• A passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences 

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop others 

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail 

• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure under pressure 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• A positive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach 

• High levels of computer literacy 

• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development 

Experience with LQA, Forbes Travel Guide Standards, Adobe InDesign, Oracle EMC, and Adaco would be advantageous. 

What’s In It For You? 

• 30 days holiday 

• Free annual guest experience for you and a plus one 

• Enhanced pension scheme 

• Free food and drinks whilst on shift 

• Generous Artfarm-wide discounts across our properties in Scotland, London, Somerset, Los Angeles and Menorca 

• Amazing sports and social events led by local social committees 

• Enhanced Life Assurance 

• Health benefits including a health cash plan 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Tailored career development opportunities designed around your aspirations and goals 

About Artfarm and The Fife Arms Hotel 

Artfarm is a one-of-a-kind independent hospitality company founded by Iwan and Manuela Wirth. Renowned for developing and reinventing distinctive destinations, Artfarm's collection includes the award-winning Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, Fish Shop Restaurant & Fishmongers in Ballater, The Audley Public House & Mount Street Restaurant in Mayfair, London, Manuela in Los Angeles, Roth Bar, Da Costa and Durslade Farm Shop in Somerset, and Cantina in Menorca. 

Artfarm uniquely brings together art, community, education, people and place to create extraordinary hospitality experiences. 

Located in the heart of Braemar, The Fife Arms is home to 47 individually designed guest rooms, each inspired by the stories, people and landscapes of the Cairngorms. Alongside the beautiful Albamhor Spa, the hotel offers exceptional dining experiences including the Clunie Dining Room, The Flying Stag Pub, Bertie's Whisky Bar, Elsa's Cocktail Bar and the Drawing Room, all celebrating the very best local produce and hospitality. 

If you're a passionate wine professional ready to help lead one of Scotland's most exciting wine programmes, we'd love to hear from you.  

Assistant Head Sommelier 

The award-winning Fife Arms Hotel in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is seeking an exceptional Assistant Head Sommelier to join our Food & Beverage team.  

Working alongside our Head Sommelier, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering one of Scotland's most exciting wine programmes. From curating wine lists and leading service to developing talent and enhancing guest experiences, this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced sommelier ready to take the next step in their career within a world-class luxury hotel. 

The Role 

As Assistant Head Sommelier, you will support the management of The Fife Arms wine programme, ensuring exceptional wine service, operational excellence, and the continued development of our sommelier team. 

You will be a visible presence across our restaurants, bars, private events and guest experiences, sharing your expertise and passion while helping to create memorable moments for every guest. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the Head Sommelier with the day-to-day management of the wine programme and cellar operation 

• Leading wine service across all outlets and events, ensuring the highest luxury hospitality standards 

• Maintaining and developing wine lists, including formatting, updates and guest-facing content 

• Assisting with wine purchasing, stock control, cellar management and monthly stocktakes 

• Conducting wine tastings and delivering engaging training sessions for colleagues across the hotel 

• Writing tasting notes and supporting the continuous development of the team’s wine knowledge 

• Managing guest wine requests, pre-orders and bespoke wine experiences 

• Supporting operational planning, team rotas and service preparation 

• Acting as an ambassador for wine throughout the hotel, inspiring colleagues and enhancing guest engagement 

• Working closely with Reservations, Reception, Housekeeping and Events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences 

About You 

Our ideal candidate is an experienced sommelier with a genuine passion for wine, hospitality and storytelling. 

You will have: 

• Experience in a similar Sommelier or Assistant Head Sommelier role within a luxury hospitality environment 

• Outstanding knowledge of wine and wine service 

• WSET Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) preferred 

• A passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences 

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop others 

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail 

• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure under pressure 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• A positive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach 

• High levels of computer literacy 

• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development 

Experience with LQA, Forbes Travel Guide Standards, Adobe InDesign, Oracle EMC, and Adaco would be advantageous. 

What’s In It For You? 

• 30 days holiday 

• Free annual guest experience for you and a plus one 

• Enhanced pension scheme 

• Free food and drinks whilst on shift 

• Generous Artfarm-wide discounts across our properties in Scotland, London, Somerset, Los Angeles and Menorca 

• Amazing sports and social events led by local social committees 

• Enhanced Life Assurance 

• Health benefits including a health cash plan 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Tailored career development opportunities designed around your aspirations and goals 

About Artfarm and The Fife Arms Hotel 

Artfarm is a one-of-a-kind independent hospitality company founded by Iwan and Manuela Wirth. Renowned for developing and reinventing distinctive destinations, Artfarm's collection includes the award-winning Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, Fish Shop Restaurant & Fishmongers in Ballater, The Audley Public House & Mount Street Restaurant in Mayfair, London, Manuela in Los Angeles, Roth Bar, Da Costa and Durslade Farm Shop in Somerset, and Cantina in Menorca. 

Artfarm uniquely brings together art, community, education, people and place to create extraordinary hospitality experiences. 

Located in the heart of Braemar, The Fife Arms is home to 47 individually designed guest rooms, each inspired by the stories, people and landscapes of the Cairngorms. Alongside the beautiful Albamhor Spa, the hotel offers exceptional dining experiences including the Clunie Dining Room, The Flying Stag Pub, Bertie's Whisky Bar, Elsa's Cocktail Bar and the Drawing Room, all celebrating the very best local produce and hospitality. 

If you're a passionate wine professional ready to help lead one of Scotland's most exciting wine programmes, we'd love to hear from you.