Sommelier - Chinese Restaurant

Nestled in the city's heart, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai offers a stunning fusion of modern design with a touch of oriental flair, redefining hospitality standards.

With unparalleled views of Dubai's skyline, the iconic Burj Khalifa, and the sparkling Arabian Sea, this urban retreat offers 224 luxury Residences and 259 Rooms & Suites.

Going beyond traditional hospitality, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, it's not just a hotel but a lifestyle destination, offering relaxation, luxury, and memorable experiences.

Scope of Position

The Sommelier will support the Bar Manager / Head Bartender to create the wine menu for all outlets and maintain and manage the wine inventory. The role will provide personalized recommendations and ensure a superior wine experience that complements culinary offerings, crucial in shaping our guests' dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide wine recommendations and pairings to guests, enhancing their dining experience with personalized service and knowledge.
• Train restaurant/outlet and bar staff on wine selection, service techniques, and pairings
• Oversee wine inventory, including ordering, storage, and rotation to ensure optimal quality and availability.
• Understand and comply with all corporate and hotel policies and standard operating procedures. Ensure compliance with all health, safety and sanitation regulations
• To communicate effectively with kitchen brigade and sommelier team
• To serve all beverages according to the appropriate standards
• To display excellent wine knowledge and be able to recommend and match appropriate wines with the chosen food
• To ensure that all beverages are correctly charged
• To ensure that all beverages are stored securely
• To clear and reset glasses on tables to allow for efficient flow of service
• To ensure that the cellar is kept clean and in the appropriate operational order at all times
• Understand and operate the POS system
• To assist by offering aperitif upon arrival of guests
• To present the menus and take beverage orders
• To attend and prepare pre-service briefings for daily updates, ensuring tasks are followed up efficiently prior to guest’s arrival
• To ensure that mise en place levels are maintained accurately
• To internally produce wine requisition in order to ensure appropriate action is taken in the absence of the Manager, followed by effective communication
• To perform all duties related to restaurant closing shifts
• To oversee the ordering and receiving of beverages before the end of shift so as to provide the correct level of stock in the absence of the sommelier
• To ensure that the wine list and wines by the glass suggestions are consistently updated
• To carry out any other reasonable, requests as directed by your manager
• To attend any training deemed appropriate by your Head of Department.
• Any other reasonable request as required by your manager appropriate for this position and to comply with all the MOHG policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School qualification or equivalent.
• Degree or Higher National Diploma in Hospitality/Hotel/Business Management.
• Specific Diploma/Degree in wines and beverage.
• Experience as Sommelier or Beverage Manager in a high-end restaurant with highest the levels of service is preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in a 5-star hotel environment
• International work experience in at least two of the following regions: Asia, Europe, North America and preferably Middle East.
• Extensive knowledge of wines, particularly details about grapes varieties, harvest times, origin of the wine, structure, aroma, flavor and fermentation process.
• Ability to understand guest needs and expectations and to deliver superior customer service.
• Experience in monitoring wine orders, stock and par level.
• Creative, innovative and thinks outside the box.
• Solid knowledge of restaurant service procedures and restaurant point of sales.
• Verbal and written communication skills in English; Arabic or other languages are preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with guests and colleagues
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical capabilities to stand for a long period; Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as per business needs.