Sommelier

Under the direction of the Food & Beverage Manager, the Sommelier is responsible for the overall wine operation and profitability of assigned venues, which includes developing an ever-evolving world-class wine program. The Sommelier is responsible for achieving financial and enterprise objectives, maintaining proper inventory control (including equipment and supplies), maintaining all allocated wines in their proper location, ensuring consistent high quality customer service, maintaining a presence in corresponding venues based on needs, executing wine service, making recommendations, pairings, and other wine-related standards during operating venue hours. This position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations, creating staffing plans, preparing sales, inventory, and team member reports. The Sommelier provides dedicated leadership to the venue(s) while maximizing team member morale through leading by example. The Sommelier is also responsible for training and developing the leadership team on beverage knowledge, training modules, effective beverage cost management, preventative maintenance, minimizing waste, and sales strategies to drive top line growth. The Sommelier's areas of responsibility include all bars and restaurants within Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Accountable for the training and development of wine education for all corresponding front of house team members. Designs training programs to ensure high quality service that aligns with Yaamava' Resort & Casino brand standards and maintains training programs and overall product knowledge. Conducts frequent wine education audits via one on one interactions as well as dynamic group activities. Utilizes venue-specific requirements to customize wine trainings for front of house team members, including an upscale casual caf, in-room dining, and a fine dining steakhouse. Trains the leadership team on training modules and additional beverage information to certify their ability to lead the beverage portion of our standards.

2. Responsible for ordering, receiving, maintaining inventory, organizing, and selling of wine. Oversees all wine purchases and manages costs in accordance with department guidelines. Assists team members and guests during their dining experience with wine recommendations, pairings, decanting, and overall wine service. Maintains a presence on the dining room floor during operating hours to ensure guest satisfaction and team member support. Ensures cost-effectiveness and profitability by directing the development and administration of controls for all phases of front of house operations while maintaining Yaamava' Resort & Casino brand standards.

3. Manages assigned venue(s) to budgeted revenue, beverage cost, expense, headcount, and profit. Provides explanation of any unfavorable variance of wine and beverage sales monthly to Food & Beverage leadership and prepares and implements an action plan to track favorably to budget by end of fiscal year including budget forecasts as needed.

Collaborates with the assigned venue Chef, overseeing daily wine pairings, ensuring menu items remain attractive to customers (as measured by customer satisfaction and revenue generated), and verifying that food & beverage presentation meets the Yaamava' Resort & Casino brand standards.

Maintains accurate inventory of all stemware, decanters, coasters, etc. to guarantee that supplies are always on hand. Confirms replacement inventory as needed while minimizing replacement cost. Monitors mishandling and/or damage to inventory items and responds accordingly to prevent future waste.

4. Oversees the steakhouse wine storage display and ensures cleanliness and sanitation standards are met and consistent with established codes. Works to establish PM as appropriate to ensure that no additional repair and maintenance costs are accrued.

5. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and assumes other responsibilities, duties, tasks, and assignments that contribute to the mitigation or response to any public health emergency.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor's degree in restaurant management, food or institutional management is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years restaurant experience and/or wine related work experience that may include wineries, wine shops, wine bars, and wine retail.
• Minimum of two (2) years' supervisory experience.
• Must be familiar with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures related to the field.
• Strong knowledge of fine dining wine stewarding and service, including food and beverage wine pairing and upselling.
• Ability to frequently and efficiently train team members on wine and spirits knowledge as they pertain to food and beverage.
• Strong understanding of pricing, budgeting, and cost controls.
• Ability to rely on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• The ability to perform a variety of tasks given a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Must be able to lead and direct the work of others to ensure efficient operations.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• A qualified candidate/employee must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the company's insurance carrier.
• Must obtain and maintain a current Serv Safe Certification within 90 days of employment.
• A minimum Level 1 Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers is preferred.

Yaamava' Resort and Casino at San Manuel will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!