Assistant Sommelier

AN INSPIRING CAREER AWAITS YOU!

The Kessler Collection is made up of 13 artful hotel and resort properties, 26 restaurants, and over 1,700 Grand Performers across ten states, we continue to grow and so will you! The opportunities are endless. Our mission of inspiring places, intuitive service, and exuberant guests means we are committed to our Grand Performers learning, development, and well-being.

We believe people want to be inspired!

Our Grand Performers Receive Many Benefits Including:

• Marriott Employee Discounts Worldwide
• Competitive Wage & Discretionary Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(K) with Discretionary Company Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program

JOB SUMMARY

The overall objective and purpose of the Sommelier position are to execute beverage service, blending demonstrations and classes to create an enriching and exceptional guest experience. The incumbent is responsible for beverage service and blending classes, including the initial staging and set-up, greeting and entertaining guests, providing instruction and guidance, as well as setting and breaking down a room. They are to provide the highest level of service in support of the mission, core values, standards, and goals established by the company.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Primary responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to the following:
• Greet and interact with internal and external guests in a genuinely warm and friendly manner using professional and Kessler standard nomenclature.
• Operate the telephone system, answering calls within three (3) rings, using the correct salutation and telephone etiquette.
• Maintain the integrity of the guests’ privacy, including confidentiality of personal information and key control.
• Maintain the integrity of Company proprietary information and protect company assets.
• Serve food and beverage in a genuine, friendly, professional, and efficient manner consistent with the Kessler image and standards.
• Share knowledge of wine with guests and demonstrate effective sales techniques to sell wine items.
• Present wine options, answer questions, and make suggestions regarding food and beverage, including pairings.
• Monitor and critique the quality and consistency of the beverage product.
• Assist with set up and tear down of functions. Clear and reset tables at the completion of classes.
• Prepare for blending classes. Inspect room set up, test audiovisual equipment to ensure proper functioning, and stock room with adequate supplies.
• Conduct blending classes, following the lesson plans.
• Assist with the priming of bottles and designing and printing of labels with the appropriate software.
• Assist in developing materials (tasting notes) for print for guests as well as Grand Performers.
• Swap kegs of wine, attach lines according to specifications.
• Maintain a neat and organized work area to include adhering to sanitation standards according to state law and health codes.
• Estimate, anticipate, and report beverage consumption to management.
• Maintain appropriate par, and communicate inventory shortages of wine, food, retail glassware, and supplies.
• Print materials to include tasting notes, wine lists, placemats, etc.
• Maintain the daily operation of the tasting room and function space through the execution of daily side work.
• Follow cash handling standard operating procedure and RFID loading procedure.
• Maintain updated inventory and pricing in the property management system.
• Maintain complete knowledge in the use of all office equipment, property management systems, and access according to specifications.
• Maintain complete knowledge and comply with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain neat, clean, and professional appearance according to standards.
• Follow all company safety and security policies and procedures. Report accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions.
• Welcome and acknowledge guests with disabilities and follow proper procedures to accommodate needs.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationships and support the team to achieve our goals.
• Attend required training and meetings
• All other duties as assigned, planned or un-planned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent.
• Knowledge of basic wine service and glass terminology
• Knowledge of guest service etiquette and proper food and beverage serving techniques
• Knowledge of wine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Ability to perform all wine blending related tasks and proficiently use job-related software, property management systems, and office equipment
• Ability to remain calm in various situations, use sound judgment and effectively solve problems
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and procedural manuals
• Ability to demonstrate cash handling procedures and calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, commissions, upgrades, and percentages
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of office equipment and property management systems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related training equivalent - required
• 1 year of relevant work experience in similar scope and title – required
• Experience within luxury brand/markets - required
• Student or graduate of hotel management – preferred
• Graphic design experience – preferred
• Proficient with audiovisual equipment and editing - preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment/conditions described herein are representative of those that an incumbent may experience.
• Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, without the use of a private office.
• Must be able to cope with frequent changing priorities and deadlines with a high degree of optimism, professionalism & collaboration.
• Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of or less than 40 hours with or without notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to see, hear, reach, use fingers to handle and feel, and stand up to 8 hours on a daily basis.
• Push, pull, and lift up to 55 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to travel by foot, car, bus, airplane or other means of transportation which require sitting, waiting, and standing for long and short periods of time.

Experience

• 2 years wine experience

Education

• Bachelors or better in Business Economics or related field