Cellar Master/Head Sommelier for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

V.Ships Leisure is looking for Cellar Master/Head Sommelier on behalf of  Orient Express Sailing Yachts.
The Head Sommelier/Cellar Master is responsible to drive the development and execution of Orient Express’ beverage strategy in restaurants, with a focus on elevating the guest experience through a carefully curated wine portfolio for multiple venues. The Head Sommelier/Cellar Master ensures the smooth running of the beverage operation on a day-to day basis, in line with Orient Express standards and policies, including familiarizing and training of employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Oversees all aspects of financial management, including cost control (beverage cost, labor, comps, discounts, and wastage), to ensure that budgets and targets are consistently achieved and surpassed. Ensures an elevated beverage experience for all Guests to foster a unique and identifiable Orient Express’ brand image. 

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain an innovative, comprehensive and sustainable Wine Program in line with Brand requirements.
• Ensure the proper management of the wine cellars, including Public Health matters.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging wine regions to keep the wine program innovative and competitive in parallel to the vessel’s itinerary.
• Analyze sales performance and Guest feedback to continuously refine and improve the wine selection and service.
• Lead and inspire the sommelier and restaurant service teams with ongoing training sessions on wine knowledge, service standards, and the art of upselling. Foster a culture of continuous learning and passion for wine within the team.
• Monitor wine program performance through sales analysis, cost control, and inventory management, ensuring alignment with financial targets and goals.
• Work close and efficiently with the Outlet Maître D’s to anticipate and communicate any guest’s remarks in regards the beverage service in the restaurant. 
• Attends to and shares any service-related issue on the restaurant management meeting to ensure prompt follow up on guests’ comments.
• Supervises and responsible for the adherence to the drinking age policy.
• Utilize financial insights to make data-driven decisions that optimize pricing, inventory turnover, and overall program efficiency.
• Continually conduct Menu Engineering to ensure the List Unit Costs align with forecasted profitability, adjusting offerings as necessary to meet financial objectives.
• Must be knowledgeable with entire wine operation – scheduling, requisition, inventory, spoilage/breakage, left over wines, wine packages.
• Must be able to conduct wine training to the staff and wine seminars to the guests at any given time.
• Communicates with his/her superior routinely and participates to meetings as directed.
• Prepares a voyages report in the end of each cruise.
• Conducts staff’ orientation and mid/end contract performance evaluations and makes recommendations for promotion. Introduces new crew members to their working areas and to the rules and regulations on board.
• Responsible for the management, update and communication of the rotation plan for crew members in collaboration with the hotel director and assistant purser. 

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Languages: Fluent English mandatory. Additional languages are a plus.
• Education: A high-school degree or equivalent in Hospitality or related field.
• Previous professional experience: 3 years’ experience as Head Sommelier plus appropriate on the job training for the Manager’s position as well as proper skills in beverage and USPH knowledge.
• Shipboard experience: No necessary but preferred. 
• Valid STCW certificates.
• Valid Pre-Employment Medical.
• C1D visa mandatory for all positions.

About Orient Express

For the past 140 years, Orient Express has been sublimating the Art of Travel with luxury trains, unique experiences and collections of rare objects. And soon the heritage of this legendary train will be transported to a collection of hotels and sailing yachts around the world. Introducing a new art de vivre, a different kind of journey that promises unforgettable moments along the way and the same destination since the beginning: to make dreams come true.