Head Sommelier (Pre-Opening) Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
Job Summary
What are we looking for
A Sommelier serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role you should maintain the attitude behaviours skills and values that follow:
A Head Sommelier serving Hilton Brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role you should maintain the attitude behaviors skills and values that follow:
Strong leadership skills with experience in banquet or large-scale event operations.
Ability to manage guest expectations and resolve concerns professionally.
High standards of grooming professionalism and attention to detail.
Flexibility to work varied schedules including evenings weekends and public holidays.
Strong financial awareness and ability to support cost control initiatives.
Strong knowledge of restaurants service standards event coordination and food & beverage operations.
Excellent communication organisational and team development skills.
What will it be like to work for Hilton
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations service amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!
EOE/AA/Disabled/Veterans
With thousands of hotels in over 100 countries and territories Hilton offers countless opportunities to delight. From an open door to a welcoming smile and an exceptional experience we offer the millions oftravelerswho stay with us every year a welcome they will never addition to our flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts the family of brands includes Waldorf Astoria LXR Conrad Canopy Curio Collection DoubleTree Hilton Garden Inn Hampton and many others.
If you appreciate the impact global travel can have on the world you may be just the person we are looking for to work as a Hilton Team Member. Because its with Hilton where we never forget the reason were here: to delight our guests Team Members and owners alike.
Are you a wine professional with a passion for curating exceptional cellar selections and delivering refined guest experiences Join our prestigious 5star luxury hotel where innovation artistry and attention to detail define every dining moment. As Head Sommelier you will lead the wine program for three Jean-Georges venues ensuring flawless service thoughtful pairings and an elevated guest journey. Beyond the dining room you will collaborate closely with the Director of Wines to support sourcing supplier relations and training initiatives across all JeanGeorges outlets. This is an opportunity to shape a worldclass wine culture inspire a dynamic team and contribute to the prestige
What will I be doing
As the Head Sommelier you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:
Operations:
- Oversee daily wine service operations across the three JeanGeorges outlets with primary focus on the fine dining restaurant.
- Ensure cellar organization stock rotation and readiness of wine lists prior to service periods.
- Supervise wine service flow and coordinate effectively with culinary and service teams to deliver seamless pairings.
- Monitor reservations and guest profiles to anticipate wine preferences and enhance the dining journey.
- Maintain strong floor presence engaging with guests to provide expert recommendations and personalized experiences.
- Handle guest feedback complaints and special requests with professionalism and discretion.
- Ensure adherence to wine storage handling and hygiene standards.
- Support execution of wine dinners promotional events and VIP experiences.
Leadership & Culture:
- Supervise train and inspire sommeliers and service staff to uphold exceptional wine service standards.
- Conduct preservice briefings to communicate wine features pairings and guest expectations.
- Support recruitment coaching and performance development of sommelier associates.
- Foster teamwork engagement and a positive working environment across all outlets.
- Provide recognition and guidance to maintain high morale and productivity.
Administration:
- Assist in scheduling sommelier coverage across outlets based on business demand.
- Maintain accurate operational records including cellar inventories wine sales reports and guest preference tracking.
- Support implementation of SOPs training manuals and wine service procedures.
- Participate in supplier tastings wine list reviews and operational planning sessions.
Financial & Cost Control:
- Support wine program profitability by monitoring sales trends average checks and guest consumption.
- Assist in inventory control purchasing processes and stock management to minimise waste and optimise cost efficiency.
- Promote upselling initiatives and menu knowledge to enhance guest experience and revenue.
- Ensure accurate billing cashiering procedures and compliance with financial controls.
Guest & Team Experience:
- Deliver anticipatory and personalised wine service aligned with Waldorf Astoria luxury standards.
- Build strong relationships with wine enthusiasts VIP guests and event organizers.
- Ensure special occasions and highprofile events are executed with meticulous attention to wine pairings.
- Support team wellbeing and contribute to a collaborative workplace culture.
Health & Safety:
- Ensure compliance with hygiene sanitation and wine storage regulations.
- Monitor cellar facilities and equipment condition reporting maintenance needs promptly.
- Promote responsible alcohol service practices across outlets.
- Support emergency response procedures and risk management protocols.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Maintain effective communication with culinary service and F&B leadership to ensure seamless wine integration.
- Attend operational meetings and coordinate closely with the Director of Wines.
- Represent the wine program professionally in interactions with guests suppliers and colleagues.
- Support crossoutlet collaboration and consistency in wine service standards.
Other Duties:
- Support sustainability initiatives and responsible sourcing practices.
- Stay informed of wine industry trends regions and service innovations.
- Contribute to preopening activities including training recruitment and wine program setup.
- Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by management.
Key Skills
About Company
Stay at Avatar Hotel Santa Clara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and uncover the unexpected at our one-of-a-kind hotel. As part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, we are perfect for guests seeking an uncommon experience and peace of mind.