The Sommelier supports the Restaurant General Manager in overseeing the wine program at Summer Palace, ensuring it aligns with Conrad standards, brand pillars, and Hilton’s prescribed policies and procedures. The Sommelier is responsible for curating and maintaining the wine list, advising guests on wine selections, and enhancing the overall dining experience through expert knowledge of wines and pairings that are suitable for the cuisine.
Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You
Picture yourself brightening someone’s day. When you join our Hotels team, that’s exactly what you’ll do every time you come to work! You will lead our dynamic team and elevate our dining experiences. As a Sommelier, you’re not just overseeing operations of one or more dining outlets – you’re spreading the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering memorable experiences that make the stay for every guest.
Here’s what you’ll do during a typical day:
- Assist in the daily operations of the restaurant, ensuring guest satisfaction is consistently monitored and promptly addressed throughout their dining experience, especially during peak service times.
- Be present during "golden time" (peak hours) to provide expert wine recommendations, assist with service, and ensure an elevated guest experience.
- Collaborate with the Restaurant General Manager on creating Sales and Marketing plans that align with the restaurant's wine program and enhance guest engagement.
- Ensure the wine and beverage program remains within the operational budget, while maximizing profitability through cost control and strategic pricing.
- Work to increase restaurant profitability by driving wine sales, educating staff, and promoting upselling, while controlling operational costs.
- Work to achieve daily, monthly or quarterly targets set by Restaurant General Manager by upselling or through events and promotions involving wines.
- Ensure guest expectations are met or exceeded by providing a knowledgeable and professional wine service, tailored to their preferences.
- Understand restaurant’s concept and cuisine as well as the food and signature dishes
- Liaise with the kitchen to ensure seamless pairing of food and wine, maintaining a consistently high standard of quality and creativity.
- Collaborate with housekeeping to ensure a clean, well-maintained restaurant environment and a smooth flow of supplies like linen, flowers, and uniforms.
- Coordinate with the beverage department and suppliers to ensure efficient stocking and supply of wines and other beverages, while maintaining an up-to-date wine list.
- Work closely with stewarding or engineering to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and proper care of wine service equipment.
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports on wine sales, inventory, and any operational adjustments to ensure continuous improvement.
- Carry out any other responsibilities as directed by the Restaurant General Manager, especially those related to enhancing the wine program and guest experience.
- Liaise with the training department to address staff development needs, particularly in wine knowledge and service.
- Assist other departments within the Food & Beverage division where and when required, not limited to Summer Palace.
- The Management reserves the right to make changes to this job description at its sole discretion and without prior notice.
At Hilton, our core values define what it takes to succeed here and guide the qualities we look for in every team member:
A passion for spreading the light and warmth of Hospitality. Acting with Integrity and always doing the right thing. Inspiring others through Leadership. A belief that Teamwork drives the best outcomes. A sense of Ownership and accountability. And a focus on the Now, bringing urgency and discipline to every moment, knowing it can make a lasting impact.
In addition, this role requires the following minimum qualifications:
- Diploma or degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, or related field is an advantage.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a sommelier or senior wine service role within a fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurant environment.
- Strong knowledge of wine service, with demonstrated experience in wine pairing for Chinese fine dining cuisine.
- Good understanding of food and beverage operations, including inventory control, cost management, menu planning, merchandising, and basic financial administration.
- Ability to confidently recommend and present wines in a fine dining setting, with sensitivity to Chinese culinary profiles and flavours.
- Strong guest engagement skills with the ability to deliver personalised, attentive, and refined service in a high-end restaurant environment.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining service excellence in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- High attention to detail and strong understanding of fine dining service standards and wine presentation etiquette.
How We’ll Help You Thrive
At Hilton, the hospitality we’re known for doesn’t end with our guests. We proudly invest in our Team Members’ wellbeing, supporting you through all of life’s moments. When you join Hilton, our exceptional care extends to you with unmatched perks and benefits, including*:
Incredible travel perks – Enjoy 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40 USD/night at our world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel program
Health & welfare benefits – From checkups to dental cleanings to new glasses, we offer a variety of health plans that keep you covered
*Benefits availability may vary depending on Team Member’s location as well as terms and conditions of employment and are subject to the terms and conditions of each specific program/plan.
