Sommelier

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Sommelier to join our team! SHG is an organization whose success is rooted in its service culture. Our mission is to exude hospitality, be respectful and authentic, prioritize the needs of our internal and external stakeholders above our own, and continuously strive to make a positive impact in all we do. We are passionate hoteliers eager to add like-minded people to our rapidly growing team!

What's in it for you? When you join SHG you'll be part of a team committed to an inclusive, employee-focused workplace that is invested in your development. We want you to feel engaged, empowered, and excited to grow with us. After all, we believe our greatest and most valuable asset is our people! SHG provides a rewarding, fun and flexible work environment, exciting perks, an atmosphere designed to encourage and promote career growth within the company and a robust benefit package including, but not limited to:

• Work Today, Get Paid today, with Daily Pay!
• Free Telemedicine and Virtual Mental Health care access for All Associates starting day one!
• Multiple Health Insurance and Life Insurance options
• 401k Plan Company Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Schulte Savings Marketplace Discounts on event tickets, electronics, gym memberships more!

Our Company: Schulte Hospitality Group is a division of Schulte Companies, a leading third-party management company with deep, multi-generational experience in all facets of the hospitality industry. We are a diverse team of innovative hoteliers and restauranteurs operating more than 200 locations across 38 states and 3 countries. Our portfolio includes a wide array of reputable brands like Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt as well as many unique, independent, boutique and lifestyle properties and restaurants.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Beverage Program Leadership 

• Curate, maintain, and continuously elevate the wine and full beverage program, including wine, spirits, NAB (non-alcoholic beverages), and specialty coffee/tea, ensuring alignment with the restaurant concept, brand standards, and guest expectations.
• Develop and manage the wine list with intentional breadth across regions, varietals, producers, and price points to serve the full range of guests.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with wine and spirits vendors and distributors, maintaining productive working relationships that support cost, quality, and exclusivity objectives.
• Plan and execute wine dinners, producer table events, BTG spotlight programs, and seasonal tasting experiences that drive incremental revenue and guest engagement.
• Collaborate with Culinary and Beverage leadership to develop seasonal pairings, menu-driven recommendations, and integrated food and wine experiences.

Financial Accountability

• Own beverage cost of goods (COGS) performance, with direct accountability for meeting or exceeding budgeted beverage cost % targets.
• Assist with ordering and purchasing decisions to optimize inventory investment, minimize waste, and support profitability goals.
• Partner with F&B leadership on pricing strategy, BTG and bottle margin analysis, and wine list profitability reviews.
• Track wine program contribution to overall F&B revenue and identify opportunities to grow check averages through thoughtful upselling and suggestive selling.

Guest Experience & Floor Service

• Provide exceptional wine and beverage service on the floor, including tableside presentations, decanting, proper service temperatures, and glassware standards.
• Educate and guide guests through wine selections, pairing recommendations, and tasting notes to elevate the overall dining experience.
• Lead guest recovery related to beverage experiences and support VIP, special occasion, and high-value table management.
• Maintain a warm, polished, and approachable presence that reflects the brand’s service culture at all times.

Team Training & Development

• Train, coach, and develop front-of-house team members on wine and spirits knowledge, steps of beverage service, food and wine pairing, and upselling techniques.
• Lead pre-shift education sessions, tasting seminars, and ongoing beverage knowledge development as part of team culture.
• Partner with service leadership to establish and maintain beverage service standards across all FOH positions.

Operations & Compliance

• Manage wine and spirits inventory accurately, including physical counts, receiving verification, rotation, storage standards, organization, and par-level maintenance.
• Maintain wine list and menu accuracy (vintages, pricing, availability) and communicate 86’d items or substitutions to the team in real time.
• Operate beverage-related POS and inventory management systems accurately (e.g., Toast.)
• Ensure full compliance with all state and local alcohol service regulations, including required responsible service certifications (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or state equivalent).
• Maintain all safety, health, and hygiene standards consistently in alignment with company and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business objectives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) Certified Sommelier (Level 2), WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, or ISG Certified Sommelier credential required. Higher certifications (CMS Advanced, MS, WSET Diploma/DipWSET) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of wine and beverage service experience in an upscale, fine dining, or luxury hotel restaurant environment, with demonstrated program ownership or significant wine service leadership responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, professional certification, and experience will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Deep wine knowledge across key regions, varietals, producers, vintages, and service standards; working knowledge of spirits, cocktails, NAB, and specialty beverage categories.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and grow a wine program with measurable financial outcomes, including cost control and revenue contribution.
• Strong sales and communication skills with the ability to confidently guide and educate guests at all knowledge levels.
• Passion for hospitality with a warm, polished, and professional guest-facing presence.
• Proficiency in POS and inventory management systems (Toast, MICROS, Infogenesis, or equivalent).
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills across inventory, storage, and list accuracy.
• Collaborative team leader who develops others and leads by example on the floor.
• Excellent time management and multitasking ability during peak service periods.
• Valid TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or state-required responsible alcohol service certification (or ability to obtain prior to first shift).
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

*The hiring process may consist of a phone interview, manager(s) interview, drug screen, background check, reference checks, and potential employment assessment. This job description is only intended to provide a general description of the benefits and compensation applicable to this position. Paid Time Off (PTO) is available for eligible associates in accordance with the Company's Paid Time Off policy. Specific compensation and benefit details will be discussed during the interview process.

*Schulte Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.