Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer
(Wine Jobs:
Wine Retail & Sommelier)
Full Time
Builders Arms Hotel
Fitzroy, Melbourne,
Victoria
One of Australia's most established hospitality groups, Trader House, is looking for a Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer for Builders Arms Hotel.
Located on iconic Gertrude Street, Builders Arms Hotel has long been a Fitzroy community landmark, a meeting place for connection and celebration for over 150 years. Known for its charming front bar and friendly atmosphere, it’s a place for all people and all occasions.
About Trader House:
Trader House is a collective of restaurants, specialty retail stores and tailored events by Melbourne-based chef, cookbook author and columnist Andrew McConnell. They are Gimlet at Cavendish House (currently ranked #84 in the longlist of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants), Cutler & Co., Supernormal, Cumulus Inc., Builders Arms Hotel, Meatsmith Heritage Butcher, Morning Market and Handmade Parties & Events.
About the role:
This is an opportunity for a career-focused sommelier with strong leadership skills and broad beverage knowledge.
Builders Arms Hotel is more than ‘just a pub’. We want the food, the service and the wine offering to be amongst the best in Melbourne – just in a relaxed environment. The Wine Buyer is responsible for sourcing and executing a diverse wine and beverage program with a focus on quality and interest.
Trader House beverage programmes are focused on wines that speak of place and time, from benchmark and emerging producers from across the globe. We aim for service that pleases without pretension, imparts knowledge that enriches rather than indoctrinates, and provides our guests with an authentic, personalised experience.
What you’ll bring:
- The ability to communicate passionately and clearly about food and wine, without being too serious
- A day-to-day sales presence behind the bar and in the bistro, inspiring our young, engaged team and creating remarkable experiences for our guests
- A skillset to run a successful beverage program effectively and efficiently
- The ability to develop, train, educate and support staff to maintain a strong team and culture
- An eye for detail and a continual drive for development and improvement to ensure we remain an industry leader
- A sound palate and broad awareness of classic, modern and avant-garde drinks and trends
What you can expect:
- Real autonomy in your role
- Clear performance indicators and positive avenues for communication
- A commitment to the further development of your skills and experience as a beverage professional
- Responsibility for the ongoing financial success of your department, with training and mentoring to develop your business skills
- Involvement in future planning and the execution of special events and activations
- Unparalleled support and training to recruit, train and develop the wine and beverage team within the demands of a busy venue
- An attractive salary, and group-wide discounts
- Internationally accredited WSET Level 2 and Level 3 in Wine qualifications available to all staff
- Personalised mentorship and support from Trader House Beverage Director Leanne Altmann and Senior Wine Buyer Chris Ryan
What's different about working at Trader House?
We genuinely love hospitality, and all that goes with it. You’re not in the office all day, you're hands-on creating, training, engaging, tasting, laughing, inspiring. A busy seven-day business allows for flexibility in your working week, and great work/life balance for a position of this magnitude.
This role doesn’t just involve day-to-day operations: you will play a key part in our community by driving collaborations and special events. This role will immerse you in all aspects of shaping a successful wine business, with room for personality and passion.
This position is a long-term engagement. Senior members of the Trader House beverage team work together closely, and our strength comes from support and community. We share knowledge, training and experience, and work with the finest producers and suppliers.
Trader House looks within for talent to help build new opportunities, and there are always exciting, interesting and challenging projects on the horizon. You will stay inspired and motivated to keep one of Australia’s premier restaurant groups at the forefront of quality, modern dining for years to come.
Trader House is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from female-identifying, BIPOC and gender diverse candidates.
How To Apply
Please apply with a cover letter and resume.
All applications and enquiries are confidential.
