Sommelier
SG Foodservice Pty Ltd t/a The Restaurant Pendolino, Sydney
About the Role:
SG Foodservice Pty Ltd trading as The Restaurant Pendolino has a position available for a full time Sommelier. The role plays an integral role in enhancing the guest experience by delivering exceptional wine and beverage service in ensuring that each pairing perfectly complements the dishes in our Italian fine-dining menu. The working hours will be primarily across Monday to Saturday. The salary is $76,902 plus superannuation.
Responsibilities:
- Warmly greeting guests upon arrival, managing reservations, and guiding guests to their tables.
- Presenting menus and beverage lists with confidence and clarity, and offering informed recommendations to enhance the dining experience, including wine pairings and specialty dishes.
- Taking accurate food and beverage orders and communicating them efficiently to kitchen and bar staff.
- Serving food and beverages with precision and attention to timing, temperature, and presentation.
- Opening bottles, pouring wines and other beverages, and supporting the sommelier and cellar team as needed.
- Monitoring tables to ensure seamless service, including topping up beverages and clearing used items promptly.
- Resetting and arranging tables between services to meet presentation standards.
- Operating point-of-sale systems, processing transactions, and handling payments securely and efficiently.
- Presenting, recommending, and serving wines with professionalism, warmth, and in accordance with Pendolino’s fine-dining service standards.
- Providing expert wine pairing recommendations tailored to the seasonal menu and individual guest preferences.
- Opening and decanting wines correctly and with finesse, ensuring proper glassware and service temperature.
- Managing and maintaining the wine list, including updating selections in consultation with the Executive Chef and senior wine team.
- Overseeing cellar operations including stock rotation, inventory control, ordering, and correct storage of all wines and beverages.
- Conducting staff training on wine knowledge, tasting notes, regional varietals, and food and wine pairing principles.
- Supporting overall guest experience by working in close collaboration with front-of-house staff, answering wine-related queries, and enhancing guest confidence through knowledgeable and approachable service.
- Assisting in selecting wines for special events, group tastings, and pairing menus.
- Supporting marketing efforts by communicating the story behind wines, regions, and producers—especially those sourced directly from boutique Italian and Australian vineyards.
- Ensuring compliance with all licensing regulations and RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) requirements.
- Assisting with service of other beverages as needed (e.g., aperitifs, digestifs, cocktails), and contributing to beverage sales targets.
- Manage the wine service from start to finish, advise guests on wine selection, and ensure that the wine list is maintained and presented with care.
- Assist with administrative tasks such as managing wine costs and keeping track of inventory, all while ensuring the highest standards of service are met in a fast-paced, high-end environment.
- Work alongside the Head Sommelier to oversee the wine service and ensure it aligns with the restaurant’s high standards, and ensuring an exceptional experience for every guest.
- Provide expert food and wine recommendations to guests, helping them pair wines with our Italian cuisine for a memorable dining experience.
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of the wine list, including Italian and Australian wines, to provide accurate guidance to both guests and team members.
- Assist with managing wine inventory, orders, and cost control to maintain the profitability of the wine program.
- Ensure wine and beverages are served with impeccable attention to detail and professionalism, replacing and refilling all glasses.
- Support staff training and development in wine knowledge to help maintain a cohesive team and improve service standards.
- Contribute to the daily smooth operation of the restaurant, including end of service- clearing tables, returning dishes and cutlery to kitchen, collecting payment for sales and operating the POS and cash register.
- Removing empty bottles and used glasses.
Required Skills or Experience:
- Meet 1 of the following levels of Qualification and Experience
- AQF Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House), or equivalent qualification as assessed by a Registered Training Organisation AND at least 12 months relevant work experience. (Note: 12 months relevant work experience is additional to job placements during course of study) OR
- At least 18 months’ relevant work experience in Australia on a temporary visa OR
- At least 2 years relevant experience in a similar role within a fine dining, high-end restaurant environment.
- A strong background in wine and beverage knowledge, particularly with Italian and Australian wines.
- Exceptional attention to detail, with a passion for delivering outstanding guest service.
- Ability to read customer needs and deliver personalized recommendations that enhance the dining experience.
- A proactive team player who can work well in a dynamic, fast-paced, high-end restaurant setting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
- Highly organized with excellent time management skills.
- Professional, personable, and committed to providing a top-tier dining experience.
About Us: The Restaurant Pendolino specializes in authentic, regionally inspired Italian cuisine. We take immense pride in using Australia's finest extra virgin olive oils and creating handmade pasta dishes. Our extensive wine list features a selection of prestigious Italian and Australian wines, carefully curated to complement our menu.
At Pendolino, we recognize that our team is our greatest asset in delivering outstanding experiences for our guests. We offer opportunities for career development, ongoing training, and employee perks. If you're looking to join a passionate and dynamic team in a renowned restaurant group, we invite you to apply.
How to Apply: To apply, please submit your resume to hr@pendolino.com.au. Learn more about us at www.pendolino.com.au. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No recruitment agencies.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,902.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person