Michelin Restaurant Sommelier jobs

Situated in the heart of Rayleigh, Essex, Great Wheatley Vineyard is an award-winning producer of premium, artisanal English wines that celebrate the unique character of our region. Our ethos embraces a single, fundamental goal – to make outstanding wine.

Planted in 2021, our vineyard has grown rapidly in reputation and ambition, with our debut vintage launched to critical acclaim in 2023 and exciting plans already underway for the years ahead.

That’s where you come in.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic, hands-on General Manager to lead the daily operations of our Vineyard and Cellar Door, a boutique shop and future restaurant destination that serves as the public face of the Great Wheatley Vineyard brand.

You will be responsible for networking and promoting our brand, engaging with wholesale and retail customers alike.

You will also be responsible for delivering warm, memorable guest experiences, driving wine sales, and overseeing an exciting new venue that combines first-class hospitality with the storytelling power of English wine.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Cellar Door’s retail, tasting and restaurant components, ensuring a smooth and efficient service across all areas whilst developing strategic plans for the business.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts whilst managing costs with informed decision making.
• Lead by example to create a warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable environment for guests.
• Drive wholesale and direct-to-consumer wine sales, promotions and merchandise purchases through excellent customer service and team motivation.
• Serve as a key ambassador for the Great Wheatley Vineyard brand, communicating our story, values, and vision, both in the Cellar Door and through local networks.
• Host and coordinate tastings, seasonal launches and events to showcase our brand.
• Manage stock levels (wine, merchandise, and retail consumables), monitor performance metrics and report regularly to the vineyard owners.
• Ensure all health & safety, alcohol, food hygiene and licensing regulations are adhered to.
• Effectively communicate with staff, customers and stakeholders, building relationships and managing conflict.

What You Bring

• Strong wine knowledge and a passion for English wine (WSET or equivalent certification desirable).
• A confident, engaging personality with excellent leadership and customer service skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets, sales targets and operational logistics.
• Experience coordinating or hosting wine tastings, food pairings, or similar guest events.
• Flexible availability including weekends and evenings as needed.
• Proficiency in POS systems, booking platforms and general office software.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• The chance to shape a unique business in one of the UK’s most exciting wine regions
• A supportive, forward-thinking team and opportunities for growth
• A creative platform for hospitality innovation tied directly to a working vineyard

Job Type: Full-time

Application question(s):

• Do you have strong wine knowledge and a passion for English wine?
• For contacting purposes, please can you confirm your email address?

Experience:

• Hospitality management: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)
• WSET certification (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person