The Dubai Expat Diaries

The new upcoming Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is currently on the lookout for an experienced Sommelier! If you fit the profile or know someone who does, please visit the official site to apply directly online! http://www.minacareers.com/careers/mina/VacancyDetail.aspx?CompanyID=35&VacancyID=6655

Person: Job responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

• Able to network with peers in the industry
• Well versed in leadership and management skills
• Good motivator and trainer
• Independent, responsible, initiative and ability to communicate with people at all levels
• Negotiation skills and understands marketing plan/ strategies
• Good working knowledge of Food & Beverage products and service standards
• Good marketer and entrepreneur
• Extensive wine and spirits knowledge and proven history in writing, analyzing and costing wine and beverage lists
• Must be an outgoing, vibrant personality
• High School Graduate
• Tertiary Degree desirable
• High level of wine training and viticulture expertise
• Good working knowledge of cheese and wine pairings is desirable
• 3-5 years experience in a reputable restaurant or 5 star hotel in a similar role is essential
• Knowledge of the Dubai market is desirable
• Of western origin, youthful however maturity is essential
• Able to work all shifts as well as weekends and public holidays
• Would become a Complex Sommelier role after opening
• This position will become a Complex Sommelier role where the candidate will be responsible for the wine product of the Mina Seyahi Complex, liaising with Managers and Senior Executives of both Hotels to develop exciting and state of the art wine and beverage lists

Hotel Overview:

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi is situated in the modern, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Our five-star resort is set on 1,200 meters of the Jumeirah coastline, curving alongside Dubai’s largest private white-sand beach and glittering, 238-berth world-class marina.

Food & Beverage (F&B) represents approximately one third of total business and is a key driver of guest experience. As a result, the F&B function is critical to the overall success and reputation of our individual hotels, our portfolio of brands, and for Starwood as a whole.

What is a Sommelier?

A sommelier (pronounced suh-mal-’yAy), or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, commonly working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all facets of wine service. The role is more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter.

Their principal work is in the area of wine procurement, storage, and wine cellar rotation. They are also responsible for the development of wine lists and are responsible overall for the delivery of wine service and training for the other restaurant staff. Working along with the culinary team, they pair and suggest wines that will best complement each particular food menu item. It could be argued that the role of a sommelier in fine dining today is strategically on par with that of the executive chef or chef de cuisine. A professional sommelier also works on the floor of the restaurant and is in direct contact with restaurant patrons. The sommelier has a responsibility to work within the taste preference and budget parameters of the patron.

In modern times, a sommelier’s role is considered much broader than working only with wines, and must encompass all aspects of the restaurant’s service, with an enhanced focus on wines, beers, spirits, soft-drinks, cocktails, mineral waters, and tobaccos. Some restaurants will employ a sommelier for water, one for whiskies, one for cigars, and so on.