Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $41,600.00 - $77,200.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
flexible scheduling
Job Description
The Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) is a prestigious private social club in Detroit, known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and commitment to exceptional member experiences. Established over a century ago, the club offers members a blend of recreational, dining, and social amenities that cater to a sophisticated and discerning clientele. With a commitment to excellence and tradition, the DAC stands as a symbol of community, culture, and luxury within the city of Detroit. Its dining venues are highly regarded, combining culinary innovation with classic hospitality, and the wine program is a crucial element of this experience.
The Lead Sommelier and Wine Program Operations Manager role at the Detroit Athletic Club is a leadership position central to maintaining and elevating the club’s world-class wine program. This role is the operational and financial steward of the DAC’s wine offerings, overseeing every aspect from wine purchasing and cellar development to inventory management and wine list curation. Working closely with the Wine Director, the Lead Sommelier ensures the wine program is balanced, dynamic, and financially successful across all club dining venues.
In this position, the individual will be responsible for curating a globally diverse and thoughtfully balanced wine list that caters to various culinary styles and member preferences. Their duties extend to managing the wine purchasing strategy to meet budget goals and program direction, as well as sourcing rare, allocated, and library wines in partnership with the Wine Director. The role also includes overseeing the retail wine program and fostering strong relationships with wineries, importers, distributors, and brokers to secure exclusive access and favorable pricing. Financial oversight is a critical component, requiring the manager to monitor sales performance, contribution margins, and product mix to optimize revenue and profitability.
Additionally, the Lead Sommelier manages inventory and cellar operations, ensuring proper storage, organizational systems, and vintage tracking are maintained meticulously. They supervise monthly inventory processes and ensure variance controls to protect the wine asset. Beyond the operational scope, this position supports the club’s event programming by collaborating on Wine Society events, wine dinners, tastings, and signature functions. This includes logistical coordination and maintaining a visible presence to engage members during key events and dining periods.
Leadership and team development are also fundamental responsibilities, as the Lead Sommelier supervises the Sommelier team and promotes wine service excellence and staff training initiatives. The role demands professionalism and a passion for wine that inspires the entire dining service team, ensuring that members receive an exceptional wine experience that complements the DAC’s esteemed reputation.
Overall, this role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned wine professional with a deep knowledge of global wine regions and cellar management to lead a premium wine program in a luxury hospitality environment. The successful candidate will possess strong financial acumen, experience in wine buying and program management, and a proven ability to maintain and grow a profitable, high-quality wine program within a private club setting. This position not only requires technical wine expertise but also exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to delivering extraordinary member experiences through wine.
The Lead Sommelier and Wine Program Operations Manager role at the Detroit Athletic Club is a leadership position central to maintaining and elevating the club’s world-class wine program. This role is the operational and financial steward of the DAC’s wine offerings, overseeing every aspect from wine purchasing and cellar development to inventory management and wine list curation. Working closely with the Wine Director, the Lead Sommelier ensures the wine program is balanced, dynamic, and financially successful across all club dining venues.
In this position, the individual will be responsible for curating a globally diverse and thoughtfully balanced wine list that caters to various culinary styles and member preferences. Their duties extend to managing the wine purchasing strategy to meet budget goals and program direction, as well as sourcing rare, allocated, and library wines in partnership with the Wine Director. The role also includes overseeing the retail wine program and fostering strong relationships with wineries, importers, distributors, and brokers to secure exclusive access and favorable pricing. Financial oversight is a critical component, requiring the manager to monitor sales performance, contribution margins, and product mix to optimize revenue and profitability.
Additionally, the Lead Sommelier manages inventory and cellar operations, ensuring proper storage, organizational systems, and vintage tracking are maintained meticulously. They supervise monthly inventory processes and ensure variance controls to protect the wine asset. Beyond the operational scope, this position supports the club’s event programming by collaborating on Wine Society events, wine dinners, tastings, and signature functions. This includes logistical coordination and maintaining a visible presence to engage members during key events and dining periods.
Leadership and team development are also fundamental responsibilities, as the Lead Sommelier supervises the Sommelier team and promotes wine service excellence and staff training initiatives. The role demands professionalism and a passion for wine that inspires the entire dining service team, ensuring that members receive an exceptional wine experience that complements the DAC’s esteemed reputation.
Overall, this role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned wine professional with a deep knowledge of global wine regions and cellar management to lead a premium wine program in a luxury hospitality environment. The successful candidate will possess strong financial acumen, experience in wine buying and program management, and a proven ability to maintain and grow a profitable, high-quality wine program within a private club setting. This position not only requires technical wine expertise but also exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to delivering extraordinary member experiences through wine.
Job Requirements
- Certified Sommelier (CMS), WSET Level 2, or equivalent preferred
- minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in wine buying and program management
- strong financial acumen and experience managing beverage budgets
- deep knowledge of global wine regions and cellar management practices
- experience in a luxury hospitality or private club environment is strongly preferred
Job Qualifications
- Certified Sommelier (CMS), WSET Level 2, or equivalent preferred
- minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in wine buying and program management
- strong financial acumen and experience managing beverage budgets
- deep knowledge of global wine regions and cellar management practices
- experience in a luxury hospitality or private club environment is strongly preferred
Job Duties
- Curate and maintain a globally diverse and balanced wine list that supports all dining venues and culinary styles within the club
- execute wine purchasing and allocation strategy in alignment with budget goals and program direction
- collaborate with the Wine Director on sourcing rare, allocated, and library wines to build depth in key regions, producers, and verticals
- supervise and drive retail wine program
- establish and maintain strong relationships with wineries, importers, distributors, and brokers to secure exclusive opportunities and favorable pricing
- develop and manage the wine purchasing plan in alignment with the annual budget
- monitor wine sales performance, contribution margins, and product mix to optimize financial results
- analyze sales data to identify opportunities for list engineering and revenue growth
- oversee inventory planning, stock levels, and long-term cellar development
- ensure proper storage systems, bin organization, and vintage tracking in partnership with the Sommelier
- supervise monthly inventory processes and manage variance controls
- collaborate with the Wine Director to select wines for Wine Society events and club programming
- support wine dinners, tastings, and signature club events through wine selection and logistical coordination
- maintain a visible and engaging presence during key dining periods, Wine Society events, and signature club functions
- supervise the Sommelier in daily cellar operations and floor wine service standards
- support staff wine training initiatives led by the Wine Director
- promote a culture of professionalism, hospitality, and wine excellence across the service team
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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