Sommelier

Starwood Hotels is a distinguished luxury hotel brand management company renowned for its commitment to exceptional hospitality and innovative guest experiences. Founded in 2006 by Barry Sternlicht and affiliated with the global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, the company emphasizes creating an empowered, inclusive, and diverse workplace. Starwood Hotels is dedicated to sustainability and building a community of like-minded travelers who appreciate world-class service and thoughtful environmental stewardship. At the heart of this mission-driven organization lies a passion for making a positive impact on both its team members and the planet, positioning Starwood Hotels as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry globally.

Baccarat Hotel New York, part of the Starwood Hotels portfolio, is a Forbes 5-Star property with a Michelin Key, located in the vibrant heart of Midtown Manhattan. This iconic, luxurious destination is synonymous with elegance and sophistication, offering world-class amenities, impeccable service, and an unparalleled guest experience. Baccarat Hotel New York prides itself on setting the benchmark for opulence and style in the competitive luxury hotel market, attracting discerning guests who expect the highest level of quality and attention to detail.

The open position is for a Sommelier at Baccarat Hotel New York, a role that is vital to maintaining the prestige and excellent service standards of the establishment. This position involves supervising over 40 employees within the restaurant and bar departments, requiring strong leadership and organizational skills to coordinate, evaluate, and motivate the team effectively. The Sommelier is responsible for direction and management in accordance with company policies and applicable laws, focusing on optimizing wine sales performance through a structured bonus program tied to budget goals.

The Sommelier collaborates closely with chefs to ensure perfect wine and spirit pairings that enhance the dining experience. The role includes curating the wine list, sourcing bottles from distributors, and managing inventory and storage meticulously. In addition, the Sommelier plays a critical role in educating front-of-house staff—servers, bartenders, and others—on various wine regions, flavors, and proper service procedures, ensuring every guest encounter reflects expert knowledge and care.

Leadership responsibilities include comprehensive employee management tasks such as interviewing, hiring, training, planning schedules, appraising performance, and rewarding or disciplining team members. The Sommelier also enforces job descriptions, manages department costs within budgetary goals (covering food, beverage, and labor), and ensures workplace safety and emergency procedures are adhered to. This role requires balancing operational efficiency with the maintenance of high staff morale and a supportive team environment.

The salary for this influential position ranges from $85,000 to $90,000 annually, complemented by potential bonuses based on achieving targeted wine sales. This package reflects the importance of the Sommelier role in supporting the overall luxury experience Baccarat Hotel New York delivers. Starwood Hotels fosters career advancement opportunities globally and provides robust benefits including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement planning, paid personal days, professional development through Starwood University, and recognition programs for team members. The hotel and the broader Starwood Hotels enterprise are steadfast in their commitment to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and ensuring equal employment opportunities.