Sommelier (550 Madison)

Madison, WI, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $11.35

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible spending account

Commuter Benefits

Referral Bonus Program

Career advancement opportunities

Employee recognition awards

employee dining discounts

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Gracious Hospitality Management is an award-winning hospitality company known for its exceptional dining experiences and commitment to culinary excellence. As the company continues to expand its operations, it is launching its most ambitious project yet: 550 Madison, a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination located inside the iconic Sony building in Midtown Manhattan. This new venue will host three distinct restaurant concepts, including the second New York location of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, an all-day multi-bar and dining concept called Chimera, and an intimate sushi restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Masahiro Yoshitake, known as Sushi Yoshitake. Designed by the renowned Rockwell Group and with collaboration from Yoshio Itai on the sushi concept, 550 Madison aims to redefine immersive and transportive dining experiences in New York City.

The company is actively seeking dynamic and experienced sommeliers to join its esteemed hospitality team for the grand opening anticipated in spring 2026. These sommeliers will play a key role in ensuring exceptional customer experiences by managing wine lists, guiding guests through beverage selections, and helping to deliver the signature Gracious Hospitality service. This full-time position offers comprehensive on-site training for qualified candidates, emphasizing skill-building in wine knowledge, customer engagement, and seamless service delivery within a fast-paced, high-end dining environment. The compensation rate starts at $11.35 per hour, aligning with New York State’s pay transparency laws.

The sommelier position involves a broad spectrum of responsibilities that go beyond traditional wine service. Professionals in this role will interact closely with guests, providing knowledgeable wine and beverage recommendations tailored to taste preferences and food pairings. They will oversee wine serving and storage, train service staff on wine selections, and ensure the proper presentation of wine including glassware and temperature. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an understanding of regional wine laws, grape varieties, and fermentation processes, paired with excellent interpersonal skills and a friendly demeanor. They should also possess expertise in the COTE brand and menu to enhance business and customer satisfaction.

This role demands excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage communication among servers, bartenders, and management effectively. Candidates must be able to perform under pressure while maintaining professionalism and composure in a dynamic environment. The sommelier will also be responsible for administrative duties, such as inspecting incoming wine orders, stock management, updating the wine list with supervision, and assisting with cellar maintenance.

Physical demands of the job include standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating stairs while carrying heavy items. Exposure to temperature fluctuations and potential hazards such as burns or cuts is also expected. The company offers training to accommodate these requirements and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Gracious Hospitality Management values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring equal employment opportunities irrespective of race, religion, gender identity, or other legally protected statuses. The company provides a structured and supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement. Sommeliers joining the team can anticipate a rewarding experience working within a prestigious hospitality brand, contributing to an unparalleled dining destination in New York’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum 1 year experience as a sommelier or related hospitality role
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours per day
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, nights, and holidays
Must be at least 21 years old
Must have Food Handler’s Certification or ability to obtain
Must have or obtain certification for responsible alcohol service within 6 months
Effective communication skills in English
Must be able to use point of sale and restaurant management software
Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure
Must comply with company grooming and appearance standards
Able to follow federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Must physically perform job tasks including standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and handling heavy equipment

Job Qualifications

Ability to read, speak, understand, follow written and verbal instructions in English
Reachable by email and able to communicate via phone
Effective and efficient communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality
Ability to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure in a high-paced environment
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards
Food Handler’s Certification or ability to obtain as per regulations
Flexible schedule availability including weekends, nights, and holidays
Must be of legal age to serve alcohol
Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within six months
Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sales, reservations, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
Ability to execute service steps according to company policy
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent communication with management and teammates
WSET Level 3 or CMS Certified Sommelier pin or higher preferred

Job Duties

Provide exceptional service to every customer
Recommend wines based on price, personal taste, and food selection
Oversee serving and storage of wine and train service team members on wine selection
Ensure wines are served in the correct glassware and at proper temperature
Demonstrate friendly personality, strong knowledge of wine and spirits, and interpersonal skills
Understand regional wine laws, appellations, grape varieties, harvest times, elevation, climate, soil, and fermentation processes
Master COTE wine and food menu items to enhance sales and customer experience
Take and enter orders accurately, communicate flow with servers, bartenders, and management
Use point of sale systems and other restaurant technologies proficiently
Grill steak cuts to specification with elegance and finesse
Handle customer complaints positively and notify management when necessary
Adhere to high standards of cleanliness and pre-buss tables when possible
Maintain all service tools including decanters and wine keys
Report to each shift on time, in uniform, and ready to work
Assist other stations or restaurant areas when requested by management
Train new employees as assigned
Inspect incoming orders and invoices for accuracy
Stock and organize wine inventory
Update wine list under Wine Manager supervision
Assist with inventory, cellar maintenance, and administrative tasks as directed by Wine Manager
Display knowledge of COTE brand, culture, and product
Demonstrate company core values of people, learning, culture, relationships, sustainability, and stewardship
Maintain professional and respectful behavior with customers, management, and teammates
Present polished personal appearance according to company grooming standards
Adhere to company policies and procedures
Attend scheduled meetings, training, and continuing education
Maintain safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards
Comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations