Sommelier/Wine Steward

RPM Italian, created by Bill and Giuliana Rancic along with RJ, Jerrod, and Molly Melman, is an upscale restaurant offering modern Italian cuisine in an elegant yet urban atmosphere. Known for its sophisticated yet unpretentious menu, RPM Italian specializes in well-crafted and versatile interpretations of classic Italian dishes. Signature offerings include freshly prepared in-house pastas, such as the notable Mama DePandi's Bucatini Pomodoro, and the richly textured flavors of whole wood-grilled Branzino. The restaurant is part of the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a company with over 100 nationally recognized restaurants celebrated for outstanding food, service, and as exceptional places to work. Lettuce Entertain You emphasizes hiring people with creativity, passion, and a drive for excellence while supporting their teams with excellent benefits, ongoing training, and growth opportunities. This commitment demonstrates the company’s dedication to fostering a caring and creative work environment where employees can build rewarding careers. RPM Italian is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and participates in E-Verify to ensure compliance with employment eligibility standards.

The Sommelier role at RPM Italian is a dynamic and essential position responsible for managing the restaurant's wine program and enhancing the overall guest experience through expert knowledge of wine. A Sommelier, or Wine Steward, must hold a current Sommelier certification, demonstrating expertise in wine selection, service, and education. The role involves selling and serving bottled wine, developing and coordinating the wine menu, ordering wine inventories, and maintaining professional relationships with purveyors while strictly adhering to ethical practices by not accepting gifts or cash in exchange for orders. Sommeliers at RPM Italian contribute significantly to the ambience and reputation of the restaurant by conducting wine tastings and providing wine education and training to new and existing employees, ensuring the team is knowledgeable and confident in wine service. The role requires flexibility in scheduling, including the availability to work various hours, days, and shifts such as weekends, to meet the operational needs of the restaurant.

Physical demands include the ability to stand and walk for entire shifts, handle and move various weights frequently, and work efficiently in a busy, sometimes noisy environment with variable temperatures. Sommeliers must exercise excellent communication skills to follow job requirements, multitask calmly under pressure, and provide respectful and attentive service to guests. The role also encompasses administrative duties such as accurately processing sales, balancing receipts, and complying with safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness training. RPM Italian encourages team players who get along well with others and strive to exceed guest expectations, offering a vibrant workplace where employees can develop their talents and advance within a supportive corporate culture.