Head Sommelier

About Wynn Al Marjan Island

Wynn Al Marjan Island is an upcoming luxury beachfront resort in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to open in 2027. Set on a scenic island that curves into the Arabian Gulf and located under 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the property is being developed as a high-end leisure destination with 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 restaurants and lounges, a theatre, a nightclub, and a five-star spa.

Position Overview

The resort is looking for a Head Sommelier to join its Beverage team and take ownership of the wine program, guest wine experiences, and team leadership across the venue.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the standard for the wine program by making sure Wynn Al Marjan Island values, property expectations, and department procedures are consistently followed by the sommelier team.
• Represent the Wynn brand professionally and build respectful, ethical relationships with colleagues, contractors, and the wider community.
• Work closely with the Administrative Wine Team on assigned projects, contributing leadership and strategic direction when needed.
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring the team follows all departmental and company safety rules.
• Keep wine and service knowledge current through ongoing learning and advanced training, then share that expertise with the team.
• Coordinate with the membership team to identify wine locker sales opportunities and support related partnership growth.
• Oversee the wine list, making sure all employees understand the full selection, including new wines and seasonal additions.
• Provide tailored wine suggestions to members and guests based on preferences, menu choices, and dining occasions.
• Plan and conduct private tastings, educational sessions, and exclusive wine events for members.
• Advise wine locker members on selecting, storing, and managing their personal collections.
• Partner with the Wine Manager to maintain accurate records of member wine collections, purchases, consumption patterns, and preferences.
• Ensure wine service standards are strictly followed and continually improved to support the club’s luxury image.
• Lead and attend training sessions and pre-shift briefings so the team stays updated on priorities, new offerings, and member notes.
• Handle additional leadership and operational tasks as assigned to support the wine program and overall guest satisfaction.
• Carry out any other job-related responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Secondary school completion is mandatory; further qualifications in hospitality or wine studies are considered beneficial.
• Candidates must be at least 21 years old due to alcohol service regulations.
• At least 3 to 5 years of sommelier experience in a luxury hotel, fine-dining restaurant, or integrated resort.
• Certified Sommelier credentials from a recognized body such as Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET are strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international wine regions, grape varieties, vintages, and food pairing principles.
• Experience in designing wine lists, managing cellar stock, and maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and mentor junior sommeliers and service staff.
• Solid understanding of wine storage, handling, and service best practices.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to host wine tastings, promote premium products, and enhance the guest experience.
• Comfortable using POS systems and processing cash or card payments.
• Fluency in English is required; other languages are an advantage.
• Must be adaptable with schedules and able to lead shifts based on business requirements.
• A positive mindset, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for wine and hospitality are essential.
• Any other related duties may be assigned.

Benefits

The role comes with a competitive salary paid in UAE Dirhams (AED), along with an excellent leave policy, healthcare coverage, incentive programs, and other employee benefits.

Additional Information

This position is part of a major luxury resort development in the UAE and is aimed at candidates who want to build a career with a globally recognized hospitality brand.