Junior Sommelier

ABOUT THE ROLE

Title: Junior Sommelier
Team: Food & Beverage
Location: Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada

WHO WE ARE

A member of Relais & Châteaux with Three MICHELIN Keys, Fogo Island Inn is a 29-room luxury hotel, built on principles of sustainability and respect for nature and culture. The Inn is a community asset, owned by the charity Shorefast, and 100 percent of operating surpluses are reinvested into Shorefast’s work to secure a resilient future for Fogo Island.

Our work has garnered significant international interest including a feature on 60 Minutes and in The New York Times’ 52 Places for a Changed World. The mission of Shorefast is to build, learn, and share economic development practices that catalyse the assets of local places, starting with Fogo Island.

Learn more about us: fogoislandinn.ca

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Junior Sommelier needs to be a driven and passionate person with a desire to do better each day. They must possess a sensitivity and respect for the history and culture of rural Newfoundland and be committed to upholding the vision and goals of Fogo Island Inn, Shorefast Foundation, and other affiliated organizations. A positive attitude, humble, Storyteller, passion, great communication skills, work under pressure, empathy, knowledge, curiosity, open-mindedness, and a hospitality professional are just a few of the skills required as our sommelier. We expect our Junior Sommelier to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and to respect our status as a social business with their desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the community.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Reporting to the Food + Beverage Manager and collaborating with the Sommelier, this position will be responsible for assisting the Sommelier with the Inn’s wine sales and inventory while providing quality service to all guests of the Fogo Island Inn and supporting the management team as needed.
• Work with beverage manager / head sommelier to vet producers
• Submit paperwork for Private Orders
• Inventory
• Ensure that par stocks are met, and orders put away and accounted for
• Add and update wines on POS system.
• Liquor room free of clutter, boxes broken down and recycled, swept and mopped regularly
• Work on the floor and communicate about guest needs to staff and head sommeliers.
• Follow and track pairing program.
• Assure that all BEO’s are met and set up, including rooms with automatic wine replenishment.
• Follow and track pairing program.
• Assure that all BEO’s are met and set up, including rooms with automatic wine replenishment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Approximately 5 years experience as a Sommelier, in a similar establishment.
• Certification from a recognized sommelier program (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET) is required.
• Extensive knowledge of wines, including regions, varietals, and food pairings, along with a passion for wine and food culture.
• Experience working in award winning restaurant environments preferred.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage guests and share knowledge in an approachable manner.
• Strong leadership abilities to train and inspire staff, fostering a culture of learning and appreciation for wine.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, including inventory management and staff training.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the business.
• Must have valid Canadian driver’s license
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Passion for social business and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others and in the community
• Entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude
• Commitment to upholding the vision and goals of Fogo Island Inn, Shorefast Foundation, and other affiliated organizations
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Sensitivity to the history and culture of rural Newfoundland

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary
• Health and dental benefits, along with access to an employee assistance program for mental health support and work/life services
• Team member discounts within our businesses (Fogo Island Inn and Fogo Island Workshops)
• Travel to Fogo Island, and allowances for travel
• Housing assistance and relocation reimbursement
• The technology necessary to complete your work
• Access to an employee work-out room, to support personal well-being
• An engaged, highly supportive, and collaborative environment that encourages creativity and curiosity
• The opportunity to work in a thriving social enterprise
• Continued learning and professional development opportunities

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@fogoislandinn.ca, with the subject line “Junior Sommelier”; Questions about this position may also be directed here.

Deadline for Applications: Until filled.

We are grateful for all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We endeavour to foster an accessible work environment and to ensure all in our care feel safe and valued. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to accommodate a more accessible or inclusive application process.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal

Pay: $16.50-$21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision care

Work Location: In person