Sake and Tea Sommelier (Shipboard)

Department: Beverage

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Reporting To: Beverage Manager / Restaurant Manager

Description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Sake and Tea Sommelier to join our team. As a Sake and Tea Sommelier, you will be responsible for curating and managing an exquisite selection of sake and teas, providing expert advice and service to our guests, and conducting educational tastings and workshops. Your deep knowledge of sake and tea, along with your exceptional customer service skills, will enhance the dining experience of our guests, offering them unique and memorable moments.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Lady or Gentleman for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with the Company's Safety, Quality and Environmental standards.

Essential Duties

1. Curation and Management:

• Select, curate, and manage an extensive and diverse selection of sake and teas, ensuring the offerings are aligned with the cruise ship's high standards and clientele preferences.
• Collaborate with the Beverage Manager to maintain an up-to-date inventory, including ordering, stocking, and managing sake and tea products.
• Ensure the proper storage, handling, and presentation of all sake and tea products to maintain their quality and authenticity.

2. Guest Interaction and Service:

• Provide personalized sake and tea recommendations to guests based on their preferences and dining choices.
• Serve sake and tea during meals, ensuring correct presentation and temperature.
• Offer detailed explanations of the origins, brewing processes, and flavor profiles of the sake and teas, enriching the guest experience.
• Engage with guests through tastings, pairings, and educational sessions to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of sake and tea.

3. Educational Workshops and Events:

• Organize and conduct sake and tea tastings, workshops, and themed events for guests, creating engaging and informative experiences.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to design sake and tea pairings for special menus and events.
• Stay updated on trends, new products, and innovations in the sake and tea industries to continuously enhance the onboard offerings.

4. Training and Team Collaboration:

• Train and mentor dining and beverage service staff on sake and tea knowledge, including proper service techniques and pairing suggestions.
• Work closely with the culinary team to develop and refine sake and tea pairings with the ship's menu offerings.
• Assist with other beverage services as needed, ensuring seamless teamwork within the food and beverage department.

Qualifications

Education and Certification:

• Certified Sake Sommelier or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Certified Tea Sommelier or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
• Additional certification in wine or other beverages is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Sake or Tea Sommelier, preferably in a luxury hotel, restaurant, or cruise ship environment.
• Proven track record of providing exceptional guest service and conducting engaging tastings or workshops.

Skills and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of sake and tea, including varieties, brewing processes, cultural significance, and food pairing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and educate guests of varying knowledge levels.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage inventory and coordinate events effectively.
• Passion for continuous learning and staying current with industry trends.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the cruise schedule.
• Capable of standing for extended periods and lifting heavy bottles or boxes when necessary.

Working Conditions:

• Must be willing to live and work on board a cruise ship for extended periods.
• Flexible schedule, including working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and manage a physically active role.
  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The Lady or Gentleman must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats.
• All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be able to communicate in the English language in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors and co-workers.