Fleet Head Sommelier (Shipboard)

Department: Beverage

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Reporting To: Director, Restaurants & Bars

Description

The Fleet Head Sommelier oversees the strategic development, implementation, and management of a world-class wine program across the fleet. This leadership role ensures that the program reflects the brand’s luxury standards and enhances the guest experience. The manager is also responsible for guiding and supporting Head Sommeliers and onboard wine teams, curating innovative wine offerings, and driving excellence in wine service and operations.

The position involves collaborating with procurement teams to source premium wines, designing training programs to certify and develop onboard teams, and implementing consistent operational standards across all Yachts. The Fleet Head Sommelier is also responsible for optimizing financial performance, developing innovative wine sales strategies, and ensuring health and safety regulations compliance.

With a focus on elevating guest experiences and maintaining the brand’s reputation for luxury and innovation, the Fleet Head Sommelier plays a pivotal role in shaping the wine program into a hallmark of excellence for the fleet.

This position will play also a key role in enlivening the Ritz-Carlton Philosophy and Culture when travelling onboard and training our Ladies & Gentlemen accordingly.

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

WINE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

· Design and oversee a comprehensive wine program for the fleet, including all-inclusive selections, a premium reserve list, and tailored pre-voyage ordering opportunities for guests. 
· Ensure the wine program reflects global wine excellence and aligns with the brand’s luxury standards, catering to a diverse and sophisticated clientele. 
· Collaborate with onboard culinary and beverage teams to curate wine pairings that enhance menu offerings and create memorable guest experiences. 
· Introduce innovative wine concepts and experiences that elevate the overall guest journey across the fleet.

LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT OF ONBOARD TEAMS

· Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Hotel Managers, Head Sommeliers, and wine teams across all Yachts, ensuring consistent execution of the wine program. 
· Monitor and evaluate the performance of onboard wine teams, ensuring adherence to company policies, luxury service standards, and legal regulations. 
· Establish clear goals and expectations for wine operations and provide ongoing support to ensure their successful implementation.

PROCUREMENT AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

· Collaborate with procurement teams to source premium wines from global producers, focusing on quality, exclusivity, and cost efficiency. 
· Develop and maintain inventory management standards, including par stock levels, First In, First Out (FIFO) practices, and processes to address slow-moving items. 
· Work closely with suppliers and vendors to build strong relationships, secure premium selections, and ensure reliable delivery to all Yachts.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

· Develop and oversee training programs for shipboard sommeliers and beverage teams, ensuring certification in wine knowledge (e.g., WSET Level 1 and 2 or equivalent). 
· Organize and support ongoing professional development opportunities, including vineyard and winery visits sponsored by wine partners, to deepen team knowledge. 
· Conduct workshops, tastings, and masterclasses for wine teams, ensuring consistent service excellence and product knowledge across the fleet.

GUEST EXPERIENCE ENHANCEMENT

· Provide strategic guidance to onboard teams to deliver exceptional wine experiences for guests, including personalized recommendations and curated pairings. 
· Collaborate with marketing and guest engagement teams to promote wine offerings and integrate them into the overall luxury experience. 
· Support the creation of bespoke wine-related events and experiences that align with the brand’s luxury standards.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND STRATEGY

· Monitor and analyze wine cost, sales performance, and guest feedback to refine and optimize the wine program. 
· Develop fleet-wide strategies for wine sales, including wine-by-the-glass programs, voyage packages, and upsell initiatives. 
· Partner with financial teams to manage budgets, pricing strategies, and revenue targets for the wine program.

COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

· Establish and enforce wine handling, storage, and service standards across all Yachts to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. 
· Conduct regular reviews and assessments of wine operations to maintain readiness for internal and external audits.

INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

· Stay informed on global wine trends and industry developments to ensure the wine program remains competitive and innovative. 
· Introduce creative initiatives and concepts that enhance the wine program and elevate the guest experience. 
· Leverage guest feedback, market research, and operational data to continuously refine and improve wine offerings and strategies.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Model and hold others accountable for promoting the Gold Standards, respect and fair treatment
• Ensures the Daily execution of processes in accordance with company standards and Brand Guidelines
• Sets the department’s expectations for desired behavior, knowledge and skill levels
• Coaches others by providing constructive feedback; helps others identify developmental needs and monitors progress; promoting an environment where everyone is valued and included
• Demonstrates alignment with corporate strategies and initiatives while ensuring alignment throughout the yacht organization
• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty and integrity; leads by example
• Coordinates and maintains on-going training program and its’ execution to ensure all F&B Ladies and Gentlemen always have access to all pertinent training materials and are regularly tested on all information including menus, hours of operation, steps of service, Gold Standards and other divisional, Yacht and brand information
• Maintains and delivers a comprehensive and engaging on-boarding program which successfully welcomes and integrates new Ladies and Gentlemen into the operation and provides the foundation for their career with the brand to grow

Qualifications

1. Valid Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and flag certification for the duration of the contract and appropriate to position.
2. Superior knowledge and experience in Public Health Rules and Regulations related to USPH and HACCP.
3. WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines (or higher), such as WSET Level 4 Diploma, Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced, or Master Sommelier Certification.
4. Equivalent certifications such as Certified Wine Educator (CWE), French Wine Scholar (FWS), or Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) are acceptable.
5. Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or a related field (preferred).
   

EXPERIENCE

1. Advanced certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET Level 3 or Diploma preferred) or equivalent sommelier qualification.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in a head sommelier or similar leadership role, preferably in a luxury hospitality or cruise setting.
3. Proven track record of designing and managing wine programs, including training and cost management
   

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

1. Exceptional knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, and pairing principles.
2. Strong leadership and training skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
3. Excellent negotiation and vendor relationship management skills.
4. Superior organizational and problem-solving abilities.
5. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Passionate advocate for wine, with a deep appreciation for its role in luxury hospitality.
7. Highly adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a dynamic fleet environment.
8. Committed to delivering unparalleled guest experiences and fostering a culture of excellence.
   
   

• 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. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• 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.