wine Waiter & Cellar Manager

Talbooth Restaurant | Dedham, Essex Salary: £36,000 per annum + share of tips 28 days' holiday per year | Milsom People Perks from day one An exciting opportunity for a passionate wine professional! We are looking for a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and motivated Wine Waiter & Cellar Manager to join our team at Talbooth Restaurant, part of Milsom Hotels & Restaurants. Set in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale, Talbooth Restaurant is renowned for its exceptional food, extensive wine list and warm, professional hospitality. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a genuine passion for wine who enjoys delivering memorable guest experiences whilst taking ownership of our wine cellars and beverage operations. The role offers the perfect balance between working on the restaurant floor, sharing your wine knowledge with guests, and managing the behind-the-scenes operations that keep our wine and beverage offering running smoothly. The Role Wine Service & Guest Experience Deliver exceptional wine service, confidently recommending wines to complement our menus. Share your knowledge of grape varieties, wine regions, producers and food pairings with guests. Work closely with the restaurant and kitchen teams to create memorable dining experiences. Support the development of the team's wine knowledge through training and tastings. Assist with wine events, private dining and special occasions. Cellar & Beverage Management Take responsibility for the day-to-day management, organisation and presentation of our wine cellars and beverage stock areas. Manage stock ordering, deliveries, rotation, transfers and regular stocktakes. Maintain accurate stock records, ensuring effective stock control and minimising wastage. Ensure all wines are stored and served in optimum condition. Work alongside senior management to develop and review our wine and beverage lists. Build and maintain strong relationships with wine merchants, suppliers and producers. Monitor beverage sales and gross profit margins, identifying opportunities to improve performance. Oversee cellar maintenance, cleaning procedures and compliance with health and safety standards. Support and motivate colleagues, leading by example and maintaining high standards throughout the department. About You We are looking for someone who: Holds a minimum WSET Level 2 qualification (essential). Has previous experience in wine service, cellar management or a similar hospitality role. Has a genuine passion for wine, food and delivering exceptional hospitality. Is confident engaging with guests and recommending wines. Has excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail. Understands stock control and the commercial aspects of beverage management. Enjoys working as part of a team and sharing knowledge with colleagues. Is proactive, reliable and enthusiastic about continuing their wine education. What We Offer £36,000 annual salary Share of tips in addition to your salary 28 days' holiday per year Milsom People Perks from your very first day Trips to wine producers Opportunities to attend supplier tastings and expand your wine knowledge Involvement in wine list development, wine events and product selection Career development opportunities within Milsom Hotels & Restaurants The opportunity to work with an exciting and diverse wine collection in a beautiful restaurant setting Join Our Team If you love wine, thrive on delivering exceptional hospitality and are looking for a role where you can combine your passion with real responsibility, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Talbooth Restaurant team.