Head Sommelier - Oswald's - Front of house

Overview

The Role

RB Holdings is a growing hospitality group shaping some of the most distinctive private members’ clubs and food businesses in London and New York. Founded by Robin Birley, our businesses are built on discretion, craftsmanship, and deeply personal service - delivered by teams who take pride in doing things properly.

Our London portfolio includes 5 Hertford Street, Oswald’s, and Birley Bakery and Chocolate Shop in Chelsea. In 2025, we expanded internationally with the opening of Maxime’s, alongside a new Birley Bakery in New York City.

We are seeking an exceptional Head Sommelier to steward and elevate our wine department to the highest level. This role demands an individual of exceptional taste, authority, and vision—someone capable of refining a distinguished wine list while shaping its future direction. You will have ownership of the department, rigorous cellar stewardship, and the cultivation of a polished sommelier team dedicated to delivering seamless, intuitive, and discreetly exceptional service, with the opportunity to earn up to £70,000 p/a!

• Salary of up to £48,500 per annum + discretionary service charge
• 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Birthday day off
• Discounted gym membership with Gym Flex
• Monthly well-beingdays with our Masseuse, Reflexologist, and Chiropodist
• Private medical insurance with BUPA
• Private dental insurance with BUPA
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme – Hospitality Action
• Access to a company doctor
• Eyecare & specs vouchers
• In-house industry training
• Sponsored social events
• Recommend a friend bonus of £1,000
• Staff Accommodation (subject to availability)
• Online retail discounts
• Free English Classes
• Freshly prepared meals whilst on duty
• And more!

• 5 day working week between Monday – Saturday on a rota basis (seven shifts a week).
• Shifts will include evenings, flexibility is essential
• Bank Holidays and the Christmas period off – our venues are closed.

• Wine Department Ownership: Curate and steward the wine list, ensuring a carefully balanced, and dynamically evolving selection that complements and elevates the culinary offering.
• Cellar Management: Oversee stock management, inventory, to ensure optimal stock levels and cost controls.
• Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the sommelier team, fostering a culture defined by intellectual rigour, shared passion, and exemplary hospitality.
• Guest
  
  Experience:
  
  Deliver exceptional, expert service in the dining room, guiding guests through considered recommendations and informed discourse that deepens their engagement with the cuisine and cellar.
• Pairing Creation: Work closely with the Executive Chef to create innovative food and wine pairings.

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience as a Head/Senior Sommelier in a high-calibre fine dining or luxury hotel environment.
• WSET Level 3 or 4 (Diploma) or CMS Certified/Advanced Sommelier preferred.
• Expertise of Old and New World wines; experience with Sake/specific regional focus if applicable is a bonus.
• A composed and charismatic leader, distinguished by exceptional communication, assured initiative, and a calm, professional presence under pressure.