Head Sommelier

Overview

Highgate Hotels is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, the company provides guidance through all stages of the property cycle.

Highgate develops a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools to predict evolving market dynamics and maximize asset value. Highgate has executive leadership and corporate offices worldwide.

Location

Located in the exclusive Nob Hill neighborhood and in the process of a complete reimagination, The Huntington provides guests with modern amenities within a historic space. Guests can enjoy fine dining, a three-level spa, rooms and suites, and meeting and event spaces without leaving the property. The Huntington offers San Francisco’s best location and amenities.

"The Huntington – San Francisco’s Living Legacy and Urban Estate on Nob Hill". The opening marks the reemergence of a Nob Hill icon and a defining moment in the city’s renaissance. The hotel will stand as San Francisco’s cultural connoisseur, offering gracious accommodations, a signature restaurant, and a luxury spa. The project is a partnership between Highgate and Flynn Properties.

Position

The Head Sommelier is a strategic and operational leader of the Hotel’s wine program across all outlets, events, and guest touch points. This role is equal parts curator, operator, educator, and commercial leader, responsible for building a well-positioned and disciplined wine program that represents The Huntington Hotel.

• Wine Buying & Financial Stewardship
• Own the end-to-end wine purchasing strategy for all hotel outlets, banquets, private dining, in-room dining, and retail/amenity programs where applicable.
• Build and manage wine lists aligned with each outlet’s concept while maintaining a cohesive hotel-wide wine identity.
• Establish pricing architecture (BTG, BTB, premium tiers, reserve programs) with disciplined margin targets.
• Manage inventory levels, turns, cellar organization, controls, and depletion strategies.
• In tandem with Highgate Corporate, negotiate with distributors and producers to secure favorable pricing, allocations, exclusives, and support.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, month-end inventory, and variance analysis.
• Ensure compliance with all local and state alcohol regulations.
• Operations & Service Excellence
• Set wine service standards across all outlets, including glassware, decanting, storage, handling, and tableside presentation.
• Be an active floor presence during service periods.
• Support service teams in confident, guest-forward wine recommendations that balance storytelling with approachability.
• Partner with outlet leadership to ensure wine execution is seamless during all meal periods and service styles.
• Establish SOPs for receiving, storage, breakage, transfers, and loss prevention.
• Programming & Guest Experience
• Partner with the F&B Experience Manager to design and execute wine-driven programming including wine dinners, tastings, producer visits, verticals, and seasonal features.
• Collaborate with Culinary on menu pairings, tasting menus, chef collaborations, and special events.
• Develop signature experiences such as reserve lists, cellar selections, or dining club member-only offerings where applicable.
• Support Sales & Events with curated group wine packages, bespoke selections, and elevated client experiences.
• Act as a brand ambassador for the hotel’s wine philosophy—internally and externally.
• Training & Team Development
• Lead structured wine education programs for service staff, captains, managers, and leadership.
• Develop onboarding, refresher, and advanced training modules tailored by outlet and role.
• Mentor servers and bartenders, creating a clear growth pathway.
• Conduct regular tastings, pre-shifts, and knowledge…