Location: Worldwide / Europe
Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruise Ship
Department: Restaurant / Bistro / Beverage
Employment Type: Contract
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Sommelier / Bistro Supervisor to join the luxury Riverside Fleet.
The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering exceptional five-star wine and beverage service across the Bistro, Dining Room and Buffet areas, while supervising daily Bistro operations, maintaining wine stocks and supporting the Restaurant Management team.
The role combines professional wine service, guest interaction, sales, staff training and operational supervision.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet guests professionally and provide prompt, courteous and personalized service.
- Promote wine sales across the Bistro, Dining Room and Buffet areas.
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the complete wine list and confidently recommend wines according to guest preferences.
- Provide professional wine and food-pairing recommendations.
- Drive wine sales through appropriate upselling and suggestive selling techniques.
- Maintain wine stock levels and ensure wine fridges remain fully stocked.
- Order wines and monitor stock levels at the Restaurant and Bistro Bar.
- Maintain and update wine lists, including wine descriptions and vintages.
- Suggest new wines and vintages to the Restaurant Manager.
- Train waitstaff and other team members on wines and beverage service.
- Conduct wine tastings for staff and guests.
- Host winery tours and wine-related seminars where required.
- Assist with coffee training and other beverage-related activities.
- Supervise daily Bistro duties according to the Restaurant Manager's schedule.
- Ensure the Bistro and wine stations are fully prepared for service.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in the Bistro, wine stations and wine cellars.
- Assist with inventory of glasses, utensils, bottles and other beverage equipment.
- Ensure all equipment and work areas are clean, organized and properly maintained.
- Follow HACCP procedures and all company health and sanitation standards.
- Report maintenance issues and follow up on work orders.
- Resolve guest questions and concerns professionally and report dissatisfaction promptly to management.
- Assist the Restaurant Manager during Vintage Room dinners and special events.
- Ensure all beverage items are correctly charged through the onboard system.
Financial Responsibilities
- Monitor personal and departmental sales targets and costs.
- Maintain accurate stock-control and charging procedures.
- Support initiatives to maximize beverage revenue and minimize costs.
- Minimize breakage of crockery, glassware and bottles.
- Ensure company property and equipment are properly maintained.
- Promote wine sales while maintaining a professional and non-intrusive service approach.
Safety Responsibilities
- Correctly use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Follow safe lifting techniques at all times.
- Ensure all equipment is safely stored after use.
- Comply with company safety, environmental and health procedures.
- Participate in required emergency and safety activities.
Team Leadership & Communication
- Attend daily meetings with the Dining Room and Restaurant teams.
- Maintain regular communication with the Restaurant Manager and Assistant Restaurant Manager.
- Support continuous training, coaching and development of restaurant staff.
- Encourage excellent communication, teamwork and professional service standards.
- Lead by example and maintain a positive and guest-focused working environment.
Requirements
- College Degree/Diploma, Hotel School qualification or relevant apprenticeship in the Food Service industry.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a luxury international hotel, or preferably 2 years of experience in the luxury cruise industry.
- Strong professional knowledge of wines and beverage service.
- Willingness to undertake Court of Master Sommeliers courses.
- Very good spoken English and German – mandatory.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent product and beverage knowledge.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability and willingness to complete onboard HACCP training.
- Initiative and ability to work independently.
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Outgoing, charming and friendly personality.
- Strong service mindset and excellent guest-service skills.
- Ability to lead, train and motivate colleagues.
Employment Details
Position: Sommelier / Bistro Supervisor
Fleet: Riverside Fleet
Department: Restaurant / Beverage
Employment Area: Luxury River Cruise
Salary / Rotation / Contract Duration: To be confirmed according to vessel requirements.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official recruitment portal
