Sommelier

**Position Summary**

**Responsibilities**

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Liquor, responsibilities for this position include the following:
**1) **Customer Service Delivery (CX)**:
Contributes to the customer experience by providing expertise, training and advice on wine, spirits and beer to a wide variety of audiences. Responsible for product training for team members, consulting and providing advice to retail customers, providing consulting services to business customers. Provides related advice and recommendations for product storage, display and handling requirements. Manages Private Locker program including product selection, procurement, invoicing and regular communication with locker membership. In order to make informed decisions and provide expert advice, the Sommelier’s knowledge spans all beverage categories and includes in-depth knowledge of inventory, supply chain logistics, costs, and industry and government regulations. Establishes proper alignment in program implementation, image and merchandising standards and brand. Supports customer experience strategy, influencing decisions and actions to meet or exceed the needs of our customers. Collaborates with the Location Manager to provide information on special order status and shortages that may affect business customers.

***2) **Marketing, Procurement & Events**:
Supports marketing, advertising, communications and sponsorship in alignment with the Co-op’s brand and image. The Sommelier is the on-site contact for liquor suppliers and agents, communicating with the Senior Manager, Liquor to ensure products and programs are supported. Manages specialty programs and offerings (Discovery packs, Single Beer program). The Sommelier is responsible for ordering approved special order and direct-delivered products within specified timelines and guidelines. Manages and delivers WSET education program as administrator and named educator for Co-op Wine Spirits Beer.

**3) **Financial and Management**:
Responsible for accurate and timely reporting on event revenues, expenses and results.

**4) **Analytics**:
Reviews movement, pricing and availability of specialty wines, spirits and beer, creating an exit strategy and subsequent follow through for slow movers and delists. Collaborates with Location Manager to ensure specialty product inventory levels are in line with location’s budget.

**5) **Safety & Environmental Stewardship**:
Ensures location practices are in compliance with regulations, and monitoring practices are identified and tracked.

**6) **Relationship Management**:
Manages relationships/agreements with external partners and vendors in collaboration with the Division Manager, Senior Manager, Liquor and Location Manager. Drives the loyalty and commitment to our retail sales, promotions and commercial segments of the liquor division. Builds relationships with consumer or commercial clients as well as guests at our tasting and education events.

**Requirements**:

- Grade 12 Diploma is required.
- Complementary training in business or marketing will be considered a strong asset.
- 2+ years of experience as a sommelier; demonstrated ability to deliver polished, engaging presentations to a wide range of audiences; exceptional communication abilities, strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office. Previous hospitality and or retail experience is considered an asset.
- Certification as a Sommelier is required
- Valid Serve it Right Certification

You may be required to undergo a background and substance test in accordance with Saskatoon Co-op policies.
- _a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered._