Head Sommelier & Bartender (Trade Waiter) Location: Stamford Plaza Brisbane – 39 Edward Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 Salary: $75,000 – $80,000 per annum (plus superannuation) Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time About Us: Stamford Plaza Brisbane is a five-star hotel located along Brisbane’s riverfront, known for its exceptional service, heritage charm, and premium dining. As part of the Stamford Hotels and Resorts group, we uphold high standards of guest experience and culinary excellence. Our flagship restaurant, La Boca Bar and Grill , delivers an immersive Argentine dining experience complemented by a curated beverage offering. We are currently seeking a qualified and passionate Head Sommelier & Bartender (Trade Waiter) to join our Food & Beverage leadership team. This is a pivotal role responsible for delivering a premium wine and beverage experience in a fast-paced à la carte dining environment. About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Sommelier & Bartender (Trade Waiter) to lead our wine and beverage service at La Boca Bar and Grill. This permanent full-time position offers a salary of $75,000 – $80,000 plus superannuation and is central to maintaining the premium guest experience we are known for. The successful candidate will oversee wine curation, signature cocktail and mocktail design, bar team training, inventory and cost management, and hands-on service. This role combines leadership, creativity, and direct guest engagement in a dynamic hotel environment. Key Responsibilities: Lead and deliver expert wine service, including food pairings, decanting, and tableside presentation Curate and maintain the wine list across La Boca Bar and Grill, Pavilion Bar, and In-Room Dining Design and implement signature cocktails and premium mocktails in collaboration with the bar and culinary teams Manage the entire beverage program, including stock control, supplier relations, and cost optimisation Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to bar and service staff on beverage knowledge and guest interaction Oversee bar operations, ensuring high-quality, efficient service delivery in a fast-paced environment Contribute to department planning, inventory reports, and profitability improvement strategies Ensure compliance with RSA, WHS, and hygiene legislation Actively engage with guests to deliver personalised beverage recommendations and enhance overall dining satisfaction. preparation of reports including stock, sales, and manning structure. Essential Criteria: Minimum 2 years’ experience in a sommelier, head bartender, or senior wine & beverage leadership role in a premium or fine dining venue. Certificate in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Strong knowledge of wines, cocktails, and food pairing principles Experience with Opera, Micros, and beverage ordering systems Experience leading service teams and delivering high-end guest experiences Demonstrated ability to manage inventory, beverage costing, and supplier engagement Excellent communication, training, and interpersonal skills Previous experience in a five-star hotel or internationally recognised dining venue Awards or formal recognition in wine or cocktail service Attributes: Strong people management and ability to coach and mentor co-workers and employees Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritise. Excellent written and communication skills Detail-orientated with an aptitude for problem-solving Responsible and dependable Ability to work under pressure Responsible and dependable People orientated Why Join Us? Be part of a premium hotel group with a global reputation for excellence Work in a venue where creativity, authenticity, and premium service are highly valued Enjoy team meals, laundered uniforms, and generous hotel discounts Access growth and professional development within a supportive team environment How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. SPB
