GREAT PLAINS VACANCY -WINE SOMMELIER & WINE SERVICE TRAINING SPECIALIST

WINE SOMMELIER &
WINE SERVICE TRAINING SPECIALIST
Job Title: Wine Sommelier & Wine Service Training Specialist
Reports To: Food And Beverage Development Manager
Function: Sommelier
Location: Botswana

Becoming a Great Plains Conservation Employee places you in a unique position from day one, unlike any other role you will find in Africa. We are a conservation group here to “Conserve and Expand Natural Habitats”. Employment opportunities with us ensure you are an ambassador for conservation and protecting our fragile but pristine areas, and this will be at the heart of everything you do.
From the very beginning, you will start to make a difference in protecting the African continent. We are seeking highly motivated, energetic, and dedicated individuals, regardless of gender, who have a passion for the outdoors. Successful candidates will be based in the remote areas of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Wine Sommelier & Wine Service Training Specialist is responsible for creating exceptional wine experiences while developing a world-class culture of wine knowledge and luxury service throughout the property. This role combines expert wine stewardship with structured staff development, ensuring every team member confidently delivers refined, knowledgeable and memorable wine and beverage experiences.
The position serves as the property’s subject matter expert in wine, food pairing, cellar management, beverage presentation, luxury guest interaction, and wine service training. The role supports operational excellence by improving wine knowledge, guest satisfaction, service consistency, and staff competency through continuous coaching and mentorship.

RESPONSIBILITIES
* Curate and maintain an exceptional wine programme aligned with the property’s culinary philosophy.
* Recommend new wines based on guest profiles, market trends and supplier offerings
* Maintain optimal stock levels.
* Monitor wine quality and storage conditions.
Ensure correct cellar rotation and inventory control.
Conduct regular stock counts and variance investigation.
* Introduce premium and exclusive wine experiences.
* Deliver exceptional wine service during all dining experiences.
* Recommend wines that complement seasonal menus.
* Conduct professional wine presentations and tastings.
* Host private wine dinners and pairing experiences.
* Educate guests on wine regions, grape varieties and production methods.
* Build meaningful guest relationships through personalised recommendations.
* Create memorable storytelling experiences around wine and food.
* Handle guest enquiries professionally and confidently
* Design, implement and deliver structured wine education programmes for all Front of House staff
* Mentor Food & Beverage teams
* Coach supervisors and future sommeliers.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS
* Certified Sommelier qualification (WSET, Court of Master
Sommeliers, Cape Wine Academy, or equivalent).
* Hospitality Management qualification (advantageous).
* Food and Wine Pairing certification (preferred).
* Minimum 5 years experience in luxury hospitality.
* Experience within a 5-star lodge, luxury hotel, Relais &
Châteaux property or fine dining restaurant.
* Proven experience managing wine programmes
* Experience delivering structured training programmes
•Strong knowledge of international wines and premium
* Train-the-Trainer qualification (advantageous).
* Ability to create tasteful food and wine pairings
* Extensive knowledge of different wines and which regions produce each type
* Knowledge of local vineyards and wineries
* Understanding of the winemaking process
* Good communication skills, confidence in presenting food
* Proven track record of managing people
* Availability to work remotely

Please submit your application, together with a photograph of your wine presentation
To:hr@greatplainsconservation.com or opportunities@ greatplainsconservation.com.