Cheval Blanc Chef Sommelier

Overview

Cheval Blanc Randheli is the Maldives property of the Cheval Blanc maison within the LVMH group, offering ultra-luxury hospitality characterised by refined design, exceptional gastronomy and personalised service. The Maison is known for immersive island experiences, bespoke culinary programmes and rigorous standards of hospitality drawn from LVMH's portfolio of luxury maisons.

Role & Responsibilities

• Define, curate and evolve the Maison's wine and spirits programme to align with the hotel's culinary identity and guest preferences.
• Lead and develop the sommelier and beverage service teams; set service standards, coach tasting and storytelling techniques, and manage rotas.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and restaurant managers to design thoughtful food-and-wine pairings and coordinated menus.
• Oversee cellar operations including temperature and humidity control, inventory management, stock rotation and loss prevention.
• Manage purchasing and supplier relationships: select producers, negotiate terms, and secure allocations of rare or allocated wines.
• Deliver high-quality guest interactions through guided tastings, private wine events, and personalised recommendations.
• Prepare and maintain the wine list, pricing strategy and cellar costing; report on sales performance and margin targets.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, licensing and safety regulations relevant to beverage service and storage.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Sommelier or Chef Sommelier within an ultra‑luxury resort or fine‑dining environment; minimum 3 years in a senior sommelier role.
• Demonstrable expertise in cellar management, purchasing and supplier selection.
• Fluent spoken and written English and French; an additional European language is desirable.
• Strong leadership and people‑development track record with the ability to train and mentor sommellerie teams.
• Advanced tasting proficiency and broad, up‑to‑date knowledge of wines, spirits and contemporary pairing trends; formal sommelier certification is desirable.

Skills

Experience

Minimum three years in a senior sommelier role (Head/Chef Sommelier) within an ultra‑luxury resort or fine‑dining establishment, including leadership of sommelier/service teams and full responsibility for cellar operations and purchasing.

Education

Vocational or hospitality qualification; professional sommelier certification (e.g., WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers) or equivalent proven professional experience.

Workplace

Benefits

Generous financial package; board and lodging provided on‑site; work attire provided and laundered; on‑site clinic with doctor and nurse and access to health insurance; facilities including dedicated beach, bar, gym, self‑service laundry and multi‑purpose sports court.

Culture

Cheval Blanc properties cultivate a discreet, service‑led culture where impeccable attention to detail and refined guest connection are paramount. Teams are international, highly trained and collaborative, operating to the exacting standards of a luxury maison while embracing creativity and continuous learning.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.