Sommelier - Maydan

4 years

Maydan LA // Sommelier // Job Description

About:

In summer 2025, Maydan Market will open in LAs West Adams neighborhood, the first West Coast project by Rose Previte, Founder of DCs Maydan, Compass Rose, Medina, and Kirby Club restaurants, as well as LAs upcoming Maydan Market. Maydan in DC first opened in 2017 drawing critical acclaim as Best New Restaurant in Bon Appetit, FOOD & WINE, and GQ, nominated by the James Beard Foundation for both Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Wine Program, and earning a Michelin star. Compass Rose opened in 2014 winning the RAMMY for best casual restaurant in the nations capital and one of the Washington Posts Favorite Places to Eat.

This new 10,000-square-foot market will be a home for small businesses to flourish, anchored by a live fire hearth, like its DC namesake restaurant. Inspired by markets from around the world, Maydan Market will bring diverse gems together under one roof including a Maydan restaurant and bar; Compass Rose, an indoor/outdoor patio bar with bites, cocktails, and natural wine; and will be home to five Los Angeles food businesses and the retail space, Sook. Each with their own distinctive cuisine and critical acclaim.

Maydan Market, part of the No White Plates collective, is an experience-driven venue where rich traditions and exceptional hospitality converge. Our mission is to create an inviting workplace culture grounded in thoughtful communication, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We believe that a remarkable dining, beverage, and event experience begins with hiring and training motivated individuals who embody empathy and a strong work ethic. Our menu is an homage to the people who taught us about their heritage from across Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, and the Republic of Georgia, showcasing superior food and beverage products sourced from dedicated vendors. At Maydan, we strive to inspire and empower our team, fostering a supportive and safe environment with benefits like paid time off, healthcare, and extensive educational opportunities

Sook brings you special things from special places. Nestled in Maydan Market in Los Angeles, Sook is a marketplace filled with thoughtfully curated teas, spices, and snacks from our team and founders from the MENA region.

Position: Sommelier

Salary range: $70k - 80k DOE

Reports To: Director of Restaurants, FOH management, VP of P&C, Founder

Purpose: The Sommelier is responsible for providing direction, leadership, and continuous training for the Maydan, Compass Rose, and Sook wine programs and their teams. They are responsible for leading the team in achieving the operational and financial goals of the wine program, monitoring the performance and training of the staff, maintain the facilities in accordance with NWP service standards, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience. The Sommelier is a member of the leadership team and is directly responsible for wine menu ideation, implementing wine operations standards and for supervising all wine functions. This role is both floor- and operations-focused and will collaborate closely with the front-of-house and founder.

Who You Are:

• A minimum of Four (4) years of experience in the direction and management of employees in a similar environment which includes at least two (2) years of experience in leading wine programs, menu development, and service.
• Budgeting skills to control costs.
• Deep knowledge of the wine industry and its trends.
• Strong leadership with high attention to detail and excellent time management skills.
• Dependable, reliable, and highly motivated.
• Be able to communicate through Microsoft Office or G-Suite, knowledge of POS systems and reporting.
• Experience in developing bar systems and training programs
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Certification preferred (e.g., CMS, WSET, or equivalent)

What You Do:

• Coach and lead the management team in regard to wine knowledge.
• Work scheduled floor shifts, assisting in general service duties and supporting the team as needed.
• Participate and contribute to the organization as a key member of the leadership team, in both strategic and creative capacities, for both Maydan LA and Compass Rose LA.
• Monitor inventory levels and place wine orders in accordance with budget and par levels.
• Curate, maintain, and update the wine list in collaboration with the Beverage Director, Founder and anyone the company sees fit.
• Deliver exceptional tableside wine service, including decanting, wine education, and recommendations.
• Train FOH staff on wine knowledge, service techniques, and pairing principles through regular classes and tastings.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections available in Maydan and Compass Rose, the particular characteristics and description of every wine by the glass, wines on the wine list, designated glassware and garnishes for drinks, all bar menu items, preparation method/time, ingredients, portion sizes, garnishes, presentation and correct pricing.
• Maintain the highest standards of health, sanitation and cleanliness within all areas of Beverage.
• Maintain complete knowledge and strictly abide by CA state liquor regulations.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested.
• Inventory platform software management
• Participate during service at Maydan or Compass Rose to help in bar aspects of service including leading the hourly staff. Some floor shifts are required

People

• Lead by example
• Ensure all wine training materials, training schedules, and guidelines are being followed.
• Monitor morale of both bar teams. Take action to correct breakdowns in employee satisfaction and engagement at the restaurant level.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work 10-hour plus shifts
• Able to stand, sit or walk for extended periods of time
• Able to grasp, lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs. as needed
• Finger/hand dexterity to operate kitchen machinery and knives
• Able to withstand changes in temperature, steam and heat
• Able to work in a confined area
• Must possess hearing, visual and sensory abilities to observe and detect emergency situations; also, to distinguish product, taste, texture, temperature, presentation and preparation

Disclaimer:

The job description provided above does not encompass all duties and standards associated with the position. Incumbents will adhere to additional instructions and fulfill any related tasks as assigned by their supervisor, in accordance with company policies and management directives.

Maydan Market provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Compensation: Salary ($70,000.00 - $80,000.00)

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance

Team Management

Operational Oversight

Staff Training and Development

Customer service excellence

Wine Education

Inventory Management

Collaboration With Leadership

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Culinary Knowledge

Effective Communication

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