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ESCO occupation

head sommelier

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Head sommeliers manage the ordering, preparing and servicing of wine and other related beverages in a hospitality service unit.

5131.2.2.2 ISCO 5131 ESCO source
Competences
28
Groups
3
Essential
25
Optional
3

Competences and skills

28 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
sparkling wines

The varieties of sparkling wines and their match with food products.

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wine characteristics

The origins and characteristics of international wines.

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wine related sciences

Sciences such as chemistry, biology and microbiology, as well as laboratory skills, where they concern wine.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

1 competence
types of wine

The large variety of wines, including the different types, regions and special characteristics of each. The process behind the wine such as grape varietals, fermentation procedures and the types of crop that resulted in the final product.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 21 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

9 competences
assist customers

Provide support and advice to customers in making purchasing decisions by finding out their needs, selecting suitable service and products for them and politely answering questions about products and services.

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check wine quality

Control the quality of wines and report corked or spoiled wines and return them to suppliers.

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compile wine lists

Create and update wine lists ensuring it complements the food menu and brand characteristics

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organise wine cellar

Systematise the wine cellar to ensure an appropriate amount and variation of wine and carry-out efficient and effective stock rotation.

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prepare alcoholic beverages

Make and serve alcoholic beverages according to the customer's wants.

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procure hospitality products

Acquire goods or services from an outside external source.

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recommend wines

Offer recommendations to customers on available wines and advise combinations of wines with specific dishes on the menu.

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select glassware for serving

Choose appropriate glassware for beverages and inspect glass quality and cleanliness.

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serve wines

Provide wine using proper techniques in front of the customers. Open the bottle correctly, decant the wine if needed, serve and keep the wine in the proper temperature and container.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
coach employees

Maintain and improve employees' performance by coaching individuals or groups how to optimise specific methods, skills or abilities, using adapted coaching styles and methods. Tutor newly recruited employees and assist them in the learning of new business systems.

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comply with food safety and hygiene

Respect optimal food safety and hygiene during preparation, manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and delivery of food products.

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ensure maintenance of kitchen equipment

Guarantee coordination and supervision of cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment.

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maintain customer service

Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.

Scope note
Might include keeping the customers informed about the current status of their orders or waiting times.
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manage medium term objectives

Monitor medium term schedules with budget estimations and reconciliation on a quarterly basis.

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manage stock rotation

Oversee stock levels, paying attention to expiry dates to diminish stock loss.

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monitor work for special events

Oversee activities during special events taking into account specific objectives, schedule, timetable, agenda, cultural limitations, account rules and legislation.

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order supplies

Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.

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plan shifts of employees

Plans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.

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recruit employees

Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.

Scope note
It may include recruiting volunteers.
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train employees

Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

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upsell products

Persuade customers to buy additional or more expensive products.

Scope note
Products include also services.
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Optional skills and competences 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
prepare tableware

Guarantee that plates, cutlery and glassware are clean, polished and in good condition.

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Cross-sector

2 competences
apply foreign languages in hospitality

Use the mastery of foreign languages orally or written in the hospitality sector in order to communicate with colleagues, customers or guests.

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handle surveillance equipment

Monitor surveillance equipment to observe what people are doing in a given area and ensure their safety.

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