Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer

About Gimlet and Apollo Inn

Gimlet and Apollo Inn are seeking a Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer to lead the wine program across two venues to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Gimlet is a dynamic restaurant in the heart of Melbourne's Flinders Lane. It is an ageless and classic 1920's-era dining room that evokes nostalgia and commands a good time.

Apollo Inn is an ode to the ageless art of the cocktail, the bartender and the drinker. A few doors down from Gimlet, Apollo Inn is an intimate space that takes its cues from the timeless cocktail bars of Europe.

Since opening in 2020, Gimlet has been consistently recognised among Australia's best:

• Two Hats in the annual Good Food Guide
• Wine List of the Year Awards – multiple national accolades recognising depth, diversity and curation
• Featured in The World's 50 Best Discovery collection and World of Fine Wine awards

We pride ourselves on pairing an exceptional food and guest experience with one of Australia's most thoughtful wine lists, built on relationships with producers and suppliers who value quality and authenticity.

About the Role

As Wine Buyer, you will:

• Shape, manage and evolve an award-winning wine program across two distinct venues.
• Actively participate in and oversee all aspects of beverage service, with a day-to-day sales presence in both venues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with producers, importers and distributors.
• Oversee stock management, purchasing, budgeting and pricing strategies, working closely with the bar teams of both venues.
• Recruit, mentor and train the sommelier and service teams, sharing expertise through tastings and education.
• Work collaboratively with the other Trader House wine buyers to build wine culture, efficiencies and innovation.

What We're Looking For

Experience and Expertise:

• A minimum of 3–5 years in wine buying or senior sommelier roles, ideally in restaurants of a similar calibre.
• Enthusiasm to build relationships in service with our community of guests
• A trained and astute palate with sound fault analysis, open to wine styles both classic and contemporary.
• Formal qualifications such as WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers or equivalent knowledge are highly valued
• Judgment and Passion:
• Deep and broad knowledge across Australian and international wine regions, and producers benchmark and emerging.
• A talent for discovering expressive, distinctive wines that excite both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers.

Commercial Acumen:

• Strong skills in procurement, negotiation, budgeting and stock control.
• A vision for ongoing business development and evolution

Leadership:

• Excellent communication, delegation and time management skills.
• The ability to recruit, inspire and develop a highly motivated team with a clear succession plan.
• A compassionate, supportive and modern approach to team leadership
• A collaborative approach to working with other department leaders within a dynamic restaurant environment.

Why Join Us

• Lead an award-winning wine program that continues to attract national and international attention.
• A balanced roster with a mix of day and night shifts.
• Real autonomy in your role, with clear performance indicators and positive avenues for communication and support.
• Ongoing professional wine development, including access to tastings, masterclasses, and global wine education.
• Internal management training to help you manage the demands of an extremely busy restaurant, with personalised mentoring from some of Australia's leading restaurant professionals
• A long-term engagement, with ongoing opportunity for career development and progression
• Be part of a culture that values accountability, authenticity and excellence.

About Trader House

Trader House is a collective of restaurants, bars, and specialty retail stores by Melbourne-based chef, cookbook author and columnist Andrew McConnell and photographer Jo McGann. They are Gimlet, Apollo Inn, Cutler, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc, Marion, Builders Arms Hotel, Bar Miette, Meatsmith Heritage Butcher and Morning Market.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud of our dynamic and diverse workforce, but we know we can continue to improve. In addition to the management training program, you would have access to Mental Health First Aid qualifications, Diversity & Inclusivity training and workshops, and the Employee Assistance Program - a free counselling service to support your emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Your positive, forward-thinking leadership will ensure that Trader House remains an employer of choice.

How to Apply

We run restaurants driven by quality. Food and wine are our passion. If you're a service-driven head sommelier with an eye for detail, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a cover letter to Leanne Altmann via

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia.

All applications and enquiries are confidential.