Job Description (JD) – Tea Sommelier (Café)
Job Title: Tea Sommelier
Department: Café Operations
Job Summary
The Tea Sommelier is responsible for curating exceptional tea experiences by sharing expert knowledge of tea, guiding guests through tea selections, conducting tea tastings, and ensuring the highest standards of tea preparation and presentation. The role combines hospitality, education, and product expertise to enhance the overall guest experience while promoting the company's premium tea portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Tea Expertise & Guest Experience
· Welcome guests and provide personalized tea recommendations based on their taste preferences.
· Explain the origin, processing methods, flavour profiles, aromas, and health benefits of different teas.
· Conduct professional tea tastings and tea appreciation sessions for guests.
· Recommend food and tea pairings to enhance the dining experience.
· Educate customers about brewing methods and tea culture.
Beverage Preparation
· Prepare premium hot and cold tea beverages following company SOPs.
· Ensure accurate brewing temperatures, steeping times, and presentation standards.
· Maintain consistency in taste, quality, and service.
· Introduce seasonal teas and signature tea experiences.
Product Knowledge & Sales
· Promote premium teas, gift hampers, and retail tea products.
· Increase sales through upselling and cross-selling techniques.
· Stay updated on global tea trends, origins, and specialty tea innovations.
· Support new tea menu development and seasonal beverage launches.
Operations
· Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the tea station and brewing equipment.
· Monitor tea inventory, stock rotation, and storage conditions.
· Minimize product wastage by following portion control guidelines.
· Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Training & Brand Representation
· Train café staff on tea knowledge, brewing techniques, and guest engagement.
· Represent the brand during tea events, workshops, and promotional activities.
· Assist in organizing tea masterclasses and customer engagement programs.
Qualifications
· Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Hospitality, Hotel Management, Food & Beverage, Tea Science, or a related field.
· Certification in Tea Sommelier, Tea Tasting, or Specialty Tea (preferred).
· 2–5 years of experience in a premium café, tea boutique, luxury hotel, specialty tea brand, or fine dining restaurant.
Skills & Competencies
· Extensive knowledge of tea varieties, origins, processing methods, and brewing techniques.
· Strong sensory evaluation skills (taste, aroma, colour, and body).
· Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling abilities.
· Strong customer service and hospitality skills.
· Sales and upselling capabilities.
· Attention to detail and quality standards.
· Ability to train and mentor team members.
· Professional grooming and etiquette.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
· Guest satisfaction and customer feedback.
· Tea sales and retail product conversion.
· Success of tea tasting sessions and events.
· Beverage quality and consistency.
· Customer retention and repeat visits.
· Compliance with hygiene and operational SOPs.
· Staff training effectiveness.
Preferred Attributes
· Passion for tea culture and specialty beverages.
· Knowledge of Indian teas (Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri), international teas, herbal infusions, and tea pairings.
· Ability to create memorable tea experiences through storytelling and personalized service.
· Creative mindset for developing signature tea rituals and seasonal offerings.
Work Location: In person
