We are looking for a Sommelier who understands that great hospitality is built on timing, intuition, and the ability to listen deeply, and who never sees wine as just wine. It is memory, mood, generosity, and storytelling.
This is a dual role with a focus on training for a professional who leads with curiosity, warmth, and discipline, and who cares as much about the guest experience as they do about building a team that can deliver it consistently. Credentials are welcome, but character is essential.
This is a dual role with a focus on training for a professional who leads with curiosity, warmth, and discipline, and who cares as much about the guest experience as they do about building a team that can deliver it consistently. Credentials are welcome, but character is essential.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-07-02
Key Responsibilities
- Guide guests with confidence, warmth, and discretion.
- Pair wines to the menu and guest preferences.
- Host tastings and private wine moments that feel personal.
- Manage the cellar with discipline, including stock control, transfers, replenishment, and reporting.
- Oversee wine administration including sales and invoicing.
- Work closely with lodge teams across departments to ensure seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Host multiple repeat guests with ease and adaptable nature.
- Report to the General Manager and to the Singita Premium Wine Department.
- Lead and facilitate wine training for lodge teams, ensuring consistent wine knowledge, service standards, and confident guest engagement across departments.
- Deliver the existing training material and structured curriculum consistently, embedding it through daily coaching and dedicated workshops.
- Mentor the team with clarity, patience, and follow through during service.
Requirements
- Ability to stay calm under pressure, a generous attitude by nature and serious about standards.
- Driven by a love of wine and meaningful connections with people.
- Ability to speak to a collector with ease and explain wine to a first time drinker without ego.
- Organised, detail driven, and able to communicate clearly.
- Physically fit, resilient, and willing to do the work the role requires, including transfers and long operational days.
- WSET Level 3 minimum.
- A recognised Sommelier qualification is valued.
- A proven guest facing hospitality experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience in training and development is highly valued.
- Driver’s licence.
- Good computer literacy, including MS Office, with MS Project advantageous.
- Excellent and Professional written communication.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Salesmanship, leadership, and management skills.
- Neat, professional, and approachable presentation.
- This role forms part of a collaborative lodge culture, and may include additional operational support as required.
How to Apply
To apply email your CV to careers@bw.singita.com or visit: www.singita.com/about/careers
About the Company
Singita is a South African luxury ecotourism and conservation brand which operates private game lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Rwanda, across the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Grumeti Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typical qualifications or certifications are needed for a Sommelier & Training Lead role in Botswana's hospitality sector?
Candidates generally require WSET qualifications (Level 2 or 3 minimum) and a proven track record in fine dining or luxury hospitality. A diploma in hospitality management or similar relevant experience is also highly valued for such leadership roles.
What does a Sommelier & Training Lead typically do day-to-day in a luxury lodge environment in Botswana?
Daily tasks include managing the wine cellar, conducting wine service and pairings for guests, and consistently training lodge staff on beverage knowledge and service standards. This role also involves inventory management and ensuring exceptional guest experiences related to beverages.
What can I expect regarding local work culture and expectations in a high-end lodge in Botswana?
The work culture often emphasizes exceptional guest service, teamwork, and adaptability, especially given the remote locations of many lodges. Respect for local traditions, a collaborative spirit, and commitment to guest satisfaction are highly valued within these close-knit communities.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Sommelier & Training Lead in the Botswana hospitality industry?
Successful individuals can advance into broader Food & Beverage management roles, resort operations management, or even regional training positions within larger hospitality groups. Specialisation in beverage consulting or developing new wine programs across properties are also possibilities.
What typical benefits package can one expect for a Sommelier & Training Lead position in Botswana?
Benefits commonly include annual leave, medical aid contributions, and sometimes pension fund participation, alongside competitive remuneration. Many remote lodge positions also provide staff accommodation and meals as part of the overall compensation package.
What do employers in Botswana typically look for when hiring for a Sommelier & Training Lead?
Employers seek extensive sommelier experience, strong leadership and training abilities, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest service in a luxury setting. Cultural fit, adaptability to lodge life, and a commitment to staff development are also crucial considerations during the hiring process.