Sommelier (8th Street Liquor M35) Saskatoon, SK - Saskatoon Co-op

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Liquor, responsibilities for this position include the following:

1. Customer Service Delivery (CX):

Contributes to the customer experience by providing expertise, training and advice on wine, spirits and beer to a wide variety of audiences. Responsible for product training for team members, consulting and providing advice to retail customers, and providing consulting services to business customers. The successful candidate will also serve as the lead sommelier for commercial and on-premise accounts. Provides related advice and recommendations for product storage, display and handling requirements. Manages Private Locker program including product selection, procurement, invoicing and regular communication with locker membership. In order to make informed decisions and provide expert advice, the Sommelier’s knowledge spans all beverage categories and includes in-depth knowledge of inventory, supply chain logistics, costs, and industry and government regulations. Establishes proper alignment in program implementation, image and merchandising standards and brand. Supports customer experience strategy, influencing decisions and actions to meet or exceed the needs of our customers. Collaborates with the Location Manager to provide information on special order status and shortages that may affect business customers.

1. Marketing, Procurement & Events:

Supports marketing, advertising, communications and sponsorship in alignment with the Co-op’s brand and image. The Sommelier is an on-site contact for liquor suppliers and agents, communicating with the Senior Manager, Liquor to ensure products and programs are supported. Manages specialty programs and offerings as well as promoting bi-weekly tasting events for customers. The Sommelier is responsible for ordering approved special order and direct-delivered products within specified timelines and guidelines. Manages and delivers WSET education program as administrator and named educator for Co-op Wine Spirits Beer.

1. Financial and Management:

Responsible for accurate and timely reporting on event revenues, expenses and results.

1. Analytics:

Reviews movement, pricing and availability of specialty wines, spirits and beer, creating an exit strategy and subsequent follow-through for delists. Collaborates with Location Manager to ensure specialty product inventory levels are in line with location’s budget.

1. Safety & Environmental Stewardship:

Ensure location practices are in compliance with regulations, and monitoring practices are identified and tracked.

1. Relationship Management:

Manages relationships/agreements with external partners and vendors in collaboration with the Division Manager, Senior Manager, Liquor and Location Manager. Drives the loyalty and commitment to our retail sales, promotions and commercial segments of the liquor division. Builds relationships with consumer or commercial clients as well as guests at our tasting and education events.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 Diploma is required.

• Complementary training in business or marketing will be considered a strong asset.

• 2+ years of experience as a sommelier is considered an asset; demonstrated ability to deliver polished, engaging presentations to a wide range of audiences; exceptional communication abilities, strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office.

• Previous hospitality and/or retail experience is considered an asset.

• Certification as a Sommelier in WSET, ISG or CMS is required

• Valid Serve it Right Certification

*a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Deadline: November 15, 2026

Saskatoon Co-op is here to serve our members with products and services that help build, feed and fuel individuals and communities. We are a different kind of business; being member-owned means that any profits are returned to our members and stay in the local economy. Saskatoon Co-op has over 1400 employees serving over 127,000 members in Saskatoon and surrounding communities through the provision of goods and services in the areas of grocery, liquor, pharmacy, petroleum and lubricants, home and building solutions, and agricultural supplies including fertilizer. To learn more about who we are, visit www.saskatoonco-op.crs.