Want to Work for Cambridge Wine Merchants?

Who should apply?
We welcome applications from anyone – we have an impressive record of employing motivated people from different backgrounds and this is reflected in the wide diversity of our workforce. If you are applying from abroad (you will need to come for interview first), remember that we can help you apply for a work permit (see Legal Stuff below). We’re not only looking for long-term staff – bright ambitious people who want to get experience in the wine trade then move on are always welcome to apply.

If you have a cunning plan as to how you might create a new post for yourself in our company, by creating a new market for example, let us know – we’re always open to suggestions.

Skills required/preferred for Wine Merchant (i.e. non-admin or logistics) staff
Wine knowledge, and wine tasting ability, or keen interest and ability to learn fast, and an enthusiasm for what we sell (Malt Whisky too). We do expect all employees to taste, and take an interest in, our wine.

People skills
Both customer and colleague – totally essential.

The first two (above) are the most important criteria for success in our company, as our customers expect a high level of expert service and a broad knowledge and experience of the wines we sell.

Other skills
A good standard of spoken and written English - sufficient to write letters and emails, deal with complex enquiries. Foreign languages (especially of wine-producing countries) are an advantage. A good standard of numeracy – sufficient to make up invoices, calculate discounts etc. Computer skills – sufficient to use our computer system, and use basic Word and Excel documents. Creative and artistic skills are an advantage. Driving – not necessary for shop work, but generally useful. Flexibility – in retail, everybody (and we mean everybody) needs to be prepared to work the occasional weekend or evening shift. Moving Up – managers, sales team, directors - applicants should have the relevant training and experience for such posts plus meet the criteria above.

Training and support
You’re guaranteed to learn a lot about wine and the wine trade working for us, and we’ll help you through the WSET exams if you wish. Many past employees have gone on to “higher things” in the wine trade, teach wine courses, write articles etc.

Legal stuff
You must be 18 or over to work for us selling alcohol. You must, by the date you start work with us, have all necessary permissions to live and work legally in the UK - a National Insurance Number itself is not enough. We can help you with such matters. We never employ people illegally. You must declare any criminal record. All posts start with a 3 to 6-month probationary period.

To apply
Send your CV with references and educational qualifications plus a covering letter detailing what hours you want and how long you’ll be available either by post or email to the address below. We do not provide application forms.