01/10/1997 02325

WINE SPECIALTY COORDINATOR

DEFINITION: This is specialized journey-level work involving premium products offered in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's Wine and Spirit Specialty Shoppes and/or in sections of Wine and Spirits Shoppes apportioned for the merchandising of specialty products.

An employee in this class is responsible for the development and administration of comprehensive, multi-level wine training programs and for the coordination of specialty operations within an assigned region. Work includes developing wine course curriculums, gathering and assembling course literature and materials, and coordinating logistical arrangements. A significant aspect of the work involves the marketing of wine information to the public and/or interested organizations through presentations, festivals, judgings, and other public or scheduled events. Work also involves monitoring premium product selection, ordering, inventory levels, sales, trends, and visual displays at specialty locations. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review through conferences, reports, and evaluation of overall program
accomplishments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Coordinates, develops, revises, and conducts comprehensive wine training programs to include basic, advanced, and master's levels; prepares or assembles course literature, slides, and hand-outs; and prepares course sites to include procuring wines to be tasted.

Coordinates physical arrangements to include setting up appointments with wineries and making lodging reservations and transportation arrangements.

Coordinates store employees' attendance at various wine training courses, seminars, tastings, presentations, and other wine-related offerings provided by industry representatives or contracted providers; secures speakers as needed.

Maintains training records of employees completing both Agency- sponsored and professional wine training programs and seminars.

Maintains a wine reference library for the use and benefit of employees and customers to include books, periodicals, data sheets, wholesale guides, microfiche, and other printed literature.

Monitors the visual merchandising of specialty products within an assigned region to ensure that items are adequately stocked, properly positioned, displays are maintained, and back-up merchandise is available.

Within an assigned region, monitors orders placed by specialty locations to ensure compliance with established quotas; monitors sales data, premium product selection, and trends to maintain control of products, providing assistance when necessary.

Coordinates and facilitates the transfer of premium items inter-and intra-regionally.

Maintains current files of vendor catalogs and customer requests facilitating the matching of orders to item availability.

Coordinates meetings with specialty site personnel within the region as needed to discuss purchasing options and marketing objectives.

Provides input to the Wine and Spirit Shoppe design team when requested regarding the display/location of premium merchandise at a specialty site on the occasions when a Wine and Spirit Shoppe is relocated or is refurbished; subsequently ensures that the displays are set up to meet established criteria.

Functions as a regional liaison with vendors to preview new products and/or vintages, to examine potential prices, and to secure point-of-purchase materials; with restaurants to conduct staff training when requested; and with other inquiring parties to respond to specialty product questions.

Conducts wine presentations to organizations, associations, societies, or private groups as requested; serves as a formal wine judge at functions; assists in coordinating representation at wine festivals to include transporting equipment and setting up the booth, performing public relations activities to assist customers in making wine selections, and conducting tastings.

Provides input into the monthly offering of specialty products prepared in Central Office.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the various types of wines and spirits produced, their region of origin, general composition, and their overall organoleptic characteristics.

Ability to develop and conduct training programs for employees which cover premium wines and spirits.

Ability to coordinate and physically transfer merchandise inter-and intra- regionally.

Ability to provide guidance and assistance to Wine and Spirit Shoppe specialty site personnel concerning operations, ordering methods, product selection, and inventory levels.

Ability to coordinate and conduct wine tastings, judgings, and restaurant training sessions.

Ability to conduct presentations concerning premium wines and spirits and to effectively market wine information to the public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, the public, and industry personnel.

Ability to learn and utilize various electronic data processing methods and computer software packages.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of liquor store sales, management, and/or administrative experience including two years in the sale, ordering, and inventory control of premium products at a wine and spirits shoppe. Post high school instruction may be substituted on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years;

                                                                                                                                                               or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.