07/25/2011 02329

SPECIALTY WINE CONSULTANT

DEFINITION: This is advisory and consultative work in the selection, promotion, and strategic marketing of super-premium and ultra-premium wines for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

The employee in this job advises the Board on the luxury wine market by thoroughly assessing various wine vintages and vendor product offerings for high-end specialty wines. Work involves serving as the Board’s resident expert on super-premium and ultra-premium wines, conducting detailed studies and evaluations of specific wines, and identifying and recommending those wines whose characteristics and price offer attractive and profitable sales opportunities. An important aspect of this work involves advising the Board on strategies for expanding and optimizing specialty wine offerings. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by the Board for overall effectiveness and attainment of goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and conducts studies to analyze various wine reviews, scores, sales trends and other pertinent information and recommends the purchase of super-premium and ultra-premium wines.

Interprets and verifies information contained on wine labels.

Conducts critical tastings of wine for soundness of grape variety, terrior, and overall quality and appeal in order to validate vendor claims and critic recommendations.

Represents the Board in vendor negotiations.

Arranges for and conducts formal training programs for agency staff on the marketing of super-premium and ultra-premium wines.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

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

Knowledge of the history of making and producing wine.

Skill in recognizing wines by taste and identifying specific olfactory qualities of different varieties.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience in the procurement of specialty wine and a bachelor’s degree;

                                                                                                                                                                   or

Six years of liquor store sales, management, or administrative experience including two years in the sale, ordering, and inventory of premium wine products;

                                                                                                                                                                   or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.