JOB TITLE: PRODUCT ASSOCIATE 2, PLCB

JOB CODE: 02340

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Product and Supply series describes work in the processing, forecasting, acquisition, pricing, and distribution of products for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical or lead work involving a variety of assignments in support of the product selection, marketing, sales, and supply chain functions of the PLCB.

An employee in this job is responsible for independently analyzing and resolving technical issues within operational standards requiring detailed knowledge of product and supply management applications, tools, and resources, or providing advanced technical work in support of business objectives. Work may include lead work over lower level product associates in the purchasing, inside sales, transport, delivery, and tracking of alcoholic beverages. Assignments are carried out independently, and work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and the evaluation of results obtained.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the next lower level by the independence of action in solving unique or unusual product or supply problems; or by the assignment of lead work over lower level associates.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Oversees a customer service help desk by monitoring service levels through reporting tools and by reviewing work products.

• Functions as a lead worker by assigning routine assignments to lower level associates and reviewing completed work.

• Assists product and supply professionals with developing new program parameters for product categories.

• Creates and approves product purchase orders through approved vendors and arranges transportation through PLCB supply chain.

• Assists in the review of process documents and testing scripts and performs tactical duties related to integration of new software applications or tools.

• Reviews system-generated forecast data for accuracy and updates erroneous forecasts to improve automated forecasted product levels.

• Performs mathematical calculations related to shipping weight, size, travel time, and costs.

• Resolves shipping delays, missing orders, damaged shipments, or other errors by using alternative methods or means to deliver the correct products in the correct volume to stores according to established procedures.

• Monitors inventory levels at the stores and distribution centers, alerting vendors or managers to levels that fall outside established service levels.

• Identifies and analyzes sales patterns for an assigned group of stores to set parameters within forecasting or replenishment applications to reflect changing supply needs.

• Investigates delays, breakage, shortages, and other typical problems related to product shipments and works with distribution centers, stores, shippers, and vendors to resolve issues.

• Provides a point of contact for store employees to resolve inventory-related issues.

• Communicates with vendors regarding new policies and procedures related to inventory controls or shipping requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of shipping, transportation, and receiving functions.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to verify or validate account and product information provided by third-party sources.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These are not used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of fundamental wine and spirit product characteristics and brands, including wine varietals and appellations.

• Knowledge of liquor purchasing methods and procedures.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year as a Product Associate 1;

or

• Five years of clerical, retail, sales, warehousing, or customer service work that included at least one year of analytical experience in the retail sales or distribution of consumer packaged goods;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.