JOB TITLE: CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER, PLCB

JOB CODE: 02390

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative work directing the development and execution of merchandising strategies across all categories of business to achieve short and long-term financial goals for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

The employee in this job serves as the principal advisor to the Executive Director, PLCB and the Liquor Control Board (Board) on all matters pertaining to the purchase and merchandising of alcohol through the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store system, wholesale channels, licensing service centers, and e-commerce. Work involves agency-wide strategic merchandising and financial planning; directing the statewide program for alcohol purchasing, product marketing, and merchandising; conferring with the Executive Director and Board regarding the formulation of new policies, and developing and revising policies and procedures for the purchase and merchandising of alcohol by the PLCB; and researching and reviewing programs and legislation to develop executive policy recommendations that will enable the PLCB to be a leader in the wholesale and retail industry. Work includes developing, implementing, and administering merchandising plans and strategies; promoting new products to consumers; forecasting demand and procuring and replenishing alcohol for both retail stores and wholesale; and coordinating and administering all alcohol purchasing conducted by the PLCB. Work is performed with considerable independence within the framework of Board policies and is reviewed by the Executive Director through conferences, reports, and effectiveness of results.

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.)

• Directs, through subordinate bureau directors, all alcohol merchandising and purchasing operations.

• Advises the Executive Director and Board on matters of purchasing and merchandising of alcohol.

• Directs the development and advancement of policies and procedures relating to product selection, purchasing, inventory management, and merchandising of alcohol by the PLCB.

• Directs the development of Fine Wine & Good Spirits store branding and directs store design related to store layout compliance, in-store merchandising, and product placement.

• Directs agency merchandising resources in support of agency marketing initiatives and advertising.

• Directs the establishment and implementation of purchasing and merchandising strategies used by the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store system.

• Directs the planning and development of merchandising programs to promote sales and launch new products and services.

• Directs the development of new merchandising, promotion, layout, and design concepts, and modifies existing concepts to better meet agency objectives.

• Directs the research of merchandising trends, market segmentation, elasticity studies, and consumer buying patterns to predict future buying trends and forecast sales and revenue.

• Directs the application of consumer behavior research to further develop the PLCB brand and merchandising concepts.

• Represents the Board at conferences and meetings.

• 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.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of product merchandising.

• Knowledge of research methodologies.

• Knowledge of statistical modeling.

• Knowledge of data collection methodologies.

• Knowledge of consumer behavior.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies and procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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

• Ten years of professional experience performing purchasing or merchandising functions that includes three years of program and policy planning and development experience and five years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor's degree in marketing, merchandising, or closely related field;

                                                                                                                                                                                  or

• Ten years of professional experience performing purchasing or merchandising functions that includes three years of program and policy planning and development experience and five years of supervisory experience, and four years of para-professional experience in marketing, merchandising, or closely related field;

                                                                                                                                                                                 or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional program and policy planning and development experience and five years of professional supervisory experience.