JOB TITLE: PRODUCT ANALYST 2, PLCB

JOB CODE: 02920

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 professional analytical work in the evaluation, acquisition, pricing, sales, and allocation of products for the PLCB.

An employee in this job is responsible for the evaluation of individual and groups of wine and spirits for quality, desirability, marketability, sales projections, and other market factors. Work includes the responsibility for serving as a category manager by overseeing all phases of a category life cycle, and the coordination of funds maintained within special vendor purchase allowances. Work involves the tasting and evaluation of products, reviewing and analyzing marketing and promotional information and professional product reviews, selecting an assortment of new products to merchandise alongside existing products and negotiating the best price for each product, and conducting one-time buys of limited-edition or vintage products to maximize product selection to the consumer. Work also includes the review and analysis of past sales volumes, pricing data, and market trends to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional offerings. Work may also include supervising a staff of lower level analysts or associates. Work is performed independently and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of overall program effectiveness.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the next lower level by the responsibility to approve products for inclusion into a category, the oversight of category performance throughout the respective product life cycle, and the independent resolution of significant product problems.

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.):

• Summarizes proposed marketing strategy and negotiates adjustments.

• Meets with suppliers to negotiate revised promotional conditions to assist in meeting the anticipated sales and profitability goals.

• Recommends delisting of products failing to meet anticipated goals.

• Prepares instructions to stores relative to pending promotions and displays and verifies the execution of promotional efforts.

• Authorizes adjustments to the release of monies from special vendor purchase allowance funds to effect special programs, achieve pricing parameters, and/or ensure sufficient promotional financing.

• Evaluates discount proposals, promotional display programs, market analyses, profitability factors, and logistical coordination within the agency.

• Evaluates and approves supplier proposed consumer rebates, point of sale materials, special consumer offers, and the selection, design, and pricing of merchandise targeted for special promotions.

• Reviews and/or develops appropriate product displays for represented product brands.

• Performs market analyses through the evaluation of various historical promotional sales data, current sales trends, pricing data, priority floor location, and other marketing strategies that may impact upon a product’s eventual sales performance.

• Tastes products to make informed quality decisions and comparisons with professional reviews.

• Reviews price value relationships in conjunction with international monetary values.

• Conducts presentations to suppliers, supplier representatives, and agency employees on procedural changes to the marketing guidelines and on market analyses and promotional campaign results.

• Reviews consumer inquiries relative to the marketing, merchandising, and product selection function, and prepares responses.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees 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 review, evaluation, and selection.

• Knowledge of the principles of product and program category management.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and numerical data.

• Ability to develop recommendations relative to product proposals.

• 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 advertising and promotional practices unique to the liquor industry.

• Knowledge of wine appellations and regions.

• Knowledge of product characteristics related to spirits.

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

• One year as a Product and Supply Analyst or Product Associate 2;

or

• Two years of analytical experience in marketing, finance, or business operations in the consumer packaged goods industry, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.