JOB TITLE: PRODUCT ANALYST 3, PLCB

JOB CODE: 02930

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

An employee in this job is responsible for managing a highly specialized or complex function related to the life cycle of products sold by the PLCB. Work requires responsibility for a highly complex product category or program which includes identifying new products, managing existing products, establishing the targeted marketing segment for programs, conducting individual product evaluations, performing detailed marketing research, creating or approving product allocation factors and transportation schedules, and analyzing customer buying habits. Work also includes reaching sales and growth goals for a specific period. Work may include responsibility for a complex geographic category area representing thousands of potential products requiring special cultural, linguistic, or industry knowledge to manage effectively. Positions at this level may serve as a product subject matter expert representing a rarified body of product and industry knowledge in support of all Product Analysts. An employee will provide training, analysis, and evaluation on new and emerging markets and special products, and provide support to analysts managing category product assortments for the purpose of increasing sales velocity and profitability. Work may also include authority over the budgets of category managers and responsibility for maximizing revenue through strong negotiations and cost-control activities. Work may also include supervision of lower level analysts. Assignment are carried out independently and reviewed by management for adherence to established laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and for sales performance of individual products and categories.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the next lower level by its control of and accountability for multiple program categories, budgetary or profitability of a product category, responsibility for a highly complex product category, management of a retail sales outreach and support portfolio, or supervision of Product Analysts 2 or positions of comparable level.

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 statewide program managing a branded or specialized category outside the realm of regular or luxury stock operations.

• Oversees a specialty category of hard-to-obtain, rare, or otherwise highly selective super-premium and ultra-premium wines and negotiates sales directly with vineyards or brokers to bring products to customers.

• 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.

• Plans, reviews, and evaluates the work of lower-level analysts including the ongoing review of selection, inventory, pricing, or service levels to ensure compliance with agency goals.

• Recommends delisting of products failing to meet anticipated goals.

• Confers with industry representatives concerning the Board’s regulations and procedures relative to purchasing practices and inventory and category management policy.

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

• Reviews, evaluates, and provides product recommendations and purchasing decisions for one-time buy items.

• Works with internal supply chain staff to improve or modify services.

• 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 types, supply source, and market factors affecting supply in purchasing consumer packaged goods.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in analyzing inventory records.

• Knowledge of merchandising, transportation, and inventory methods.

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

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

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

• 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 the history of making and producing wine.

• Knowledge of wine appellations, regions, and culture.

• Knowledge of spirit products.

• Knowledge of the business principles, trade practices, state and federal regulations, and applicable taxes governing the importation of alcoholic beverages.

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, methods, and procedures governing the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

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

• One year as a Product Analyst 2;

or

• Three 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.