02/21/2011 02135

RETAIL WINE SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is specialized retail work in selling premium products to retail customers within a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Premium Collection store.

An employee in this job is responsible for the sale of premium products for an assigned PLCB Premium Collection store or a store whose inventory and sales are comparable to a Premium Collection store. Work involves engaging with customers to determine their needs and recommending products to match those needs; researching product information for customers; keeping abreast of current events within the industry; providing information regarding the PLCB’s product line to customers; and answering customer questions. Work also involves selecting inventory, creating and maintaining signage, rotating inventory, and moving slow selling products. Important aspects of this work involve serving as the wine expert for an assigned store, providing information and recommending premium products, and building strong interpersonal relationships with customers. Employees perform work with a high degree of independence. Work is assigned by a retail manager and reviewed through various progress, inventory, and sales reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Determines customer needs and recommends products to meet those needs.

Provides premium product information to customers.

Identifies wine and food pairings and recommends products and options.

Analyzes inventory and orders premium products based upon customer expectations.

Analyzes industry information in order to determine where the better products for a given season will be produced and recommends the selection of premium products from the Offering List.

Reads product reviews and industry related news and information to discuss such events with customers.

Analyzes premium product performance and redistributes slower moving inventory.

Assists with premium product inventory management.

Produces signage and ensures all premium products are appropriately labeled and priced correctly.

Ensures premium product sales floor is neat, clean, and presentable.

Meets with Regional and Central Office staff relating to in-store premium product events, planning, and promotions.

Monitors the visual merchandising of premium products within a store to ensure that items are adequately stocked and properly positioned in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Addresses and resolves customer complaints and inquiries regarding premium products.

Resolves warehousing and delivery problems, shipping issues, and coordinates special handling and delivery for premium products.

Consults with licensees regarding their wine lists and wine-by-the-glass programs and conducts restaurant staff training when requested.

Assists customers with premium product selections for special occasions and events.

Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of the various types of wines, their region of origin, varietal and geographic characteristics, overall organoleptic characteristics, and classification terms.

Knowledge of wine and food pairings.

Knowledge of stock handling and inventory control methods and procedures for wines.

Knowledge of storekeeping methods and procedures in a wine shop.

Knowledge of visual marketing techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE and TRAINING: Three years of retail experience in a PLCB liquor store and completion of the PLCB’s Advanced level Wine Education;

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Four years of wholesale or retail experience in the sale of wine that includes experience in stock handling and inventory control, merchandising, and marketing;

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Four years of wholesale or retail marketing, selling, and managing wine inventory and storage in the hospitality, restaurant, or food and beverage industries;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT: Employees who qualify under the second, third or fourth Minimum Experience and Training option must successfully complete the PLCB’s Advanced Level Wine Education program within 6 months of employment.