Product Manager, Merchandising - Liquor Retail
(Wine Jobs:
Management & Administration)
Full Time
Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General - BC Liquor Distribution Branch
Burnaby,
British Columbia
Who Are We
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is one of two branches of government that provide oversight for the beverage alcohol and non-medical cannabis industries in the province. The LDB is responsible for the wholesale distribution of liquor and cannabis and operates the retails brands BCLIQUOR and BC Cannabis Stores.
The LDB is committed to government’s goals of making life better for people in B.C., improving services, and ensuring a sustainable province for future generations. The revenue generated by the LDB helps fund essential public services like health care, education, and community programming. Learn more on the LDB careers page.
About the Team
Retail Operations, encompassing the three retail business units of Merchandising, Marketing and Store Operations, is responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the 198 BCLIQUOR Stores. The Retail division develop and execute key strategies to drive business/ revenue, create systems and processes to maximize operational excellence, while upholding BCLDB’s core values of service, relationships, and results. Working in this vibrant, creative, and supportive team environment will see your knowledge, skills and innovativeness thrive to unparalleled levels.
About the Role:
The Product Manager is a key point of contact for industry and trade associations and acts as an internal subject matter expert for beverage alcohol sub-categories. This role is responsible for cluster planning cycles and assortment planning execution along with handling detail on sub-category planning, supplier outreach with listing applications, benchmark execution and product quality control. This position manage the new BCL initiatives to drive sales and ensures internal product information is up to date by conducting ongoing reviews and outreach with suppliers.
The Product Manager maintain direct relationships with varying levels of industry stakeholders and supplier contacts to formally present on sub-categories. This role is responsible for internal and external sub-category communication, training and championing all elements of sub-category execution across the organization.
As the Product Manager, Merchandising you will:
· Develop and recommend sales and gross margin targets, evaluate benchmarks, and determine performance measurement processes for assigned sub-categories. Utilize product expertise, monitor research as well as the competitive landscape to recommend products and implement sales strategies and assortment plans for a portfolio of beverage alcohol sub-categories.
· Manage the detailed planning and execution of a category of beverage alcohol products including the below:
o Manage the new Assortment Planning Tool, assortment updates and clusters.
o Develop criteria for annual buying invitations, assortment for sales and margin maximization, and assessing opportunities and gaps along with under-performing SKUs for programming or replacement.
o Develop process and systems for new enhanced sales initiatives (>$1M) including Flash Sale (10x annually), HERO SKU criteria (12x annually), and new incremental Marketing requests for social media and TASTE features
o Evaluate and rank incoming product applications including agent outreach to ensure complete and accurate listing package.
o Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual reviews focused on sales and margin reporting against budget, tactical opportunities, and category innovation.
o Manage detailed listing activation and master planning calendar for sub-categories and products. Ensure synergies with annual Marketing calendars and promotional pricing calendars, identifying risks and opportunities.
o Manage key performance indicators for assigned sub-categories, assist in risk and mitigation planning (e.g., supply issues, quality control, competitive factors, performance trends) in tandem with Category Managers and Merchandise Operations.
o Develop criteria and benchmarks for seasonal category programs (e.g., gift packs).
o Primary contact for industry and trade associations and internal departments (e.g., Store Operations, Marketing, Wholesale, Communications) for product knowledge inquiries.
o Research and analyze projects as assigned by Category Manager and Merchandising Director.
· Develop, monitor, update, and present detailed BCL sub-category forecasts to Category Managers including top-down and bottom-up analysis as it pertains to current and upcoming assortment, annual sales, and gross margin targets.
· Evaluate product performance, identify, and propose improvements to Category Manager and work with replenishment team on inventory planning including buying opportunities, replacement SKUs or potential over-stocks/aged inventory considerations.
· Collaborate with suppliers (in tandem with Marketing) to ensure BCL brand standards are met for products and programming including labels that promote BCL directly on the label or indirectly as Only@BCL (exclusive brands).
· Prepare materials and presentations with sub-category trends, risks and opportunities, mitigation strategies, BCL initiatives and industry insights. Present in internal and external meetings including to executive and senior management as well as at conferences and trade events (e.g., country thematic events, annual trade symposium).
· Utilize product expertise in developing training programs and product tasting for product consultants and other BCL staff to assess product quality/potential marketability, gain support in marketing new listings and provide product education and points of difference selling insights.
· Key contact for suppliers and industry for listing procedures, BCL policies and ongoing inquiries on product management for assigned sub-categories. Act as BCL supplier liaison which can include representation at in-person meetings and events. Provide data to industry stakeholders as required.
· Travel domestically and internationally as required as a BCL representative at industry events, conferences, and to visit wineries/distilleries/breweries.
· Manage category plan execution in tandem with Space Planning, Replenishment, Marketing and Store Operations teams.
· Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Diploma related to category management, merchandising or a related discipline and a minimum of 3 years of recent, related experience.*
OR
4 years of recent, related experience* as defined below may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement.
*Recent, related experience must have occurred within the last 7 years and must include the following:
· Experience in category management, category planning and/or brand planning.
· Experience in reviewing and utilizing category data to drive strategic decision-making.
· Experience working with internal and external stakeholders.
Preference may be given to candidates with experience in any of the following:
· Experience in beverage alcohol sector.
· Experience in providing coaching, training, and assigning tasks to support staff.
Compensation and Benefits Package:
The salary range for this role is $76,071.18 to $86,658.48 per annum. We understand that attracting top talent requires more than just offering a job—it requires providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports not only the professional growth of our employees but also their overall well-being and work-life balance. Here are some of our highlights:
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Paid time off – 3 weeks to start
• BC Pension Plan
• Parenthood top-up
• Free employee fitness centre and recreational basketball court with equipment at Head Office
• In-house Kinesiologist
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan – free, confidential and easy to access
• Flexible work arrangements
o Flex Days – Up to 17 days per year
o Hybrid work model –Work may be performed on site at least two days per weeks.
• Invest in your future with our professional development programs, including tuition reimbursement, access to specialized courses, and support for obtaining professional designations.
• Plus more!
How To Apply
To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the qualification in the job posting. Applicants must meet the requirements as described below to be considered:
• A cover letter is required as part of your application. The content and/or format of your cover letter may be evaluated as part of the assessment process.
• Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
Note: Applications will only be accepted via the BC Public Service Recruitment System until August 7, 2024 at 11:00pm Pacific Time. For full details about this position and to apply online visit:
https://bcpublicservice.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/115034