MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 7935
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is executive level work directing the operation of the Department of Liquor Control. Contacts are with high-ranking legislative and executive officials within County Government, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, and private sector and community organizations or groups. The purposes of the contacts include presenting, justifying and defending controversial positions where conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable compromises.

The employee in this class plans, develops, implements, and evaluates policies, programs, and services designed to regulate the distribution and sale of all alcoholic beverages in the County. In carrying out this responsibility, the Director ensures the prompt and efficient procurement, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages to the County's retail outlets and licensees, effective working relationships with distributors, licensees, the liquor industry and restaurant associations, and maintenance of an effective community relations program. The work is performed under broadly defined missions and functions and general administrative direction with little technical guidance. The employee exercises full and final accountability for all matters associated with completing work assignments including determining the work to be performed and the methods used. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and evaluated in terms of the Department's role in regulating and controlling the sale and distribution of liquor in the County. Guidelines consist of broad policy directives and basic legislation and require the employee to use considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the guidelines and generating specific policies and guidance for use by subordinate managers in developing various components of the overall liquor control system. The complexity of the work is reflected in the need for planning, directing and integrating a broad range of liquor control and distribution functions, programs and services. The work requires consideration of societal, economic, legal and community issues and impacts, and development of solutions which accommodate conflicting objectives from a variety of organizations, groups and individuals. The work of directing the liquor control program is essential to the mission of the County Government and affects all residents in the County. The work is performed in a typical office setting, and subject to common everyday risks, involving on site store inspection along with regular warehouse inspection.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the activities of the various divisions within the Department, which includes the warehouse and delivery operations, retail operations, administration, finance, IT, and community relations.
Develops and implements Departmental policies and procedures.
Directs the operation of a comprehensive accounting and data processing system to ensure effective movement of merchandise through the Departmental operation.
Coordinates with other County officials on the site selection and design of County liquor stores.
Analyzes the fiscal reports of the retail stores and warehouses and determines retail sale prices and discount procedures to ensure efficient and equitable operation of the Department.
Maintains an effective community relations program by speaking before civic and business groups to provide information on the activities and objectives of the Department.
Directs the preparation and administration of the Department budget.
Establishes and maintains good working relationships with other County, State and national organizations, such as the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association.
Maintains comprehensive records and reports regarding the operation of the Department.
Performs other related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience in directing a large warehouse and/or retail business, with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory capacity which included responsibility for fund and budget administration, program planning, implementation and administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Public or Business Administration or related field.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of modern business administration practices and procedures.
Extensive knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the laws, rules and regulations, and ordinances governing the operation of the Department of Liquor Control.
Extensive knowledge of both wholesale and retail sales practices and procedures.
Extensive knowledge of warehouse and delivery practices and procedures.
Some knowledge of various wines and spirits and the marketing of same.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups and organizations.
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop defenses of, and justifications for, decisions reached.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other governmental agencies, private organizations, and the general public.
Ability to attend meetings and perform work assignments at locations outside the office.

LICENSE: None.

MEDICAL GROUP: Medical History Review.

Class Revised: January l972
February, 1972
July, 1987
December, 2002