Program and Events Specialist, Temporary

About the BCLDB:

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.

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 develops and executes key strategies to drive business/ revenue, creates 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 this role:

The Program & Events Specialist develops and coordinates complex special events, PR launches and product releases for Signature Stores that increase brand awareness and customer engagement, with the overall goal to drive trial and increase revenue for new and existing products.

This position is responsible for monitoring of industry retail promotions, newsworthy articles and local and seasonal events to identify new and significant promotional opportunities for the BCL. This role collaborates with the Merchandising team, industry representatives, chefs, authors and media personalities to develop program details, event communications and support. This position maintains and updates an events calendar, for internal and external publication, writes event communications for (LDB) communications department, website and Taste magazine, liaises with store staff and managers to ensure event implementation and success, analyses productivity and performance of each event and recommends improvements.

This position functions in an empowered, dynamic marketing environment, with an emphasis on awareness of external social events, local festivals, food & beverage personalities, and other related associations and functions. Priorities are continuous and changing, requiring the incumbent to excel under pressure and with minimal direction. This position is responsible for planning events, in-store tastings PR launches, logistics, developing communication plans, brief creative requirements as necessary, liaise with stores and industry representatives to ensure events reach their full potential.

Successful candidates must have a valid BC Driver's License, along with the ability to work evenings or weekends as needed. Additionally, they must be able to travel overnight within the Province of British Columbia.

A criminal record check is required.

For complete details about this opportunity, including accountabilities, please refer to the attached job description, also located in the Additional Information section at the bottom of the posting.

An eligibility list for temporary future opportunities may be established.

Position requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Degree or diploma in event management, marketing, or hospitality management or a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of recent, related experience*.

OR

• Secondary (high) school diploma or equivalent certificate with 3 years of recent, related experience*.

*Recent, related experience must have occurred in the last 5 years and must include the following:

• Experience in event planning and/or project management.
• Experience in managing and coordinating special events including, event registration, vendor coordination, and onsite operations.
• Experience identifying promotional event opportunities and solicitation of industry and/or sponsorship participation.

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Experience working in a geographically distributed retail organization.
• Experience working within the beverage alcohol industry.

Application instructions:

To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the education and experience as outlined in the position requirements section above. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies as outlined in the attached Job Description. 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.

For specific position-related enquiries, please contact Evelyn Chen, HR Advisor, Talent & Compensation at evelyn.y.chen@bcldb.com.

Only applications submitted using the BC Public Service Recruitment System on this website will be accepted. For more information about how to create or update your profile, please refer to the attached Application Instructions or refer to the Job Application page on the MyHR website. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying for a competition, please send an e-mail to BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca before the stated closing time, and they will respond as soon as possible to assist you.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:00pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition.

Working for the BC Public Service:

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements, such as a hybrid work combination of in-office and work-from-home, following the guidelines established for flexible workplaces.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.