Specialist - Store Setup

About Us

Based in Chesapeake, VA, Family Dollar operates more than 7,000 stores across the 48 contiguous states, supported by a coast-to-coast logistics network and more than 80,000 Associates. Family Dollar is a leading value retailer serving large and small communities across the country. Come help us grow!

The New Store Setup Specialist serves as a subject‑matter resource responsible for independently managing complex store and setup licensing, permitting, and utility coordination activities across multiple jurisdictions required to support new store openings as well as other store transitions including permanent closures, relocations, and renovations. This role exercises professional judgment to ensure all regulatory and operational requirements are met in advance of store openings, balancing competing priorities, tight timelines, and jurisdictional complexity.

The Specialist partners cross‑functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and support on‑time store delivery.

• Independently manage licensing and permitting requirements for new, relocated, and rebranded store locations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Interpret jurisdiction‑specific licensing requirements and determine application strategy, sequencing, and timing to support store opening schedules.
• Oversee preparation, review, and submission of licensing applications, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify risks to store opening readiness related to licensing, inspections, or utility setup; develop mitigation strategies and elevate as appropriate.
• Coordinate complex utility setup activities across multiple providers, ensuring timely service activation and continuity of operations.
• Partner with landlords, contractors, insurance providers, and internal departments (e.g., facilities, accounting, construction) to resolve issues impacting store readiness.
• Monitor and ensure timely completion of all pre‑opening requirements, including licenses, permits, inspections, utilities, and insurance.
• Lead resolution of non‑routine or escalated issues involving licensing authorities, utilities, or third‑party providers.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and external partners, building relationships to facilitate issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate records and oversee documentation standards for licensing and store setup activities in internal systems.
• Participate in regular project or pipeline meetings, providing updates on risks, milestones, and dependencies impacting store opening timelines.
• Support full store lifecycle activities, including store closure processes and utility disconnect coordination.
• Identify process inefficiencies or recurring issues and recommend improvements to enhance execution and scalability.
• Serve as a resource to other team members, providing guidance on complex scenarios and sharing best practices.

• Associate degree or equivalent experience; additional education or specialized training strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in licensing, permitting, retail development, construction coordination, or regulatory support.
• Proven experience exercising discretion and independent judgment to work independently, make decisions, and exercise sound judgment in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and procedural requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to prioritize work independently, manage competing deadlines, and make timely decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and web‑based systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including interaction with government agencies and external partners.
• Ability to identify risks, resolve issues, and elevate appropriately.

• Experience supporting new store development, construction, or retail expansion programs.
• Experience working with utilities, permitting agencies, or…