Licensing Manager

The Licensing Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of the company’s licensing and permitting functions across existing and future retail locations, ensuring full regulatory compliance and alignment with the company’s long-term growth strategy. This role oversees the entire licensing lifecycle—including strategic planning, budgeting, execution, and renewals—while managing licensing team members and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory agencies, legal counsel, internal stakeholders, and third-party partners.

The Licensing Manager applies strategic thinking and sound judgment to navigate complex regulatory environments, balancing compliance requirements with business objectives. This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and professionalism in managing timelines, documentation, and communications across various jurisdictions and teams.

Position reports into our Store Support Office in Phoenix, AZ. Hybrid schedule, in office Tuesday - Thursday.

Overview Of Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end execution of licensing and permitting processes for all new store openings, remodels, relocations, and ongoing operations
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline license procurement and renewal timelines while ensuring full compliance with jurisdictional requirements
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for licensing across the organization, advising stakeholders on requirements and best practices
• Responsible for accurate and timely process of all license applications and renewals, invoices, log data forms, and follow up and assist with queries
• Manage licensing database that tracks all licenses and renewals
• Responsible for resolving license compliance issues with City, County and State licensing agencies and local attorneys when required; interacting with governmental officials as needed to facilitate issuance of necessary licenses and permits
• Mitigate violations by coordinating with governmental agencies and internal partners such as business protection, food safety, operations, facilities, etc.
• Work directly with regulatory agencies, internal legal counsel, and external attorneys to resolve issues, respond to enforcement actions, and implement corrective actions
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact business operations; communicate changes and coordinate organizational responses.
• Continuously monitor and conduct legal research relating to alcohol and legislative changes that impact the business
• Support in the auditing of essential documentation required by regulations for retail businesses
• Monitor actual vs. forecasted spend; identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure budget adherence
• Participate in projects for new initiatives in support of the company
• Assist with special event licensing as needed
• Provide ad hoc support to Director of Licensing and Government Relations, Legal, Government Relations and other departments when required
• Supervise and mentor Licensing Coordinator(s) or other team members, providing direction, training, and development to support performance goals and team growth
• Support special event licensing, pilot programs, and business expansion into new regions or categories requiring specialized permits
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives that align with broader compliance, regulatory, or operational goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Public Policy, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)
• 5+ years of progressive experience in licensing, permitting, regulatory compliance, or a related function in a retail, food service, hospitality, or highly regulated industry
• Strong knowledge of municipal, state, and federal licensing laws and processes
• Analytical with a strong attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and decision-making skills, with a customer service focus
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage own workload with a strong sense of urgency in meeting deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams with a positive and proactive attitude
• Self-starter/independent worker and an ability to creatively…