Licensing Manager

This role oversees the company’s licensing and permitting functions across existing and future retail locations, ensuring full regulatory compliance and alignment with long-term growth strategy. The Licensing Manager leads the entire licensing lifecycle—strategic planning, budgeting, execution, and renewals—while managing team members and maintaining relationships with regulatory agencies, legal counsel, internal stakeholders, and third-party partners. The position is based in Phoenix, AZ with a hybrid schedule (in office Tuesday - Thursday).

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 processing of all license applications and renewals, invoices, log data forms, and follow-up on queries
• Manage licensing database that tracks all licenses and renewals
• Resolve license compliance issues with City, County, and State licensing agencies and local attorneys; interact with governmental officials 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, and facilities
• 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
• Conduct legal research relating to alcohol and legislative changes that impact the business
• Support 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
• 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

Requirements

• 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, decision-making skills, and a customer service focus
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage 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 with an ability to creatively solve problems with a variety of variables
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• License Pro and/or Workday experience a plus

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Sick time plan to support you or your immediate family’s health
• Vacation accrual plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• 15% discount for you and one other family member on all purchases at Sprouts
• Flexible schedules
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year with prizes, food, and fun
• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental, and vision (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Health Savings Account with company match (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Company-paid short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
• Paid holidays
• DailyPay: Access earned wages before payday at no extra cost