Licensing Manager

OverviewThe 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. #LI-LM1Overview of ResponsibilitiesLead the end-to-end execution of licensing and permitting processes for all new store openings, remodels, relocations, and ongoing operationsDevelop and implement strategies to streamline license procurement and renewal timelines while ensuring full compliance with jurisdictional requirementsServe as the primary subject matter expert for licensing across the organization, advising stakeholders on requirements and best practicesResponsible for accurate and timely process of all license applications and renewals, invoices, log data forms, and follow up and assist with queriesManage licensing database that tracks all licenses and renewalsResponsible 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 permitsMitigate 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 actionsMonitor 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 businessSupport in the auditing of essential documentation required by regulations for retail businessesMonitor actual vs. forecasted spend; identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure budget adherenceParticipate in projects for new initiatives in support of the companyAssist with special event licensing as neededProvide ad hoc support to Director of Licensing and Government Relations, Legal, Government Relations and other departments when requiredSupervise and mentor Licensing Coordinator(s) or other team members, providing direction, training, and development to support performance goals and team growthSupport special event licensing, pilot programs, and business expansion into new regions or categories requiring specialized permitsLead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives that align with broader compliance, regulatory, or operational goalsQualificationsBachelor’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 industryStrong knowledge of municipal, state, and federal licensing laws and processesAnalytical with a strong attention to detailStrong verbal and written communication skills, and decision-making skills, with a customer service focusAbility to multitask, prioritize and manage own workload with a strong sense of urgency in meeting deadlinesAbility to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams with a positive and proactive attitudeSelf-starter/independent worker and an ability to creatively solve problems with a variety of variablesProficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OutlookLicense Pro and/or Workday experience a plusBenefitsIn addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:Competitive paySick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families healthVacation accrual planOpportunities for career growth15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at SproutsFlexible schedulesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company matchCompany paid life insuranceContests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:Bonus based on company and/or individual performanceAffordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and visionHealth Savings Account with company matchPre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent careCompany paid short-term disability coveragePaid parental leave for both mothers and fathersPaid holidaysGet Paid Every Day!Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free. We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday. You can learn more by visiting .Why SproutsGrow with us!If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.