Manager, Licensing & Liquor Compliance

Job Overview

The Manager, Licensing and Liquor Compliance will be responsible for directing all new restaurant licensing activities for all brands in all jurisdictions for company owned and operated restaurants. The Manager will lead a team of compliance professionals, with a focus on strategic program guidance and process simplification. The Manager will provide support and guidance to cross-functional teams and functional leaders, serving as a resource regarding liquor and licensing issues, thus ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations. The Manager, Licensing and Liquor Compliance leads licensing efforts to develop internal policies, procedures and training programs that further compliance efforts. The Manager will provide guidance on key strategic issues important to the business.

Roles And Responsibilites

• Provide strong people leadership skills to support and guide licensing renewal team
• Direct all new restaurant licensing efforts for all brands in all jurisdictions
• Evaluate and develop strategic operating procedures to ensure efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in new restaurant licensing processes
• Determine legal requirements and monitor compliance efforts to ensure all company obligations are being met.
• Effectively communicate recommendations regarding the impact of changes on company practices and policies.
• Build strong relationships with functional and brand partners, and deliver timely, effective client service. Effectively communicate advice and recommendations to Corporate Secretary, Corporate Tax, Treasury and Sales/Cash.
• Monitor licensing/alcohol related legislative activities and inform stakeholders of progress and significant events
• Provide effective, risk-based licensing guidance and support to keys stakeholders across the organization
• Develop metrics and analytics for reviewing licensing processes
• Capitalize on opportunities for safe harbor and develop industry leading best practices.
• Oversee work performed by outside counsel and manage outside counsel fees to ensure adherence to budget
• Oversee and optimize use of licensing program software, including License Pro, Oracle, and other project management and database software
• Represent the Company in communications with government entities and outside counsel; negotiate with agencies as needed
• Supervise government agency audits. Ensure audit results are shared with Operations teams and appropriate departments to educate and ensure any necessary corrective actions are taken.
• Lead team and program with integrity
  
  

Required Technical Skills

• Outstanding people leadership skills and the demonstrated ability to coach, engage and galvanize a team
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with reviewing regulatory requirements and assessing compliance
• Outstanding analytical ability; can recognize and creatively resolve problems without delay and make decisions on critical issues with an in depth understanding of the risks involved
• Demonstrated ability to drive processes forward and prioritize
• Highly effective listening skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to simplify complex legal considerations and deliver clear guidance
• Ability to effectively manage large and time-sensitive work volume
• Ability to develop team members by seeking out and supporting training, development, and other professional growth opportunities
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in legal studies, business or related discipline OR equivalent experience in related field
• Experience effectively leading people and projects required
• 8 years progressive professional experience in ethics and compliance, legal, or related business field that includes:
• Strong analytical skills in reviewing current and proposed legal requirements
• Ability to interpret data and identify trends, including statistical analysis
• Assessing, designing, structuring and implementing programs and processes
• Investigating, responding to, and resolving key issues with a sense of urgency
• Strong program and process management experience
• Proven track record of developing and engaging team
• Experience in the restaurant industry is a plus
• CCEP, PMP or other relevant certification a plus