Licensing Specialist

Position Summary

The Licensing Specialist leads the preparation, submission, monitoring, and maintenance of corporate and operational licenses and permits, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies. The Licensing Specialist serves as a primary liaison for a national portfolio of locations across multiple regulatory jurisdictions as well as assigned new club openings, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to develop and execute licensing strategies for new and existing locations, including complex regulatory approvals and alcoholic beverage licensing. This position works independently to resolve escalated licensing matters, research regulatory requirements, and identify process improvements that support operational excellence and business growth.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtain, manage and maintain Company and club operating licenses and permits in a timely manner, including general business licenses, alcoholic beverage licenses, massage and cosmetology establishment licenses, food service permits, pool operating licenses, and childcare licenses.

• Serve as a primary liaison for new club openings, partnering with various internal and external stakeholders throughout the process, including architecture, real estate and development, operations, local counsel and executives.

• Interface directly with local, county, and state regulatory agencies to provide additional information/documentation, obtain approvals, resolve escalated licensing issues, and ensure timely processing of applications and renewals.

• Research, interpret, and communicate statutes, regulations, ordinances, and licensing requirements impacting business operations, new initiatives, and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and execute licensing strategies for new club openings, relocations, remodels, and operational expansions.

• Keep department management appropriately informed of filing deadlines, expected timing and status for receipt of licenses and ongoing activity, including critical matters regarding licensing compliance.

• Effectively communicate and escalate issues in a timely manner.

• Provide guidance and recommendations to business stakeholders regarding licensing requirements, timelines, risks, and regulatory considerations.

• Build strong working relationships with internal departments to collect, verify, and maintain accurate corporate, operational, and individual information required for licensing applications.

• Actively manage licensing applications, renewals, and regulatory approvals to ensure all licenses are obtained in a timely manner and remain current and in good standing.

• Conduct regular audits of existing licenses and permits including as compared to business operations to identify any compliance risks and ensure timely renewals.

• Manage licensing-related invoicing, fee payments, and budget tracking.

• Maintain organized licensing records, regulatory correspondence, and supporting documentation in a confidential manner.

• Monitor and communicate regulatory changes that may impact licensing requirements, business operations, or compliance obligations.

• Support cross-functional projects, regulatory initiatives, and other priorities as assigned.

• Think creatively to address challenges in a rapidly growing business environment.

• Effectively prioritize and shift gears when necessary to meet changing circumstances.

• Provide training, guidance, and subject matter expertise to internal stakeholders regarding licensing requirements and processes.

Position Requirements

• 3–5+ years of licensing, regulatory compliance, legal operations, paralegal, or related professional experience.

• Strong knowledge of corporate licensing, permitting, compliance processes, and regulatory filing requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to research and interpret statutes, regulations, ordinances, and regulatory guidance, being adept at making well-reasoned and defensible risk assessments and providing business clients with practical, actionable legal advice.

• Experience independently managing multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Be a strategic business partner by developing an understanding of the business, and being client-focused, responsive and dependable, with an understanding of the client’s sense of urgency.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage regulatory agencies and senior business stakeholders throughout the country.

• Skilled at establishing trusting and supportive relationships with a “can do” attitude.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and effectively prioritize responsibilities.

• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Adobe Acrobat, and database applications.

• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and work cross-functionally across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting new business openings, retail, hospitality, healthcare, fitness, or multi-site operations.

• Experience managing complex regulatory approvals.

• Knowledge of legal operations, corporate governance, or regulatory compliance programs.

• Experience developing process improvements, workflows, and operational reporting tools.

• Experience in alcohol licenses and using LicensePro.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.