Special Licensing Senior Manager

Licensing Manager

This role is responsible for managing and maintaining all alcohol and tobacco licensing for company operations across multiple states for new sites. This role ensures new sites have the correct licenses to open and operate. The manager will act as the primary point of contact with licensing authorities; contractors related to licenses and internal stakeholders for all licensing-related matters related to new sites.

This role can be based out of any Business Unit in the US.

Essential Duties

• Oversee the implementation of new licenses, including applications, renewals, transfers, modifications, and closures across all operating jurisdictions.
• Research and interpret state and local regulations related to alcohol and tobacco sales; advise internal stakeholders on compliance requirements.
• Maintain a centralized licensing database to track application status, expiration dates, and jurisdictional requirements.
• Liaise with state ABC boards, local municipalities, and legal entities to resolve licensing issues and ensure timely approvals.
• Work with internal departments (Legal, Real Estate, Operations, and Finance) to ensure licensing is aligned with store openings, renovations, or changes in business structure.
• Monitor legislative changes that could impact licensing requirements and proactively update internal policies as needed.
• Partner with third-party licensing consultants or legal counsel when necessary to support complex or multi-jurisdictional filings.
• Generate reports for leadership on licensing status, risks, and compliance metrics for new sites.
• Collaborate with internal GCN and BU Licensing & Permitting teams to drive tool utilization, share best practices, and maintain a network of third-party consultants.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Legal Studies, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience managing alcohol and/or tobacco licensing, preferably in a national retail, hospitality, or CPG environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local laws governing alcohol and tobacco sales.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies such as state ABC boards or Departments of Revenue.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in licensing databases or compliance tracking software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Complete physical activity inventory of the position includes:

• Work requires frequent sitting, standing, walking and use of keyboard/computer.
• Work requires occasional bending, reaching and lifting/moving up to 35 pounds.
• Work is subject to tight deadlines and interruptions can be stressful.
• Travel to store locations as necessary.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Operate computer keyboard and mouse for data entry.
• View computer monitor
• Hear and speak via telephone.
• Reach forward and/or overhead

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions inventory of the position includes:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at a normal range.
• The lighting will include natural light from the outside as well as fluorescent lighting throughout the work areas.
• Work with minimum direction and periodic supervision.

Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company's Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.