The Opportunity

New Store SetUp Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end execution of licensing, permitting, utility setup, and insurance coordination required to support new store openings as well as other store transitions including permanent closures, relocations, and renovations.

This role oversees a high-volume, time-sensitive pipeline of store openings and ensures all regulatory and operational requirements are met in advance of scheduled open dates. The Manager is accountable for team performance, workflow prioritization, cross-functional alignment, and issue resolution across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment.

The role serves as a key leadership partner to Construction, Real Estate, Legal, and Operations teams, and is responsible for proactively identifying risks, resolving escalations, and driving process improvements to support efficient and compliant store openings.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead, develop, and manage a team responsible for store setup licensing, permitting, utilities, and insurance coordination.
• Assign and balance workloads across team members to ensure timely and accurate execution of store setup activities.
• Provide coaching, training, and ongoing performance management to drive consistency and accountability.
• Establish priorities across a high-volume store pipeline, aligning resources to meet opening timelines.

• Oversee end-to-end readiness for store openings, ensuring all required licenses, permits, inspections, utilities, and insurance are completed on schedule.

• Monitor store setup pipeline, identifying risks to opening timelines and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure coordination across all required activities to support on-time store delivery.
• Ensure accurate interpretation and execution of licensing and permitting requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee preparation, review, and submission processes for licensing applications and related documentation.
• Maintain accountability for data integrity, documentation standards, and system-of-record accuracy.
• Oversee utility account setup and disconnect processes, ensuring continuity and accuracy across locations.
• Serve as a primary escalation point for complex issues involving licensing authorities, utility providers, landlords, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Construction, Real Estate, Facilities, Finance, and Legal teams to resolve issues impacting store readiness.
• Lead or participate in regular status meetings to communicate progress, risks, and dependencies across the store pipeline.
• Handle complex or high-risk escalations related to licensing, utilities, or regulatory requirements.
• Assess impact of issues on store opening timelines and determine appropriate resolution strategies.
• Coordinate with Legal leadership or external parties as needed to resolve non-routine or sensitive matters.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, automation, and scalability within the store setup function.
• Evaluate and implement tools, systems, and process enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure standardization of workflows, documentation, and operating procedures across the team.
• Provide hands-on support for licensing and utility setup in high-priority or capacity-constrained situations.
• Ensure accurate reporting, metrics tracking, and system data maintenance.

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• 5+ years of experience in licensing, permitting, retail development, construction operations, or regulatory coordination
• Experience leading teams and managing performance in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows across multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and escalation management skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and drive execution against aggressive timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and web-based systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including interaction with external agencies and senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting retail store development or large-scale rollout programs.
• Experience with utilities coordination, permitting, or construction lifecycle processes.
• Familiarity with licensing systems or workflow management tools.
• Background in real estate, property management, or facilities operations.
• Experience driving process improvement, automation, or system enhancements.

Project Salary Range: $103,000-$116,000