Senior Licensing Specialist (Retail, Alcohol & Business Licensing)

Are you the licensing expert everyone turns to for the toughest regulatory challenges? Join Sutherland as a Senior Retail Licensing & Regulatory Specialist and become the subject matter expert supporting the licensing authority for a large-scale retail operation. Your expertise will help shape licensing strategy, reduce regulatory risk, and keep thousands of retail locations compliant across multiple jurisdictions. We're looking for someone with 5+ years of hands-on experience managing multi-jurisdiction business licenses, permits, and renewals for a national retailer, restaurant, or quick-service organization. As the project's licensing authority, you'll interpret complex regulatory requirements, guide best practices for high-risk licensing—including alcohol and health permits—and help build compliant, scalable processes that support operations across the country. What You'll Bring We're looking for a licensing expert who thrives on navigating complex regulatory environments. The ideal candidate will have: 5+ years of hands-on experience managing multi-jurisdiction business license and permit renewals for a large national retailer, restaurant, or quick-service organization. Deep expertise with high-risk licensing, including Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), Health Department permits, Hazardous Materials , and other complex regulatory requirements. A proven ability to interpret statutes, municipal codes, and regulatory requirements and translate them into clear, practical business processes. Strong knowledge of the full licensing lifecycle —from new applications and renewals through approvals, closeout, and record retention. Experience managing licensing across multiple states and local jurisdictions , balancing competing deadlines while maintaining compliance. Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to identify compliance risks before they become business issues. Willingness to travel to client sites as needed. Ability to work onsite in Chesapeake, VA . Candidates located outside the area are welcome to apply— relocation assistance is available . #INDSP EEOC and Veteran Documentation During employment, employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, or any other legally protected status. At times, government agencies require periodic reports from employers on the sex, ethnicity, handicap, veteran and other protected status of employees. The purpose of this Administrative EEO Record is for statistical analysis only and is used to comply with government record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements. Periodic reports are made to the government on the following information. The completion of the Administrative EEO record is optional. If you choose to volunteer the requested information, please note that all Administrative EEO Records are kept in a Confidential File and are not part of your Application for Employment or Personnel file. Please note: YOUR COOPERATION IS VOLUNTARY. INCLUSION OR EXCLUSION OF ANY DATA WILL NOT AFFECT ANY EMPLOYMENT DECISION.