**Remote/Hybrid - 1 day per in office Providence, RI or Twin Cities, MN Strongly Preferred**

Job Overview:

The Manager, Licensing Compliance functions as the legal licensing professional with the primary responsibility of the management of associates assigned (direct reports) and business licensing, related tax reports, annual reports, and other state & local licensing compliance support for the Company. This position supports the Legal Department in providing best-in-class services in an efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner. The ability to effectively communicate both internally and externally and to promote UNFI’s culture of regulatory compliance and doing the right thing is imperative.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Manages licensing associates while monitoring and evaluating federal, state, and local-level regulations for relevant licensing activities and develops compliance strategies to ensure continued company compliance.

• Analyzes, recommends, and implements improvements to internal preparation, maintenance, communication, and tracking procedures.

• Manages and oversees the preparation of company licenses for accuracy and timeliness under applicable jurisdiction guidelines while also ensuring all licenses are required or classified correctly based on the location's operational structure.

• Oversee the filing of applicable excise tax (agricultural) returns as required by state jurisdictions and coordinate with the distribution network on updates to maintain compliance for reporting.

• Reviews and approves licensing payables for accuracy and timeliness.

• Coordinates and partners with other functional areas within the Company to meet applicable licensing compliance and reporting requirements deadlines.

• Coordinates and partners with regional and DC/store-level operations teams to receive updates on operational changes and assess impact on existing federal, state, and local jurisdiction licensing needs.

• Prepares annual budget projections and reconciliations for the licensing department.

• Coordinates and/or conducts performance reviews of Licensing Compliance Specialists, assists in hiring, onboarding, and development of new associates, and coordinates the training and development of current associates as needed.

• Possesses and maintains a strong knowledge of the license tracking software.

• Supports and participates in special projects as assigned; this could include support on various regulatory compliance reporting projects (e.g., bottle bill, extended producer, plastic content, PFAS, Prop 12, etc.).

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Reading, writing, math, keyboarding, and communication skills at an above-proficient level.

• Ability to follow verbal or written instructions.

Experience: 

• 4-7 years’ related experience in the retail/wholesale licensing area, preferred.

• 3-5 years’ experience in working in the retail/wholesale industry, preferred.

• Previous progressive managerial experience.

Knowledge Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic federal, state, and local licensing requirements applicable to companies in the retail/wholesale grocery industry.

• Knowledge and experience in working with regulatory agencies, specific experience with FDA, USDA, and/or state and local agricultural or alcohol licensing authorities a plus.

• Ability to efficiently manage a large workload and react promptly to multiple deadlines while meeting personal and team objectives.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate positions and provide clear direction.

• Must be able to interact effectively at all levels and divisions of the Company.

• Advanced working knowledge of Excel and other software systems used in the retail/wholesale industry.

• General understanding of how to read and research legal statutes and rules/regulations.

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available. 

Work Environment:

Remote/Hybrid Role:

• This position is classified as remote, where the associate will primarily perform remote work from their residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager. This position requires the associate to be within commuting distance of an UNFI office and will be required to travel to their office location at least once a week.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

• Travel is required up to 25% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

• Incumbent may sit for long periods at a desk or computer terminal.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during the normal workday.

• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO plan, Remote, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mileage reimbursement, cell phone, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, and other benefits applicable to specific role.

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