Hai Hospitality · 1 month ago
Manager of Permits & Licensing
Austin, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expHai Hospitality is a multi-concept, emerging restaurant group based in Austin, Texas. The Manager of Permits & Licensing is responsible for overseeing all permitting, licensing, and regulatory compliance activities necessary for the operation of restaurant locations, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local requirements while driving operational efficiency.
Food and BeverageRestaurants
Responsibilities
Manage and execute all permitting and licensing requirements for new restaurant openings, remodels, relocations, etc
Oversee the full lifecycle of regulatory applications including submission, tracking, revisions, public hearings, inspections, and final approvals
Coordinate with architects, contractors, and development teams to ensure plans meet municipal code requirements prior to submission
Negotiate timelines and approvals with local municipalities to avoid project delays
Maintain a master calendar and database for all required permits, deadlines, fees, and renewal dates across all locations
Handle all new liquor license applications, modifications, transfers, and renewals
Prepare and submit supporting documentation such as company disclosures, floor plans, fingerprints/background checks, public notices, and neighborhood consent materials
Represent the company at liquor board hearings and city council meetings when necessary
Monitor compliance with Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) regulations and train operations teams on responsible service and incident documentation
Establish protocols to ensure ongoing compliance with age verification, service restrictions, and reporting requirements
Ensure each restaurant maintains all required operational permits (health, food service, fire safety, grease interceptor, HVAC, music licensing, outdoor seating, etc.)
Build standardized inspection readiness programs for health, fire, and regulatory inspections
Partner with Operations and Safety teams to respond to violations, citations, and corrective action plans
Monitor and analyze health inspection results to identify trends and create proactive mitigation strategies
Conduct periodic internal audits of onsite compliance documentation
Review design documentation to ensure building plans meet code requirements before permit submission
Coordinate with internal and external construction teams to ensure compliance with ADA, building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and environmental standards
Track construction progress to anticipate inspection needs and avoid permit-related delays
Maintain relationships with city building inspectors and planning departments to facilitate approvals
Continuously monitor regulatory changes (e.g., health codes, alcohol laws, building codes, zoning requirements) and communicate impacts to leadership
Evaluate company exposure to compliance risks and recommend preventive actions
Develop and maintain emergency response protocols for regulatory shutdowns, suspensions, or license challenges
Lead internal investigations into regulatory incidents and prepare company responses
Build and maintain a centralized digital repository for all permit and licensing documentation
Develop dashboards and reporting tools to provide leadership with real-time visibility into permit status, bottlenecks, and compliance health
Create standardized forms, checklists, and workflows for each permit type
Regularly audit documentation for accuracy and completeness
Assist in review of event, software, and other company contracts and agreements, identifying key terms and conditions and ensuring compliance with company guidelines and standards
Work with CFO and Real Estate team on property management related items, including landlord communication, CAM reconciliation, SNDA, Estoppel, Lease Confirmation and Commencement, and related lease documents
Assist Controller and Real Estate team in management of utility set-up for new and existing restaurants, including communication with 3rd party processing company (eg: Engie)
Serve as the organization’s primary liaison with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies
Train restaurant leaders, regional leaders, and development team on permitting processes and compliance requirements
Support Finance with budgeting for permit fees, licensing costs, and associated legal expenses
Collaborate with HR on compliance matters related to labor licensing (e.g., required manager certifications, food handler cards)
Advise executive leadership on regulatory feasibility for new markets, concepts, or formats
Develop permitting timelines and forecasting models for annual development plans
Lead initiatives to improve speed-to-open by optimizing permitting workflows, reducing redundancies, and eliminating approval barriers
Evaluate and implement new software or technology solutions to streamline licensing and compliance management
Build and develop a high-performing network of consultants to support national or multi-state expansion
Be a brand ambassador and behavior model our Mission, Values, and Culture
Build and maintain trusting relationships with restaurant and home office teams
Communicate effectively and routinely regarding all significant matters, problems, projects, etc
Maintain a high degree of accessibility and availability to listen, learn, and solve problems
Support transparent and ongoing communications with all departments and restaurants
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in business, Legal Studies, Public Administration, or related field; experience may substitute for degree
5+ years of experience in permitting, licensing, compliance, or regulatory roles—preferably in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, or multi-unit environment
Strong working knowledge of retail and/or restaurant industry regulations, health department standards, and liquor licensing
Proven track record managing complex, multi-jurisdictional permitting processes
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with government agencies
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful permitting and licensing strategies that improve operational efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness
Must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and supervisors, including via email, phone, and in-person interactions
Ability to read, understand, and respond to written or digital documents, including emails, reports, and policies
Detect and address workplace safety issues and adhere to safety guidelines and standards
Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer or other office equipment for extended periods
Perform repetitive hand and wrist movements for typing, writing, or data entry
Lift and carry office supplies, files, or equipment weighing up to 25 lbs
Adapt to a fast-paced work environment, including managing deadlines and shifting priorities
Work collaboratively in close proximity to coworkers in shared office spaces
Tolerate exposure to standard office elements, such as artificial lighting, noise from office equipment, or climate-controlled environments
Understand and follow directives, policies, and workflows provided by supervisors or management
Preferred
Roll-up-the-sleeves attitude with the ability to adapt, grow and change with the business
Curious by nature and seeks out new and better solutions to current standards and practices. Ask 'why' when necessary
Team Player (a 'we' vs. 'me' attitude)
Humble and kind, yet with a competitive mindset. Wants to win
Good communication skills – seeks feedback and enjoys continuous improvement environments
Promotes communication and cooperation among teams to create a spirit of unity in the organization
Can manage multiple projects and priorities - above average organizational and time management skills
Benefits
Medical / Dental / Vision / Accident insurance options available
Employee Assistance Program with mental health services available
Employer Matched 401k Savings plan
Opportunity to grow -- we promote from within almost exclusively
Dining discounts
Spouse / Children / Family contributions towards medical premiums
Maternity + Paternity Leave
Paid Vacation benefits
Short term + long-term disability coverage
Company
Hai Hospitality
Hai Hospitality is a restaurant group based in Austin, Texas.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tony Montero
Chief Executive Officer
Brian Morrow
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Recent News
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