New Store Setup Specialist
About Us
Based in Chesapeake, VA, Family Dollar operates more than 7,000 stores across the 48 contiguous states, supported by a coast-to-coast logistics network and more than 80,000 Associates. Family Dollar is a leading value retailer serving large and small communities across the country. Come help us grow!
The Opportunity
The New Store Setup Specialist serves as a subject-matter resource responsible for independently managing complex store setup licensing, permitting, and utility coordination activities across multiple jurisdictions required to support new store openings as well as other store transitions including permanent closures, relocations, and renovations.
This role exercises professional judgment to ensure all regulatory and operational requirements are met in advance of store openings, balancing competing priorities, tight timelines, and jurisdictional complexity. The Specialist partners cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and support on-time store delivery.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Independently manage licensing and permitting requirements for new, relocated, and rebranded store locations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Interpret jurisdiction-specific licensing requirements and determine application strategy, sequencing, and timing to support store opening schedules.
- Oversee preparation, review, and submission of licensing applications, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Proactively identify risks to store opening readiness related to licensing, inspections, or utility setup; develop mitigation strategies and escalate where appropriate.
- Coordinate complex utility setup activities across multiple providers, ensuring timely service activation and continuity of operations.
- Partner with landlords, contractors, insurance providers, and internal departments (e.g., facilities, accounting, construction) to resolve issues impacting store readiness.
- Monitor and ensure timely completion of all pre-opening requirements, including licenses, permits, inspections, utilities, and insurance.
- Lead resolution of non-routine or escalated issues involving licensing authorities, utilities, or third-party providers.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and external partners, building relationships to facilitate issue resolution.
- Maintain accurate records and oversee documentation standards for licensing and store setup activities in internal systems.
- Participate in regular project or pipeline meetings, providing updates on risks, milestones, and dependencies impacting store opening timelines.
- Support full store lifecycle activities, including store closure processes and utility disconnect coordination.
- Identify process inefficiencies or recurring issues and recommend improvements to enhance execution and scalability.
- Serve as a resource to other team members, providing guidance on complex scenarios and sharing best practices.
Minimum Requirements / Qualifications
- Associates degree or equivalent experience; additional education or specialized training strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in licensing, permitting, retail development, construction coordination, or regulatory support.
- Proven experience exercising discretion and independent judgment to work independently, make decisions, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and procedural requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Proven ability to prioritize work independently, manage competing deadlines, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and web-based systems.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including interaction with government agencies and external partners.
- Ability to identify risks, resolve issues, and escalate appropriately.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting new store development, construction, or retail expansion programs.
- Experience working with utilities, permitting agencies, or licensing authorities.
- Familiarity with real estate, lease administration, or facilities operations processes.
- Experience serving as a subject-matter resource or informal lead within a coordination or licensing function.
- Experience working with multi‑entity corporate structures (e.g., LLCs, subsidiaries, DBAs).
- Direct experience supporting alcohol and tobacco licensing.
Projected Salary Range: $57,000 - $65,000
Family Dollar is an equal opportunity employer and committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Full time510 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320ComplianceFamily Dollar