Legal & Licensing Manager

Job Overview:

The Legal & Licensing Officer is responsible for managing all aspects of the company's licensing process, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and maintaining accurate records of licenses. The officer will work closely with internal stakeholders, including legal, finance, operations, and regulatory teams, to oversee the acquisition, renewal, tracking, and overall management of licenses critical to the business. This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented individual with a proactive approach to maintaining up-to-date legal documentation and mitigating any potential compliance risks.

Key Responsibilities:

License Acquisition & Renewal Management:

• License Acquisition: Research, apply for, and manage the acquisition of necessary licenses and permits required for the companys business operations across various sectors.
• License Renewal: Ensure timely and accurate renewal of all business-related licenses by keeping track of renewal timelines, completing all paperwork, and submitting required fees in a timely manner.
• Proactive Tracking: Maintain a comprehensive license tracking system to ensure that all relevant licenses are up to date and valid. This includes setting up automated reminders and follow-ups to avoid lapses in licensure.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:
• Regulatory Research & Updates: Stay current on industry-specific regulatory changes and ensure the company remains in full compliance with evolving licensing laws and regulations.
• Compliance Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and proof of compliance with regulatory requirements. Help address any issues or discrepancies discovered during audits.
• Interpretation of Laws and Regulations: Serve as a subject-matter expert to internal teams on the interpretation and application of licensing laws and regulatory requirements.
• Record Keeping & Documentation Management:
• Organized Record Maintenance: Ensure that all licensing-related documents (licenses, renewals, applications, permits) are properly filed, organized, and stored for future reference. This includes both physical and digital records.
• Documentation Standards: Develop and maintain clear documentation and filing procedures to ensure that all records are easily accessible and aligned with industry best practices and legal standards.
• Reporting: Regularly prepare reports on licensing status, upcoming renewals, compliance issues, and regulatory updates for senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordination & Communication:
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with various departments such as legal, operations, and finance to ensure all teams understand and comply with licensing requirements.
• External Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for external regulatory bodies, licensing authorities, and any third parties involved in the licensing process.
• Cross-Departmental Support: Provide licensing guidance to other teams and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to meet deadlines and avoid operational disruptions.
• Training & Support: Provide training to staff on compliance and licensing processes to ensure the companys operations run smoothly and all employees understand their role in maintaining legal compliance.

Risk Management:

• Identifying and Mitigating Risks: Proactively identify potential risks related to licensing lapses, non-compliance, or regulatory changes. Take preventative actions to mitigate these risks and avoid penalties or business disruptions.
• Problem Resolution: Manage any licensing-related issues or disputes that arise with authorities, ensuring that they are addressed promptly and in accordance with legal requirements.
• Contingency Plans: Develop and implement contingency plans for critical licenses to minimize operational impacts in case of unexpected delays or issues with renewals.

Legal & Licensing Strategy:

• Strategic Oversight: Provide strategic input on business expansion efforts and ensure that the necessary licenses are obtained for new markets, products, or services.
• Legal Insights: Work with the legal team to assess any legal risks associated with licensing and regulatory requirements for new ventures or changes in the business.
• Regulatory Trends: Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging regulatory challenges to advise on potential changes to licensing strategies.

Required Qualifications:

Qualification: A degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field; Preference would be given to L.L.B and CS candidates

• Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a legal, regulatory, or compliance role, with a strong focus on licensing, permits, and regulatory affairs.
• Knowledge of Regulations: In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal licensing laws and regulations, as well as industry-specific compliance requirements.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail to ensure that all licenses and records are accurate and up to date.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with internal teams, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with legal or compliance software, and familiarity with tracking systems for document management and compliance monitoring is preferred.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Female candidates are preferred, as part of the company's diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Familiarity with industry-specific licensing requirements and international licensing processes (if applicable).
• Previous experience in a legal department or regulatory body is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of digital tools for process automation and compliance tracking is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive: Takes initiative to identify potential issues before they arise and suggests solutions to avoid complications.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures all documents and licenses are meticulously maintained, with no room for oversight or error.
• Strong Work Ethic: Takes pride in delivering accurate and timely work, demonstrating reliability in all tasks.
• Team-Oriented: While capable of working independently, the candidate will be expected to collaborate with multiple departments and manage relationships with external bodies.

Working Environment:

• This role may involve interaction with different teams, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Work Schedule: Standard business hours with some flexibility required depending on deadlines and license renewal periods.
• Office Environment: Typically works in an office setting but may require occasional travel to meet with regulatory agencies or other key stakeholders.

Knowledge: Knowledge of Shops Licenses, FSSAI, Labour Licenses, Shop Establishment Licenses, CTU, CTE etc.

Interested candidates may share their resume at hrd@nikbakers.com or hr@nikbakers.com