Licensing and Compliance Manager

Morrisons; Bradford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization in Bradford is seeking a Licensing & Compliance Manager responsible for overseeing licenses related to alcohol, tobacco, and regulated sales. The role requires deep legal expertise and the ability to ensure compliance with evolving legislation, balancing commercial goals with legal responsibilities. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a meticulous approach, and a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks. This position offers a range of employee benefits and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

15% discount in store

Additional 10% discount card for a friend

Annual bonus scheme

Career progression opportunities

Generous holiday entitlement

Market leading pension scheme

Healthcare benefits

Parking onsite

Private Healthcare

Car Allowance

Qualifications

• Ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable processes.
• Meticulous in reviewing advertising copy and pricing practices.
• Comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee licensing applications, maintenance, and renewals.
• Design and audit Challenge 25 strategy.
• Act as point of contact for Local Authorities and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Legal expertise

Commercial pragmatism

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Education

Deep understanding of Licensing Act 2003

Job description

In a large-scale retail environment, our license to operate is our most valuable asset. We are looking for a Licensing & Compliance Manager who understands that this isn't just about paperwork; it’s about business continuity. This role is the guardian of our alcohol, tobacco, and regulated sales licenses. A single failure in compliance doesn't just mean a fine, it risks the immediate closure of our stores.

Beyond licensing, you will be one of our Trading Standards experts, supporting the team and ensuring that as legislation evolves, Morrisons stays ahead of the curve. From the complexity of environmental "green claims" to the strict marketing of vapes and tobacco, you will ensure our commercial ambitions never compromise our legal integrity.

• Oversee the application, maintenance, and renewal of all licenses, ensuring all statutory requirements are met.
• Final oversight for high-risk advertising and labeling, including tobacco/vapes, pricing, and substantiating sustainability claims.
• Design, implement, and audit our Challenge 25 strategy. You will be the internal authority on age restricted sales, ensuring every colleague is trained and every store is prepared for test purchases.
• Proactively identify stores at risk of licensing reviews and implement robust intervention plans to prevent closure or loss of license.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Local Authorities, Police, and Licensing Boards. You will represent the business at hearings and mediation meetings.
• Monitor compliance data and test purchase results to provide the leadership teams with a clear view of our risk profile.

About you

We’re looking for someone who balances legal expertise with commercial pragmatism. You will be a risk specialist who understands that compliance is the foundation of our profitability. You will also:

• Have a deep understanding of the Licensing Act 2003 (or relevant regional legislation) and its application in a fast paced retail setting.
• Be meticulous in reviewing advertising copy and pricing practices to ensure we are 100% legally compliant.
• Translate complex legal requirements into simple, actionable store level processes.
• Be comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and have the ability to manage difficult conversations with regulatory bodies.
• Be meticulous with a high level of attention to detail.

About us

In return for all your hard work, you will receive:

• 15% discount in store from the day you join us
• Additional 10% discount card for a friend or family member
• Annual bonus scheme
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Market leading pension scheme and life assurance
• Healthcare benefits including Aviva Digital GP
• ‘MyPerks’ giving you discount with over 850 retailers
• Free parking onsite
• Enhanced Family, Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Private Healthcare
• Car Allowance (company car provided in some instances)

Alive with activity, our modern Head Office is home to our corporate teams that make sure everything runs smoothly. Here, you’ll find comfy breakout areas, a coffee shop, Morrisons Daily and a subsidised restaurant. We are within commuting distance of Leeds, Manchester and the Yorkshire Dales - and we even have free parking!

At our Head Office you will expect to find supplier showcases, charity fundraising and celebrations all year round for the events that mean the most to our colleagues.

There’s more to our business as it’s fast paced and ever changing, as such we’ve got lots of fresh opportunities for you to play your part in our success. We’d love to meet you!

At Morrisons, we’re proud to be building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We want every colleague to feel respected, supported and able to be themselves at work. Different voices, experiences and ways of thinking help us grow and improve and that’s good for our customers too.

We’re always looking for people from all walks of life to join us and bring their talents to our team. Together, we can build a workplace where everyone has the chance to thrive, make a difference and belong.