Permitting and Project Specialist

About Hana Group
Hana Group is a global leader in ready-to-eat Pan-Asian cuisine, bringing fresh, chef-crafted sushi and Asian-inspired dishes to customers through our in-store kiosks and food service operations. With a presence in major grocery retailers across the U.S., we’re committed to delivering high-quality food that’s convenient, delicious, and prepared with care. Our culinary teams operate with a passion for food and a dedication to service that drives every customer interaction.

Our Culture
At Hana Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We’re proud to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where team members feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow. Whether you're rolling sushi, managing a kiosk, or supporting operations behind the scenes, your work makes a real impact on the customer experience and the company’s success. We invest in our employees through hands-on training, leadership development, and clear pathways for career advancement.

Why Join Us
Joining Hana Group means being part of a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company that’s transforming the way people eat. We operate with a focus on food safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, while never losing sight of the people who make it all happen. If you're passionate about food, thrive in dynamic environments, and want to be part of a company that’s growing across the U.S., Hana Group could be the perfect fit for you.

Job Summary:

The Permitting Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating all permitting activities required for the installation, operation and maintenance of sushi kiosks inside grocery retail environments. This role is essential in ensuring smooth project execution by securing the necessary permits at municipal, county, and state levels - including health, fire and building department approvals. Plays a crucial role in supporting project timelines and business objectives, working collaboratively with project teams to facilitate kiosk openings and operations efficiently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Permit Management

• Research and identify applicable permitting requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Prepare and submit permit applications (e.g., building, health, fire, signage) for new kiosk installations and relocations.
• Track permit progress through 3rd party vendor and resolve delays or compliance issues proactively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Real Estate, Construction, Legal, and Operations teams to align project timelines with permitting milestones.
• Partner with third-party vendors, contractors, and local authorities to facilitate the approval process.
• Work with the Operations team to schedule health department permit inspections.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain an organized database of permit documents, expiration dates, and jurisdictional contacts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and food service laws in all operating territories.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Regularly update and audit records to ensure accuracy and completeness in documentation.

Process Improvement

• Identify recurring challenges and propose streamlined solutions for faster permitting.
• Develop standard operating procedures for permitting in key markets.
• Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously refine permitting processes and identify areas for improvement.

Project Management Support

• Assist with new store openings by tracking timelines and coordinating execution tasks across departments.
• Coordinate the setup of new products and items, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, including operations, marketing, and field teams, to ensure seamless execution of store launches and product rollouts

Key Competencies:

Strategic Planning and Organization, Time Management & Communication, Detail-oriented, Policy Driven

Requirements:

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize data into actionable insights • Proficiency with HRIS systems and data analysis/reporting tools like Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate data into clear, audience-appropriate presentations.
• Proven ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Construction Management, Business, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in permitting, licensing, or regulatory compliance, ideally within the food service, retail construction, or franchising sectors.
• Experience working with health departments and building authorities is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Hana Group North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary: $65,000-$70,000 USD Annually