Full Time Store Manager - The Wharf

Build-A-Bear Workshop•Orange Beach, AL

About The Position

The Chief Workshop Manager (CWM) is responsible for the overall success of the Build-A-Bear workshop. The role focuses on delivering an exceptional Guest experience, building a high-performing and engaged team, achieving financial goals, and maintaining compliance with company policies, procedures, and brand standards. The CWM leads workshop operations and team performance, including coaching Assistant Workshop Managers, Shift Leaders, and Bear Builders; managing sales, payroll, forecasting, and scheduling; and overseeing hiring, promotion, employee development, inventory, merchandising, safety, and Guest issue resolution. The role requires sound judgment, operational discipline, and the ability to lead an active retail environment. Performance is measured against annual department objectives and corporate goals, including sales and profitability, Guest and associate experience, talent management, compliance, operational excellence, scheduling, team engagement, and stakeholder feedback.

Requirements

At least 2 years of management experience with a proven successful history in a customer-centric business.
High school diploma or GED.
Experience using common store technology solutions, including POS, scheduling, HRIS, and time-and-attendance systems.
Ability to work a typical retail schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to sit, stand, move, and lead in an active retail environment for at least eight hours a day.
Ability to lift more than 25 pounds.
Demonstrates ambition, goal orientation, and motivation to achieve success.
Thrives in a high-engagement, Guest-focused environment and balances creativity, fun, and operational discipline.
Exercises sound judgment in ambiguous situations and demonstrates independent decision-making, initiative, resilience, and adaptability.
Leads with confidence, positivity, and an energizing presence; maintains composure under pressure; and unites teams around shared goals and a joyful Guest experience.

Nice To Haves

2–4 years of store management experience.
Associate’s degree or higher in business, management, or a related field.
Proficiency in common store technology solutions, including POS, scheduling, HRIS, and time-and-attendance systems.

Responsibilities

Drive sales and team performance by coaching Assistant Workshop Managers, Shift Leaders, and Bear Builders, delivering a Guest experience aligned with the Experience First culture, and managing payroll, forecasting, and scheduling to achieve or surpass targets.
Create weekly schedules and determine associates’ daily assignments with the Assistant Workshop Manager; direct work, manage break schedules, complete assigned tasks and priorities, and model effective leadership.
Make hiring and promotion decisions, considering the Assistant Workshop Manager’s feedback and recommendations.
Lead and inspire the team during scheduled shifts while enforcing and following company policies, procedures, and standards.
Identify and promptly communicate possible policy violations to the District Manager and/or Territory Manager for escalation to HR; coordinate disciplinary actions with the District Manager and HR as required, and deliver corrective actions with assistance from the Assistant Workshop Manager.
Maintain compliance regarding store security and cash management, product confidentiality, safety, attendance, business conduct, and other associate-handbook policies.
Ensure merchandising displays and layouts meet brand standards and create an inviting, cohesive store environment.
Use common sense and independent judgment to maintain operational efficiency and safety, lead the team, and resolve Guest issues.
Oversee inventory processes, including receiving, stocking, and inventory counts.
Build and develop a high-performing team in partnership with the Assistant Workshop Manager that consistently delivers an exceptional Guest experience.