Full Time Store Manager - The Wharf

Store•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 ensures an exceptional Guest experience, a high-performing and engaged team, achievement of financial goals, and consistent adherence to company policies, procedures, and brand standards. The CWM leads the team and workshop operations, supports sales and profitability, manages staffing and payroll, oversees inventory and merchandising, and responds to Guest issues and operational needs. Performance is measured by leadership effectiveness, decision-making, sales and profitability, delivery of the Experience First culture, talent management, compliance, operational excellence, payroll and scheduling effectiveness, team engagement, collaboration, communication, and stakeholder feedback. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors.

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, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to sit, stand, move, and lead an active retail environment for at least eight hours a day.
Ability to lift more than 25 pounds.
Ambitious, success-oriented, and motivated by achieving goals.
Thrives in a high-engagement, Guest-focused environment.
Balances creativity, fun, and operational discipline.
Exercises sound judgment in ambiguous situations and demonstrates independent judgment.
Demonstrates initiative, resilience, and adaptability.
Leads with confidence, positivity, and an energizing presence.
Maintains composure and clarity under pressure.
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 with 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 Leads, and Bear Builders.
Ensure the Guest experience reflects the Experience First culture.
Manage payroll, forecasting, and scheduling based on business trends to achieve or surpass targets.
Create weekly schedules and determine associates’ daily assignments with assistance from the Assistant Workshop Manager.
Direct associates’ work, including break schedules, assigned tasks, and daily priorities, and serve as a role model leader.
Make hiring and promotion decisions, taking into consideration the Assistant Workshop Manager’s feedback and recommendations.
Lead and inspire the team during scheduled shifts while enforcing company policies, procedures, and standards.
Immediately communicate possible policy violations to the District Manager and/or Territory Manager for escalation to HR.
Coordinate appropriate disciplinary actions with the District Manager and HR, and deliver corrective actions with assistance from the Assistant Workshop Manager.
Manage compliance in areas including store security and cash management, product confidentiality, safety, attendance, and business conduct.
Ensure merchandising displays and layouts adhere to brand standards and create an inviting, cohesive store environment.
Use independent judgment to maintain operational efficiency, ensure adherence to store safety policies and procedures, and resolve Guest issues.
Oversee inventory management, including receiving, stocking, and inventory counts.
Build and develop a high-performing team in partnership with the Assistant Workshop Manager.