Full Time Store Manager - International Plaza

Build-A-Bear Workshop•Tampa, FL

About The Position

As a Chief Workshop Manager (CWM) at Build-A-Bear, you are responsible for the overall success of the workshop. This includes ensuring 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 role leads sales performance and team development, manages scheduling and payroll, oversees hiring and personnel decisions, and directs daily workshop operations. The CWM also maintains merchandising standards, inventory processes, safety, security, and operational compliance while responding to Guest issues and supporting a joyful Guest experience. Performance is measured against annual department objectives and corporate goals, including leadership effectiveness, sales and profitability, Guest and associate experience, talent management, policy compliance, operational excellence, payroll and 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.

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.
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 decision-making.
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.

Responsibilities

Drive sales and team performance by coaching Assistant Workshop Managers (AWMs), Shift Leaders (SLs), and Bear Builders, delivering an Experience First Guest experience, and managing payroll, forecasting, and scheduling to achieve or surpass targets.
Create weekly schedules and determine associates’ daily assignments with the AWM; direct work, manage breaks and daily priorities, and serve as a role model leader.
Make hiring and promotion decisions, taking into account AWM feedback and recommendations.
Lead and inspire the team during scheduled shifts and enforce and adhere to 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 and deliver corrective actions with the AWM as required.
Ensure 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 common sense and independent judgment to maintain operational efficiency and safety, and to resolve Guest issues.
Oversee inventory management, including receiving, stocking, and inventory counts.
Build and develop a high-performing team in partnership with the AWM that consistently delivers an exceptional Guest experience.