As a Chief Workshop Manager (CWM) at Build‑A‑Bear, you will be responsible for the overall success of the workshop, ensuring an exceptional Guest experience, a high‑performing and engaged team, achievement of financial goals, and consistent adherence to all company policies, procedures, and brand standards.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and team performance by coaching AWMs, SLs, and Bear Builders, ensuring a Guest experience that reflects the Experience First culture, and managing payroll, forecasting, and scheduling based on business trends to achieve or surpass targets.
• Create weekly schedules and determine associates’ daily assignments with the assistance of the Assistant Workshop Manager (AWM); direct their work, including managing break schedules, completing assigned tasks and daily priorities, and serving as a role‑model leader.
• Make hiring and promotion decisions, taking into consideration feedback and recommendations from the AWM regarding applicant selection and staff advancement.
• Lead and inspire your team during scheduled shifts, enforcing and adhering to Build‑A‑Bear Workshop policies, procedures, and standards. Identify and communicate any possible violations to the District Manager and/or Territory Manager immediately, for escalation to HR. Take appropriate disciplinary actions in coordination with DM and HR as required by policy, and deliver corrective actions to team members, with the assistance of the AWM, when violations occur. This includes store security and cash management, product confidentiality, safety, attendance, business conduct, and all other policies as communicated in the associate handbook.
• Ensure that all merchandising displays and layouts adhere to brand standards, creating an inviting and cohesive store environment.
• Exercise common sense and independent judgment in responding to and leading the team to maintain operational efficiencies and adherence to store safety policies and procedures and in resolving Guest issues.
• Oversee inventory management processes, 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.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of management experience with a proven, successful history in a customer‑centric business.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience using common store technology solutions (POS, scheduling, HRIS, time and attendance).

Preferred Qualifications

• 2‑4 years of store management experience.
• Associate’s degree or higher in business, management, or a related field.
• Proficiency in the use of common store technology solutions (POS, scheduling, HRIS, time and attendance).

Behavioral Traits For Success

• 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 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.

Working Environment

• 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.
• Work environments include indoor/outdoor malls, strip centers, and other retail locations.
• Ability to lift > 25 pounds.

Your Performance Will Be Measured On

• Leadership effectiveness, decision‑making, and independent judgment.
• Sales performance and profitability.
• Delivery of an Experience First culture for Guests and associates.
• Talent management, including hiring, development, and retention.
• Compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Operational excellence and adherence to brand standards.
• Payroll management and scheduling effectiveness.
• Team engagement, collaboration, and communication.
• Stakeholder feedback, including District Manager and corporate partners.

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter your at‑will employment, and Build‑A‑Bear, Inc. reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as may be deemed appropriate.