Full Time Store Manager - University Mall

Build-A-Bear Workshop is a globally recognized retail company specializing in customizable stuffed animals and interactive experiences for customers of all ages. The company is known for its unique approach to customer engagement, combining creative product offerings with personalized service to create a memorable guest experience. With numerous store locations positioned in indoor and outdoor malls, strip centers, and other retail venues, Build-A-Bear fosters a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where customers are involved in the creation of their own one-of-a-kind bears and other plush companions. As an established leader in the experiential retail industry, the brand emphasizes creativity, operational excellence, and high standards across all store operations.

The role of Chief Workshop Manager (CWM) at Build-A-Bear is a key leadership position responsible for the overall success of a workshop location. The CWM ensures that every guest has an exceptional experience that aligns with the company’s core value of Experience First. This role requires a dynamic leader who can build, coach, and motivate a high-performing, engaged team including Assistant Workshop Managers (AWMs), Shift Leaders (SLs), and Bear Builders. In addition to driving sales and team performance, the CWM is accountable for forecasting sales, managing payroll, scheduling associates effectively based on business trends, and maintaining strict adherence to company policies, procedures, and brand standards.

The Chief Workshop Manager leads by example, managing day-to-day operations including staffing decisions such as hiring and promotions, often collaborating with AWMs to select applicants and advance staff. They enforce compliance with all company policies, from store security and cash handling to safety and attendance, working closely with district and territory managers as well as human resources when disciplinary measures are required. Merchandising and inventory management also fall under the CWM’s leadership to ensure the workshop environment is inviting, organized, and on brand.

Built for a fast-paced retail environment, the role demands the ability to exercise sound judgment in complex situations, maintaining a safe and efficient store operation. The CWM plays a vital role in uniting the team around shared goals and maintaining a positive, motivating work culture that balances creativity and operational discipline. This leadership position usually requires working flexible retail hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and the physical ability to work on the floor for extended periods, lifting items weighing more than 25 pounds as needed.

Performance metrics for the Chief Workshop Manager focus on leadership effectiveness, sales results, profitability, and developing and retaining top talent, all while ensuring compliance with corporate policies and standards. The successful CWM contributes to a collaborative team environment, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering joyful, memorable experiences for guests and employees alike. This role is vital to upholding Build-A-Bear’s reputation for exceptional service, innovative retail experiences, and fun environments where creativity thrives and guests return time and again.