The Chief Workshop Manager (CWM) acts as the business owner and has ultimate responsibility for all operations of the store. The Chief Workshop Manager is accountable for effectively teaching, training and coaching a high performing team that achieves sales goals, meets BABW brand standards and delivers operational excellence. The Chief Workshop Manager uses good judgment to make decisions within the company’s guidelines and partners with his/her Area/District Manager when appropriate. All associates in the store report directly to the CWM.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Motivates and inspires the store team by delivering a compelling vision and purpose which encompasses the Build-A-Bear Workshop Core Values
• Consistently models the Experience First® standards and behaviors
• Creates and communicates clear action plans that optimize results and ensures effective execution of all activities
• Delegates effectively with management and associate team
• Maintains a positive and motivational style in all communication and actions to promote productivity and ownership
• Proactively seeks personal learning and development opportunities to build leadership skills and enhance individual performance

Drives for Results

• Analyzes the business and makes real-time strategic business decisions to drive results
• Maximizes profitability by achieving sales objectives and monitoring expenses that are in line with company expectations
• Energizes associates as a role model Leader on Duty to ensure proper coverage, exceptional Guest service, completion of daily tasks and adherence to company standards
• Builds a highly satisfied and loyal Guest base through engagement, conversion and capturing Guest information in the loyalty program

Builds High Performing Teams

• Identifies, recruits, hires and retains a high performing management and associate team.
• Partners with Area/District Manager to identify store core and seasonal staffing needs, and maintains a bench of qualified candidates (internal and external)
• Ensures proper onboarding and continued training of all associates through proper planning and follow up to maximize the successful execution of Experience First, sales, merchandising, and operational goals
• Consistently assesses and provides ongoing performance feedback on skills, job accountabilities and Success Characteristics through real-time coaching, scheduled touch bases, individual development planning and the performance review process
• Drives employee engagement by recognizing and rewarding employees for outstanding performance
• Develops succession plans to ensure career paths for all associates; encourages associates to pursue internal opportunities
• Confronts and addresses performance issues or conflicts in a timely and consistent manner
• Insures clear, consistent communication to the entire team through one-on-ones, management and all-store meetings

Operates with Excellence

• Tracks and analyzes sales trends to accurately forecast labor usage in order to prepare weekly schedules to meet the needs of the business and leverage mall traffic
• Manages payroll and timesheets to ensure compliance
• Ensures store is always Grand Opening ready by following opening and closing procedures
• Operates and maintains all IT systems in accordance with BABW policies and procedures
• Adheres to and enforces all BABW store security and cash management policies and procedures.
• Understands and ensures compliance with all Federal, State/Provincial, and/or local laws and regulations that govern the store’s operation

Executes the Brand Story

• Supervises the efficient and productive handling of all merchandise including shipment receipt and processing, floor sets, markdown optimization and replenishment systems while maintaining backroom Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Executes visual presentation standards using BABW visual standard guidelines and store presentation tools
• Maintains impeccable housekeeping and maintenance standards through proper training and delegation

All other tasks as assigned by management

Qualifications:

• Two to four years of total store management experience with a proven, successful track record in a customer centric business, preferably in specialty retail or restaurant business
• Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent. College degree a plus
• Is ambitious and success oriented
• Exceptional leadership and selling skills
• Models personal and professional integrity
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Balances the appropriate levels of warmth and dominance in his/her management style
• Attracts and recruits solid candidates for all positions
• Proven success with training and developing associates to maximize their potential
• Organized and planful; pays attention to details
• Is flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced work environment
• Fosters a high energy environment and demonstrates an appreciation for children of all ages

Job descriptions are used for informational purposes only, are not to be considered all-inclusive of responsibilities within a position, and may change periodically with or without notice. In addition, we reserve the right to add, delete, change duties, formally or informally, verbally or in writing, at any time for any position. Job descriptions do not alter the at-will policy of the Company, meaning that the employee or employer can terminate employment at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.