Assistant Manager

Build-A-Bear Workshop; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Build-A-Bear Workshop is seeking an Assistant Manager for our Mobile, AL location. This full-time, on-site role supports daily store operations, coaches associates, manages scheduling, inventory, and merchandising, and collaborates with the Store Manager to uphold safety and brand standards.

You will lead a guest‑focused team, drive sales, and help recruit and train staff. Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and peak seasons is required, with emphasis on delivering memorable customer experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail or hospitality operations supervising staff and day-to-day store management.
• Strong guest service and communication skills to create engaging customer experiences.
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate teams, including conflict resolution and performance feedback.
• Basic business and sales skills: KPIs, cash handling, inventory control, and loss prevention.
• Organizational and time-management skills for a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working with POS systems and retail technology.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary in business/retail is a plus.
• Leadership experience in a customer-facing role is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise team members and ensure smooth daily store operations.
• Drive sales and profitability through coaching and guest-focused service.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training of staff; manage scheduling and inventory oversight.
• Uphold safety, compliance, and visual merchandising standards; support promotions.

Skills

Guest service

Communication skills

Team leadership

Scheduling

Inventory control

Cash handling

POS familiarity

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary in business or retail (plus)

Tools

Point-of-sale systems

Job description

Company Description Build-A-Bear Workshop is a global experiential retail brand founded in St. Louis in 1997 and known for helping Guests create customized furry friends. With approximately 650 stores worldwide, including company-owned locations across North America and Europe and franchise stores throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and China, the company focuses on imaginative, hands-on experiences. Associates are encouraged to contribute to the company’s culture, communities, and business success by living the brand’s core values. Build-A-Bear fosters a workplace culture rooted in heart, creativity, and guest delight, and has been repeatedly recognized by Great Place to Work®, FORTUNE, and other organizations for its outstanding employee engagement and inclusive environment. Team members help deliver one-of-a-kind experiences and memorable moments for Guests of all ages.

Role Description The Assistant Manager role is a full-time, on-site position based in Mobile, AL. This role supports daily store operations, including supervising team members, ensuring excellent guest service, and maintaining visual and experiential standards that reflect the Build-A-Bear brand. The Assistant Manager helps drive sales and profitability by coaching associates, managing scheduling, overseeing inventory, and supporting merchandising and promotional activities. This role collaborates with the Store Manager to implement company initiatives, uphold safety and compliance standards, and create a fun, engaging environment for Guests and team members. The Assistant Manager also assists with hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training to build a high-performing, guest-focused team.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail or hospitality operations, including supervision of staff and day-to-day store management.
• Strong guest service and communication skills, with the ability to create engaging, memorable experiences for diverse Guests.
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate teams, including conflict resolution, performance feedback, and collaborative problem solving.
• Basic business and sales skills, such as understanding KPIs, cash handling, inventory control, and loss prevention practices.
• Organizational and time-management skills to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
• Comfort working with point-of-sale systems and learning new retail technologies.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education in business, retail management, or a related field is a plus.
• Previous leadership experience in a customer-facing role is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, teamwork, and upholding Build-A-Bear core values.