Full Time Assistant Manager - Friendly Center

Build-A-Bear Workshop; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Build-A-Bear Workshop is seeking an Assistant Workshop Manager to support the store manager in operations, guest service, staff management, and execution of sales and marketing strategies. This role is essential to drive store success while maintaining a positive Guest experience.

You will lead shifts, coach Bear Builders, oversee inventory, and ensure displays align with brand standards while upholding safety and policies. A customer‑centric mindset and leadership skills are required.

Qualifications

• 2 years of store management in a customer‑focused retail environment.
• High school diploma is required.
• Basic understanding of POS, scheduling, HRIS, and time/attendance systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Workshop Manager with daily assignments and priorities.
• Assist in hiring decisions and staff development.
• Lead shifts, enforce policies, and manage store safety and cash handling.
• Drive sales by coaching Bear Builders and delivering an Experience First Guest experience.
• Ensure merchandising displays meet brand standards.
• Oversee inventory processes including receiving and stocking.
• Develop a high-performing team focused on guest experience.

Skills

Guest experience

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Decision-making

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree in business/management

Tools

POS system

Scheduling software

HRIS

Time & attendance

Job description

As an Assistant Workshop Manager at Build-A-Bear, you will support the store manager in all aspects of store operations, ensuring excellent Guest service, efficient staff management, and effective execution of sales and marketing strategies. This role is vital in driving the store's success while maintaining a positive experience for Guests and associates.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Workshop Manager in determining associates’ daily assignments and directing work for associates, including managing break schedules, completing assigned tasks and daily priorities, and serving as a role model leader.
• Assist the Chief Workshop Manager in hiring and promotion decisions, including providing feedback and making recommendations 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 CWM and/or DM immediately. Make recommendations on appropriate disciplinary actions and assist in delivering corrective actions to team members 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.
• Drive sales as the Floor Leader, by coaching Bear Builders and creating a Guest experience that brings to life the Experience First culture throughout the workshop, effectively zoning associates, forecasting and adjusting sales based on business trends, and motivating the team to meet or exceed business targets.
• 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.
• Assist in building and developing a high-performing team that consistently delivers an exceptional Guest experience.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of store management experience, with a proven, successful history in a customer-centric business, preferably in specialty retail
• High school diploma
• Basic understanding in the use of common store technology solutions (POS, scheduling, HRIS, time and attendance)

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-4 years of store management experience, with a proven, successful history in a customer-centric business, preferably in specialty retail.
• Associate's (or higher) degree in business, management, or a related field

Behavioral Traits For Success

• Thrives in a high-engagement Guest experience environment
• Balances creativity and fun with accountability and dependability
• Connects with and inspires others to drive results
• Exercises common sense and sound judgment in ambiguous situations
• Displays strong initiative and self-direction
• Unites teams to deliver strong results
• Demonstrates ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment while remaining calm under pressure
• Leads with a confident extraverted style that can enliven, engage, and positively impact individuals and groups
• Maintains a positive outlook despite challenging circumstances

Working Environment

• Ability to work a typical retail schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Active retail store management requires the ability to sit, stand, and move around for at least eight hours a day
• Work environments include indoor/outdoor malls, strip centers, and other retail locations
• Lift > 25 pounds

Your Performance Will Be Measured On

Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual store objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following:

• Decision-making, independent judgment, and execution
• Consistently meeting financial objectives
• Ability to create an Experience First culture for Guests and associates
• Talent management, including effectiveness in supervising, directing and developing associates
• Consistent execution of operational standards
• Ability to foster team collaboration, communication, and performance
• Stakeholder feedback

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Supervisors may assign additional functions and requirements 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.