Full Time Assistant Manager - Oakbrook Center

Build-A-Bear; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 27,552 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly bonus

Job summary

Build‑A‑Bear Workshop at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL is seeking a Full-Time Assistant Manager to support the store manager in operations, guest service, and staff leadership.

You will oversee scheduling, training, and daily priorities, drive sales, ensure brand standards, and maintain safety. The role offers opportunities for advancement and a competitive hourly pay range.

Qualifications

• 2 years of store management experience in a customer-centric retail setting.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic understanding of POS, scheduling, HRIS, time and attendance.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Workshop Manager in daily assignments and staff scheduling.
• Support hiring decisions and staff development.
• Lead shifts, enforce policies, and ensure guest experience aligns with brand standards.
• Drive sales as Floor Leader, coach team, and forecast accordingly.
• Oversee merchandising displays and store cleanliness and safety.
• Manage inventory receiving, stocking, and counts.

Skills

Store management

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Tools

POS system

Scheduling software

Job description

Full Time Assistant Manager -Oakbrook Center

Job Category: Retail Store Locations

Requisition Number: FULLT010364

• Posted : July 15, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Oakbrook Center
Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA

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
• 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

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

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.

Build‑A‑Bear Workshop® is committed to being a fun place to work and visit! We care about the health and well‑being and long‑term financial security of our associates and their families. With that in mind, we constantly strive to provide our associates with comprehensive benefits that are competitive and meaningful in the specialty retail marketplace. Please visit www.buildabear.com/brand-about-careers-benefits.html for a list of full benefits that are offered to our employees.

Associates also have the ability to earn a monthly bonus based off their stores sales results vs. plans.

PAY RANGE- $20.00-21.00/Hour.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.