At Build-A-Bear we believe in the power of imagination, creativity, and memorable experiences. Our mission is to add a little more heart to life by creating unique experiences, lasting connections, and beloved memories that create lasting emotional connections. We are a multi-channel, site-based experience and entertainment company, with diversified categories and consumer segments. We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Vice President of HR Operations and Administration to join our dynamic team. As the VP of HR Operations and Administration, you will play a critical role in overseeing and enhancing our HR operations, processes, and policies to support our employees and drive organizational success.

This is a unique opportunity to join an iconic brand and an innovative and disruptive industry leader.

The VP, HR Operations & Administration provides executive level leadership and guidance to the areas of Compensation, Benefits, and Human Capital Management.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Works closely with leadership to establish the organization's long-term mission and objectives and devises strategies to support these goals through Compensation and Benefit strategy and HR Technology.
• Identifies essential performance indicators for Compensation, Benefits and Human Capital Management functions.
• Demonstrates unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional compensation, benefits, and employee incentive initiatives.
• Offers guidance and leadership to the human resource management team; assisting in the resolution of queries, concerns and challenges related to HCM, compensation and benefits.
• Provides advisory and consultancy services as a valued member of the management team, contributing to the development and implementation of both short-term and long-term plans and budgets aligned with corporate objectives, acquisitions, strategic planning and growth targets.
• Develop budgets and ensure effective allocation of resource and management of expenditures.

HR Systems

• Actively advocates for proactive approaches using the HCM platform to address business needs and resolve problems while promoting a deeper understanding and acceptance of the capabilities offered.
• Oversees the selection, configuration and successful launch of all HR systems, evaluating their performance annually.
• Collaborates with the Training & Development team to facilitate training initiatives, drive adoption of HR systems, and maximize their usage across the organization.
• Ensures that Compensation, Benefits and HCM programs and policies are fully compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Stays updated on the latest North American laws, regulations, and best practices in the areas of human resources, benefits, and compensation, maintaining a strong knowledge base in these domains.
• Actively participates in professional development activities and engages in networking opportunities through conferences and events, further enhancing expertise and expanding professional connections.

Compensation & Benefits

• Conducts regular and systematic evaluations and analyses of the outcomes of compensation and benefits programs and services, presenting these findings to the Chief People Officer, including benefit loss and claims control, P&L, special projects, etc.
• Devises and executes comprehensive compensation and benefits plans that are both competitive and cost-effective.
• Assesses and examines the benefits market to identify employee requirements, trends, regulations, and best practices, and designs competitive programs and services aligned with company objectives.
• Supervises the development, implementation, and administration of compensation programs.
• Monitors the efficacy of existing compensation practices and recommends cost-effective changes that align with compensation trends and corporate objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, MIS, or a related field.
• 8 years of experience in Human Resources, with a minimum of a year experience in each area of Compensation, Benefits and HRIS.
• Minimum 3 years supervisory experience.
• Senior Level Professional Certification: SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCP or similar.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite
• Valid Driver's License and Passport

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or Master's Degree in HR or related field.
• Experience with UKG Pro or other HRIS systems.
• Retail and International HR experience

Behavioral Traits for Success:

• Big picture, strategic decisions that are well thought-out.
• Leadership that inspires loyalty and delivers results.
• Drive, determination, and self-discipline.
• Strong business acumen.
• Servant leadership mindset.

Working Environment:

• Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
• Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
• Hybrid work schedule is an option
• 25% domestic overnight travel

Corporate Standards:

• Transparent communication - explain your methods, how data is used and applied.
• Available and willing to address concerns and questions.
• Trust your teammates and work together to achieve common goals. Seek the opinions of others. Take accountability for your actions.
• Acknowledge success, recognize individual and team contributions, and have fun along the way.

Your Performance Will Measured On:

• Benefits Cost Allowance (defined by CFO)
• Compliance
• Engagement
• Retention
• Stakeholder Feedback

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors 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 deem appropriate.