What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Manager position at Build-A-Bear Workshop?
Company Description Build-A-Bear Workshop is a global experiential retail brand founded in St. Louis in 1997, known for helping Guests create and customize furry friends that celebrate meaningful life moments. The company operates approximately 650 stores worldwide, including company-owned locations across North America, Europe, and South America and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and China. Build-A-Bear focuses on combining retail and entertainment, offering interactive experiences that spark creativity and imagination. Associates are encouraged to contribute to a values-driven culture, local communities, and business success while keeping the company’s core values at the center of their work. The organization has been repeatedly recognized as a great place to work, earning numerous awards for workplace culture, diversity, and employee engagement.
Role Description The Assistant Manager role is a full-time, on-site position based in Mobile, AL. The Assistant Manager supports the Store Manager in overseeing daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, visual merchandising, inventory management, and adherence to company policies. This role helps lead and motivate the store team, providing coaching and feedback to associates to ensure exceptional Guest experiences and efficient workflows. The Assistant Manager engages directly with Guests on the sales floor, facilitates the interactive Build-A-Bear experience, and promotes products and special events to drive sales. The role also assists with scheduling, training new team members, monitoring key performance indicators, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for both Guests and associates.
Qualifications
- Experience in retail or customer-facing environments with strong customer service and Guest engagement skills.
- Proven ability to support daily store operations, including cash handling, inventory controls, and visual merchandising.
- Leadership capabilities, such as coaching team members, delegating tasks, and contributing to a positive, collaborative culture.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse Guests and associates.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, interactive environment with frequent standing, walking, and light physical activity.
- Basic proficiency with point-of-sale systems and standard retail technology; ability to learn company-specific tools.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on store needs.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; prior supervisory or lead experience in retail or hospitality is preferred.