We're the company with #TheStuffYouLove! Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is a trusted, beloved brand that has been part of countless life moments for more than 20 years. We operate approximately 400 stores worldwide—including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Paris, Milan, Colombia, and the United Kingdom and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East and China—where Guests can make and customize furry friends.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop experience is an expression of our commitment to redefine retail and entertainment. Our concept is designed to bring out the creative side of our Guests to spark their imagination. 

We challenge every associate to contribute wherever possible to our culture, our communities and our business success. Regardless of role, Build-A-Bear associates keep our core values at the heart of everything they do.

We cultivate a culture that truly begins with heart. From the passion our associates bring to work each day to our iconic heart ceremony, we deliver the Build-A-Bear spirit and one-of-a-kind experiences to our Guests – one furry friend at a time. It’s one of the reasons Build-A-Bear Workshop has been recognized time and time again as a sought-after employer:
               
•	Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 
•	Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE’s Best Workplaces in Retail list: 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
•	Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE’s Best Workplaces for Women list: 2017, 2016 and 2015
•	Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE’s Best Workplaces for Millennials list: 2017, 2016 and 2015
•	Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE’s Best Workplaces for Diversity list: 2017, 2016 and 2015
•	The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list: 2017 and 2016
•	2-Star Accreditation by Best Companies for our ‘outstanding’ workplace engagement standards and commitment

Industry: Retail
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Savvy Admin PROD

Job Details

**Description**

The Manager, Retail Operations serves as the primary contact for high-visibility pop-up shops and Build-A-Bear events, as well as the management of store information and field alignments. This role leads the planning and execution of short-term, high-impact retail activations—ranging from one-day events to week-long pop-ups—in partnership with Brand, Marketing, and Licensing teams, ensuring operational excellence, brand alignment, and seamless field execution.

**Responsibilities**

**Pop-Up Shops & High-Visibility Activations**

- Lead planning meetings with key business partners and manage execution timelines and critical path activities to ensure all milestones are met.

- Partner closely with Brand, Marketing, Licensing, Field Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure activations are operationally sound and brand right.

- Lead recurring conference calls with NA BQ and field teams to review activation readiness, execution plans, and post-event learnings.

- Provide clear, formal communication to field teams outlining activation scope, operational expectations, timelines, and execution guidance.

- Facilitate cross-functional reviews to ensure layouts, fixtures, technology, and operational processes support the intended Guest experience.

-  Gather event-specific field feedback, synthesize insights, and share key learnings with partners to inform future activations and strategy.

-  Partner with Finance to ensure all popup stores are properly established and assigned store numbers

-  Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of popup shop sales

- Ensure the administration of revenue reporting and any required revenue share payments to support contractual and legal obligations for popup shops partnerships

**Build-A-Bear Events**

- Oversee the planning and execution of Build-A-Bear–owned events, ensuring consistent operational standards and a high-quality Guest experience.

- Partner with Field Leadership, Finance, and cross-functional teams to align event execution, expense management, and revenue recognition.

- Ensure all required documentation, approvals, and operational requirements are completed prior to event execution.

- Support operational setup, execution readiness, and post-event wrap-up for Build-A-Bear events.

**Program Strategy & Awareness**

- Support the development of the overall strategy and visibility of the pop-up and Build-A-Bear events program.

- Partner with Marketing and Brand teams to build awareness, alignment, and clarity around program goals, formats, and opportunities.

-  Provide operational input to help shape scalable, repeatable events and pop-up models that support brand priorities.

-  Manage record-keeping of documentation related to temporary popup locations and events

**Required Qualifications**

- Minimum 5–7 years of experience within a Store Operations or enterprise retail support role

- Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field

- Strong ability to manage timelines, organize work, and lead cross-functional initiatives

- Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to remove obstacles and drive execution

-  Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

**Behavioral Traits For Success**

- Confident, assertive leader who takes ownership and drives results

- Highly persuasive and socially skilled; influences others to action

- Energized by leading teams, building momentum, and setting direction

- Comfortable making decisions in fast‑paced, dynamic environments

- Motivates and engages others through strong communication and presence

- Results‑focused with a bias toward action and progress

- Adaptable and resilient; thrives in change and ambiguity

- Balances authority with approachability to rally teams toward shared goals

**Working Environment**

- Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs

- Hybrid work schedule

- Corporate Office located in St. Louis, MO

**Your Performance Will Be Measured On**

Your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals, which includes but is not limited to the following:

- Decision-making, judgment, and execution

- Clear and thorough communication, both spoken and written, with internal and external parties

- Timeliness and follow-up

- Problem solving and removing obstacles

- Planning and organization

- Execution of pop-up shops and Build-A-Bear Events

- Relationships with external vendors

- Creating a positive experience for both internal and external guests

- Internal and external stakeholder Feedback

Manager, Retail Operations

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