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

The VP, Data and Digital Platforms is a visionary technology leader responsible for shaping and executing the company’s enterprise data, integration, and digital platform strategy. The role drives the design, delivery, and governance of scalable, secure, and intelligent platforms that power commerce, analytics, personalization, and operational excellence across all channels.

**Responsibilities**

- Define and execute the Data & Platform modernization roadmap that supports enterprise digital transformation

- Partner with business leaders to prioritize initiatives that enable unified commerce, customer 360, and AI-driven insights

- Oversee architecture and governance of data, analytics, and integration ecosystems

- Serve as a key contributor to the technology strategy, architecture standards, and long-term investment planning

- Lead cross functional data and digital technology teams

- Drive vendor management, licensing optimization, and technology investments

- Champion data-driven decision making and foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and accountability

**Required Qualifications**

- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in data platforms, enterprise architecture, or digital systems

- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field

- Expert with data platform architecture, ideally Microsoft Azure, Snowflake, Databricks

- Expert in API & Integration Frameworks, such as MuleSoft, Kafka, API Gateways

- Skilled with Power BI/Data Visualization

- Skilled in Cloud Technologies (Azure, Salesforce)

- Proficient knowledge of SOC-1, GDPR, and CCPA compliance

**Preferred Qualifications**

- Master’s degree in computer science, data science, or business administration

- Demonstrated success in leading large-scale modernization or digital transformation programs

- Experience implementing composable, event-driven, and cloud-native architecture

- Background in retail, eCommerce, or consumer experience-driven industries

- Proven leadership driving AI/ML, Data Fabric, and real-time analytics initiatives

**Behavioral Traits For Success**

- An analytical, inquiring, and critical mind that solves complex problems

- A knack for anticipating potential issues

- Strong commitment to tasks being completed correctly and on time

- Thrives in a structured environment

- Comfortable making decisions in area of expertise

- Communication style is factual and sincere

- Willingness to follow established policies, processes, and procedures

- Enjoys working at a somewhat faster-than-average pace

- Strives for continuous improvement

**Working Environment**

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

- Hybrid work schedule

**Your Performance Will Be Measured On**

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

- Decision-making, judgment, and execution

- Roadmap milestones and measurable outcomes

- System reliability and scalability

- Team performance

- Velocity of deliverables

- Accuracy and efficiency

- Compliance adherence

- Data integrity

- 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 be deemed appropriate

VP, Data & Digital Platforms

Find Technology Lead jobs in St Louis, MO with Savvy's AI Recruiter. Browse opportunities from top companies and get matched with roles that match your skills using our intelligent recruitment system.