Manager, HR - Field

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 Manager, HR Field to join our dynamic team.

The Manager of Human Resources - Field at Build-A-Bear serves as a trusted partner to field leadership and team members, driving a workplace culture that fosters engagement, growth, and high performance. This role provides strategic guidance in employee relations, conflict resolution, career development, and organizational effectiveness, ensuring team members are supported while aligning people strategies with business goals. The ideal candidate is passionate about people, thrives in a fast-paced, retail-driven environment, and adopts a proactive, people-first approach to HR.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to support employees and leaders
• Manage employee relations, conduct investigations, resolve conflicts, and handle disciplinary actions in accordance with company policies and local employment laws
• Guide and support the performance management process, including coaching, feedback, and corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Offer day-to-day performance management guidance to leadership and team members
• Collaborate with leadership and employees to enhance work relationships, boost morale, and improve productivity and retention
• Assist with unemployment claims and related processes
• Support wage changes and ensure accurate implementation
• Conduct exit surveys to gather insights and identify trends for continuous improvement
• Provide HR support during store growth and organizational changes
• Balance empathy with company policies and standards to ensure consistency and fairness in decision-making
• Address interpersonal and team conflicts constructively to foster a positive work environment
• Champion fair treatment, inclusion, and belonging within the workplace
• Assist employees and teams in navigating organizational changes smoothly
• Demonstrate improvement in key metrics and benchmarks related to employee engagement, retention, and performance
• Pursue continuous learning and development to stay current with HR trends, best practices, and legal requirements
• Act as a positive ambassador for Build-A-Bear, promoting the company culture and values both internally and externally
• Maintain professionalism and discretion in upholding sensitive and confidential information

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field
• 5-7 years of HR experience with at least 3 years in a HRBP or Employee Relations role
• Proven ability to handle employee relations issues, conflict resolution, and performance management
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficient with HRIS platforms, such as UKG
• Skilled with Performance Management tools
• Experience in a customer facing environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• MBA or master's degree in HR or related field.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR

BEHAVIORAL TRAITS FOR SUCCESS:
• Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results
• Applies technical problem-solving skills and resourcefulness within established systems and technologies
• Enjoys mentoring and developing others to support growth and performance

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
• Hybrid work schedule
• Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
• Domestic Travel

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
• Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner before they escalate
• Exit survey feedback, analysis, and action plans
• Leadership development and effectiveness
• Innovation and problem solving
• Time management and prioritization
• High-quality presentations that are engaging and practical
• Ability to promote teamwork, open communication and high performance to achieve shared goals
• Stakeholder Feedback