What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, HR - Field position at Build-A-Bear?
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
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
