District Manager - Midlands, North of England and Scotland

Overview

At Build-A-Bear Workshop, the District Manager is accountable for the overall success of the total District, as well as the individual store results (15-20 Stores). The District Manager is responsible for building, developing and retaining a strong team of managers at all levels, delivering Experience First standards for our internal and external guests, and achieving financial goals set forth by the company.

The District Manager leads the store teams in driving results through consistent delivery of the Experience First service standards, associate development, store operations, visual presentation, and inventory management.

The District Manager cascades the company’s strategies to the store teams and leads by example in a manner consistent with the Build-A-Bear Core Values

Accountabilities

Leadership

· Motivates, retains and develops a strong district team through teaching and coaching.

- Consistently models the Experience First standards and behaviours.

· Coaches the team to utilise company tools and resources.

· Supports company business strategies by providing clear direction and consistent training.

· Creates and communicates clear action plans that optimise results and ensure effective execution of all activities.

· Communicates clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

· Creates ownership and commitment to common goals through collaboration and recognition.

Driving Results

· Keeps self and team focused on achieving financial goals and revenue targets (comp and planned sales, conversion, traffic leverage, payroll)

· Coaches the team to achieve goals in revenue generating initiatives (Bonus Club capture, parties, gift cards)

· Uses reports to analyse the business, identify opportunities and make real-time strategic decisions.

· Maximises profitability by achieving sales objectives and managing expenses.

Talent

· Identifies, recruits, hires and retains a high performing management team.

· Builds a strong succession plan for the district, maintaining suitable bench candidates (internal and external)

· Trains and develops the team to maximise the successful execution of Experience First, sales, merchandising, and operational goals.

· Consistently assesses and provides ongoing performance feedback on skills, job accountabilities and Success Characteristics through real-time coaching, scheduled touch bases, individual development planning and the performance review process.

· Partners with Chief Workshop Managers to identify store core and seasonal staffing needs.

· Develops succession strategy to ensure career paths for all associates; encourages associates to pursue internal opportunities.

· Drives store engagement by recognising and rewarding employees for outstanding performance.

· Confronts and addresses performance issues or conflicts in a timely and consistent manner, in partnership with HR and Senior Manager of Operations.

Operational Excellence

· Manages payroll and timekeeping procedures through the store teams and ensures accuracy in reporting, while delivering overall District performance to meet company goals.

· Tracks and analyses sales trends to accurately forecast sales and labor usage.

· Ensures that workshop schedules are completed and posted on time and that scheduling reflects the needs of the business.

· Monitors and ensures accuracy of cash management policies and procedures in the workshops.

· Enforces all BABW store security and cash management policies and procedures.

· Protects company assets and communicates issues to Senior Manager of Operations and Human Resources

· Understands and ensures compliance with all laws, legislations and regulations that govern the store’s operation.

· Uses good judgment and partners with the Senior Manager of Operations to make necessary decisions within the company’s guidelines.

· Builds a collaborative relationship with BQ partners to filter information as needed.

Merchandising and Marketing

· Monitors and ensures accuracy of merchandise receiving and transfers, markdowns, damages and all other administrative paperwork and procedures affecting inventory control

· Maintains daily awareness of merchandise in stock by working with store teams to ensure stock levels meet the needs of the business; communicates any issues to Senior Manager of Operations and/or BQ.

· Ensures stores are aware of and understand the importance of current marketing campaigns and promotions.

· Partners with the stores and Bearquarters on current market trends or local marketing opportunities in the district

· Ensures a high level of visual presentation, housekeeping and maintenance standards across all stores, in line with company expectations.

Qualifications

· Minimum of 3 - 5 years of multi-store experience with a proven, successful track record in a customer-centric business; specialty retail or restaurant experience preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of total store management experience.

· Is ambitious and success oriented.

· Exceptional leadership and selling skills.

· Models personal and professional integrity.

· Strong interpersonal communications skills, including verbal and written communication.

· Balances the appropriate levels of warmth and dominance in their management style.

· Strong track record of attracting and recruiting successful management candidates.

· Proven success in training and developing teams to maximise their potential.

· Organised and planful; pays attention to detail.

· Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.

· Is flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced work environment.

· Fosters a high energy environment and demonstrates an appreciation for the brand and our guests.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Store discount
• Wellness programme

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme

Experience:

• Multisite Leadership: 3 years (required)
• Management: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: On the road

Application deadline: 19/05/2023
Reference ID: DM North