Build-A-Bear Workshop is a company based in Missouri, USA that makes and sells teddy bears and other stuffed animals. They offer an interactive toy making wherein customers choose the materials for their bears and become involved in the assembly process.
The company started in 1997 by Maxine Clark. The very first stored opened its doors in Saint Louis Galleria. In 2006, the company was able to acquire The Bear Company in London.
In 2010, the company has almost 400 stores around the world. They have stores in Australia, most of Europe, Asian countries, and in the Middle Eastern countries.
The company offers an attractive benefits package to its employees. Benefits include health and vision insurance, life insurance, performance bonus, paid time off, sick leave and family medical leave. Product discounts are also given to employees.
The company is an equal opportunity employer. It promotes camaraderie and treats its employees like family. Employees are given chance to improve their careers through trainings and career development programs.
How old do you have to be to work at Build-A-Bear Workshop?
An interested applicant must be at least 16 years old to work for entry level positions like customer service assistant or sales associate. However, an individual must be at least 18 years old to operate machines.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Careers
As one of the fast growing retail business, the company is consistently hiring new employees. Opportunities from every store branch vary from bear builders to managerial positions.
Bear Builder: A Bear Builder guides and assists the customer with all the bear-building process, which is the core product of the company. This bear building process consists of eight easy steps. He is the expert to go to when a customer has any inquiries.
Store Support Assistant: The Store Support Assistant helps the Bear Builder with the bear making process. He makes sure that all supplies are in an orderly manner for the customers to choose from. The Store Support Assistant maintains the overall cleanliness of the store.
Customer Service Representative: A Customer Service Representative answers all incoming customer calls and email inquiries. He assists in booking appointments with the stores or branches requested by the customer. The Customer Service Representative also makes the arrangements for any delivery or courier requests.
Store Supervisor: A Store Supervisor assigns tasks and monitors the workflow of Bear Builders. He makes the staff shift schedules and makes sure that there are enough employees to assist customers in the store. The Store Supervisor also ensures that the company standards and policies are followed.
Store Manager: A Store Manager oversees the overall operation of the store. He monitors the workflow up to the financial flow of the store. The Store Manager is also responsible for the work performance evaluation and promotion of the staff.
E-commerce Developer: An E-commerce developer facilitates the company’s e-commerce sites such as internal communication sites, company recruitment sites and support sites, mostly for UK and US locations. He is involved in the software development to improve applications, both internal and customer related ones. The Developer also assists with IT related problem solving such as debugging and software update.
SEO Analyst: An SEO Analyst manages all Search Engine Optimization activities of the company and the company’s website activities. He updates the sites regularly for the customers to be updated on what is latest with the company. The SEO Analyst makes report on what the customers usually search for in the company website and coordinates it with the Sales team.
Executive Assistant: The Executive Assistant communicates in behalf of his superior, which may be the company President or CEO. He makes and monitors all incoming and outgoing correspondences. The Executive Assistant also makes arrangements for travel itineraries and hotel and transportation needs of his superior for business related travels.
Office Receptionist: The Office Receptionist greets all office visitors and answers all calls. He arranges all office appointments and manages meeting room schedules. The Office Receptionist may also coordinate concerns between different store branches. This person should have great organizational skills.
Enterprise Account Analyst: An Enterprise Account Analyst searches for prospective new accounts that may develop into new store locations. He works closely with the Sales Department. An Enterprise Account Analyst also formulates new plans for account success. He is the person to turn to for concerns regarding company expansion.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Application
An interested job seeker may apply to the company through the company’s official website or through any job search websites. Positions may vary depending on the store’s staff needs.
While the company strongly suggests online application for the applicant’s convenience, an in-store application can also be done. The applicant will fill out application forms, attach his resume and will have to wait for the hiring manager’s advice.
The online application has the same procedure. The applicant will have to create a profile and attach a cover letter and a resume. The applicant may also attach supporting documents like diplomas or training certificates to support work related experiences.
Resume is one of the most important tools in searching for a job. An effective resume is concise yet informative. It should only have 1-2 pages. The applicant should make sure that the experiences listed are in a chronological manner.
Once the applicant is called for an interview, the applicant should be at the location on time. He should dress appropriately for the interview. Also, it is best to research about the company and the position prior to the interview.
Things To Know About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop’s culture is working with a heart. The company promotes a work environment that is based on teamwork. It also encourages everyone, employees and customers alike, to have fun and enjoy the company’s unique stuffed bear making process.
The company is known for collaborations with several animated movies like Shrek, Happy Feet, Surfs Up and Little Pony. The company has partnered with McDonald’s last 2010 to create some miniature toys to be included in the restaurant’s Happy Meal.
With a company made to generate smiles, Build-A-Bear Workshop has been a famous supporter World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help raise funds for bears, especially for the species that are facing possible extinction.
To help with the community, the company has been raising funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation, a charitable organization that helps grant wishes of children with critical illnesses. The company has gathered almost $900,000 to make dreams come true.
Application Links
Company: https://www.buildabear.com/
Careers: https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-careers.html
Application: https://careersapp.buildabear.com/Careers.aspx?careerType=bq