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 VP, Wholesale, Consumer Products, & Partner Operated to join our dynamic team.
The Vice President, Wholesale, Consumer Products, & Partner Operated (Retail) is a commercial leader responsible for driving category growth, optimizing omnichannel strategies, and deepening partnerships across retail platforms. This role will oversee all non-direct-to-consumer channels – ensuring brand consistency, operational excellence, and category leadership in both owned and partner-operated environments.
Responsibilities :
- Lead integrated business strategies across wholesale distribution, consumer products, and third-party retail partnerships to drive brand visibility and revenue
- Oversee execution across brick-and-mortar, shop-in-shop, and partner-managed retail footprints – aligning brand standards, merchandising, and customer experience
- Collaborate with Product, Merchandising, and Supply Chain to align inventory planning with sell-through trends and seasonal assortment strategies
- Build strong retail partner relationships through joint business planning, category management, and store-level performance insights
- Monitor market dynamics and consumer behaviors to inform pricing, promotions, and channel expansion strategies
- Integrate digital commerce into physical retail environments, ensuring a cohesive omnichannel journey and data-driven decision-making
- Drive continuous improvement in channel operations, while cultivating a high-performing, agile team culture
- Champion innovation in product packaging, retail merchandising, and value-added services to elevate the consumer experience
Required Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field10-12 years of experience in retail, wholesale, or consumer packaged goodsProven success in scaling retail presence, launching new categories, and managing complex commercial partnershipsDeep understanding of retail merchandising, customer insights, and shopper marketing strategiesStrong analytical, negotiation, and communication skillsP referred Qualifications :
MBA12+ years of experience in retail, wholesale, or consumer packaged goodsBehavioral Traits for Success :
Driven to achieve results that align with the strategic goals of the organizationInitiative, sense of urgency, and the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditionsDecision-making is focused on implementing practical and timely solutionsSelf-assured and confident while engaging the commitment of othersA leadership style that is goal-oriented and yet motivates, trains, and engages othersEffective delegatorPrioritize achieving results through collaborative and effective systems, rather than focusing on implementation detailsInnovative and creative problem problems solverComfortable with riskWorking Environment :
Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk / chairsHybrid work schedule40% Domestic TravelYour 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 executionRevenue growthUse of dataKey performance indicatorsSynchronized strategiesAbility to influence upward and across peer setCommunicationAbility to foster team collaboration, communication, and performanceStakeholder Feedback