Director, Quality Assurance

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 strategic and inspirational Director, Quality Assurance to join our dynamic team.

The Director of Quality Assurance plays a crucial role in ensuring Build-A-Bear delivers high-quality products and services to our guests. This role directly impacts our competitiveness, financial performance, and ability to meet the expectations of guests and regulators.

• Develop and communicate quality standards for all Build-A-Bear Workshop locations
• Develop vendor relations
• Interface with laboratory partners
• Quality audits and inspections
• Identify and trouble shoot quality issues
• Risk management
• Data analysis and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Product release and compliance verification

• Bachelor s degree in quality management, engineering or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience Quality Assurance work within a retail or laboratory environment
• Expert knowledge in test protocols, packaging regulations, and manufacturing processes
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Industry knowledge (best practices, ISO standards, etc)
• Regulatory Compliance knowledge is current and relevant
• Project Management skills
• Auditing skills
• Supervisory experience

• 15+ years experience
• Toys or Children s Retail product experience

• The ability to deal with abstract concepts, systems, and ideas
• Organized self-disciplined approach to producing timely results that are high quality and accurate
• An analytical, inquiring, and critical mind that solves complex problems
• Can consider all possibly related facts and potential issues
• Intellectual confidence
• Able to weigh all decisions carefully and thoroughly, based on expertise to avoid risk

• Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
• Hybrid work schedule
• Domestic travel up to 50%

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, judgement, and execution
• Testing protocols, product inspection, and packaging to ensure compliance in a global manufacturing environment
• Design modification suggestions to ensure safety compliance
• Taking a proactive approach to leading cross-functional teams in swift and effective resolutions
• Stakeholder Feedback