Senior Specialist, Sourcing and Product Development

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. Join our dynamic Sourcing team as a Sr. Specialist of Sourcing and Product Development.

The Sr. Specialist of Sourcing and Product Development will support India's franchisees by re-developing and re-sourcing Indian vendors who meet India's social standards and BAB's technical requirements. Additional responsibilities include off-cycle projects and domestic Atrium printing demands.

Responsibilities:

• Develop SKUS for Indian franchisees with Indian vendors
• Maintain approved social compliance standards for Indian factories
• Maintain technical product standards during redevelopment
• Manage the domestic turnaround print expectations between merchants and Atrium
• Manage projects that fall outside the normal omni channel line and calendar

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, sourcing, or merchandising experience
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in job experience in supply chain, production management, pattern-making, or merchandising
• Strong negotiation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6-8 years of experience in product development, sourcing, or merchandising
• Asian travel experience
• International factory experience
• Experience working with international vendors

Behavioral Traits for Success:

• Above average attention to detail, high standards of quality and accuracy
• Naturally driven by a strong sense of responsibility
• Takes pride in their sense of getting done quickly and correctly from start to finish
• Values the importance of planning, focus, and execution
• Able to collect and synthesize information before making decisions
• Willingness to follow established guidelines and processes
• Prefers communication that is factual, clear, and concise

Working Environment:

• Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
• Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
• Must be able to lift 10#s
• Flexible work environment
• International travel up to twice annually

Your Performance Will Be Measured On:

• Working knowledge of production/product making
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• COGS for assigned categories
• Negotiation skills
• Quality of India-approved vendors
• Quality of re-development based on vendor samples and tech packs
• Ensures product development process meets BAB's standards
• Project Management
• Communication of commitments, delays, milestones, and any other need-to-know information between all vested parties
• Ensure smooth transactions between Indian vendors and franchisees
• Decision making
• Management of the printing business
• Stakeholder Feedback