Manager, International Expansion at Build-A-Bear in St Louis, MO

MANAGER, INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION The Manager, International Expansion, leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the company’s global growth initiatives. This role identifies new market opportunities, builds scalable entry strategies, and ensures operational readiness across functions. As the central driver of international launch programs, this leader blends strategic insight with hands‑on execution to accelerate the company’s global footprint.  Responsibilities: • Conduct market research, competitive analysis, regulatory assessments, and financial modeling to evaluate expansion opportunities. • Recommend market prioritization and entry strategies aligned with business goals. • Build business cases and present recommendations to senior leadership. • Develop end‑to‑end market entry plans, including timelines, resource needs, risk assessments, and operational requirements. • Create repeatable frameworks and playbooks for future international expansion efforts. • Serve as the primary project manager for international launches. • Facilitate decision‑making, remove roadblocks, and ensure milestones are met. • Track KPIs, report progress, and adjust plans based on real‑time insights. • Identify, evaluate, and onboard local partners, distributors, agencies, and vendors. • Support contract negotiations and ongoing relationship management. • Ensure partners meet performance, compliance, and service expectations. • Facilitate collaboration between external partners and internal stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes. • Ensure all operational components are prepared for launch. • Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams to navigate international regulations and licensing requirements. • Monitor post‑launch performance and drive continuous improvement. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, International Business, or related field. • 3 years of experience in international expansion, global operations, strategy, or related roles. • Proven success leading cross-functional initiatives in complex, fast-paced environments. • Strong understanding of international markets, cultural nuances, and business practices. • Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. • Valid passport Preferred Qualifications: • Master's degree • 5-7 years proven track record of successful international expansion in the retail industry. Behavioral Traits for Success: • Decisive, fast-moving leader • High-energy persuasion and influence • Urgency-driven execution • Independent, bold decision-making • Competitive, results-focused mindset • Strategic, big-picture thinking • Resilient under pressure • Inspiring team motivator Working Environment: • Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs • Corporate Office located in St. Louis, MO • 30% International travel • Hybrid work schedule Your 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 execution • Clear and thorough communication, both spoken and written, with internal and external parties • Timeliness and follow-up • Problem-solving and removing obstacles • Planning and organization • Building strong relationships with cross-functional team members • Tenacity and commitment to tasks • Internal and external stakeholder feedback • Stakeholder feedback