Senior Specialist, Qa And Packaging

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 Senior Specialist, QA and Packaging.

The Sr. Specialist of Quality Assurance and Packaging provides day-to-day support to the Quality Assurance department to ensure that all products sold by BAB stores via wholesale or third-party retailers meet or exceed all legally mandated performance standards, packaging, and labeling standards. This role is instrumental in safeguarding product quality, ensuring compliance, enhancing brand reputation, improving cost efficiency, fostering innovation, promoting customer satisfaction, and contributing to a resilient supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Perform product risk assessments during the development cycle
• Assign packaging to new products
• Support the Director of Quality Assurance in day-to-day Quality Control operations
• Ensuring BAB is up-to-date on packaging requirements and regulations in all countries BAB operates
• Manage new packaging development process
• Manage relationships with vendors, franchisees, and third-party partners to ensure packaging complies with brand standards and government regulations
• Approve production packaging prior to vendor shipments
• Manage samples, costs, approvals, and PLM upload for any new Omni channel packaging
• Adhere to each country's safety, performance, and environmental regulations

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a quality assurance role
• 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 a quality assurance role
• Experience in toys or children's products
• Experience with packaging and labeling
• 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:

• Ability to manage budget with a strong emphasis on COGS
• Applied knowledge of up-to-date quality, safety, and Packaging regulations and requirements
• Environmental Compliance
• All products sold under the BAB brand meet or exceed industry quality standards
• Ability to anticipate and meet all packaging needs
• Coordination between internal departments
• Communication
• Negotiation skills
• Decision making
• Stakeholder Feedback