National Account Manager

National Account ManagerThe National Account Manager owns a portfolio of national and regional retail accounts, serving as the primary business partner between Build-A-Bear and the buyers, planners, and executives who bring our brand to their shelves and customers. This role thinks like a merchant - understanding your accounts' strategies, consumers, and competitive pressures and creates joint business plans that create mutual value. The National Account Manager will impact the brand as we expand our wholesale footprint.Responsibilities:Own day-to-day and strategic relationships with a portfolio of wholesale retail accounts, including national mass, specialty, and mid-tier retailersBuild and execute joint business plans that deliver revenue growth while protecting brand positioning and assortment integrityLead seasonal line reviews, forecasting conversations, and executive business reviews with buyer and merchant leadershipIdentify growth opportunities through new doors, expanded assortment, or promotional programming - with an eye toward the right fit, not just volumePartner internally with merchandising, visual merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and finance to deliver on commitments and resolve issues proactivelyAccurately forecast account-level demand and maintain a clear view of account health and pipelineConduct weekly sell-through analysis by-account, by-style ad by-door; develop and implement immediate action plans to optimize inventory and sales performanceAdditional responsibilities as the wholesale function continues to growRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree5+ years of wholesale or national account management experience in consumer products, toys, licensed goods, or a related categoryProven history managing retail accounts in a variety of channels from mass to independents, while driving wholesale revenue growthHigh proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BIExcellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skillsExceptional time management skills with a proven ability to balance long-term account growth with immediate operational demandsBehavioral Traits for Success:Confident, assertive leader who takes ownership and drives resultsHighly persuasive and socially skilled; influences others to actionEnergized by leading teams, building momentum, and setting directionComfortable making decisions in fast?paced, dynamic environmentsMotivates and engages others through effective communication and presenceResults?focused with a bias toward action and progressAdaptable and resilient; thrives in change and ambiguityBalances authority with approachability to rally teams toward shared goalsWorking Environment:Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairsCorporate Office located St. Louis, MOSome travel requiredYour 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 executionClear and thorough communication, both spoken and written, with internal and external partiesTimeliness and follow-upProblem solving and removing obstaclesPlanning and organizationBuilding strong relationships with cross-functional team members and wholesale account contactsTenacity and commitment to tasksInternal and external stakeholder feedbackEqual Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.