Head of Lock Desk Operations Head of Lock Desk Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall strategy, governance, and performance of the Lock Desk function. This role leads and manages a remote Lock Desk team and ensures scalable, compliant, and efficient lock operations within a best efforts, non‑delegated lending model, where all loans are locked directly on investor websites. The position is heavily management‑oriented, with accountability for people leadership, operational controls, workflow design, and risk management, supported by deep expertise in Optimal Blue and Encompass. Leadership and Team Management - - Lead, manage, and develop a fully remote Lock Desk team - - Establish clear expectations for productivity, coverage, service levels, and accountability - - Define roles, responsibilities, workflows, and escalation paths for team members - - Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching, and professional development - - Drive a culture of urgency, accuracy, ownership, and operational excellence Operational Oversight and Risk Management - - Own end‑to‑end Lock Desk operations with full accountability for accuracy and timeliness - - Ensure all loans are locked directly on investor websites under a best efforts, non‑delegated model - - Implement and enforce controls to minimize lock errors, pricing discrepancies, and fallout risk - - Oversee extensions, relocks, renegotiations, cancellations, and exception handling - - Monitor lock expirations, adherence to investor policies, and overall pipeline exposure Systems, Process, and Controls - - Provide management oversight of pricing and lock activity within Optimal Blue - - Ensure accurate entry, reconciliation, and maintenance of lock data in Encompass LOS - - Develop, document, and maintain Lock Desk policies, procedures, and standard operating workflows - - Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements to support scalability and growth - - Track and analyze Lock Desk performance metrics, including turnaround times, fallout, and exceptions Required Qualifications - - 5+ years of direct management experience within a Lock Desk environment - - Proven experience leading and managing remote or distributed Lock Desk teams - - Extensive experience operating a best efforts, non‑delegated Lock Desk with direct investor website locking - - Advanced expertise in Optimal Blue for pricing and lock workflow management - - Strong operational and managerial experience with Encompass LOS - - Deep understanding of investor lock policies, extensions, renegotiations, and fallout risk - - Demonstrated success managing high‑volume operations in a fast‑paced environment Core Competencies - - Remote people leadership and accountability - - Operational risk management - - Process discipline and scalability - - Strategic oversight with hands‑on credibility - - High ownership mindset and decisiveness Summary The Head of Lock Desk Operations plays a critical role in safeguarding pricing integrity, operational efficiency, and risk management across the organization. This leader will set the strategic direction for Lock Desk operations while building a high-performing, accountable remote team that consistently delivers accuracy, speed, and compliance in a fast-paced lending environment. With deep expertise in Optimal Blue, Encompass, and investor lock execution, this role offers the opportunity to create scalable processes, strengthen controls, and drive operational excellence that directly supports business growth and customer confidence. #LI-Remote

• Ensure transactions are correctly recorded in appropriate systems facilitating successful settlement • Investigation and resolution of failing transactions • Processing of all eligible securities through the DTCC processing system. Candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the PTS (participant terminal service) system and all related functionality. This includes the following: • Settle securities transactions by processing deliver orders (DOs) on DTCC RAD • Collect marks-to-market on open contracts and money differences by processing Securities Payment Orders (SPOs) • Pledge securities to pledgees for collateral through the collateral loan system • Protect customer fully-paid-for positions and manage firm positions through the use of segregation and memo segregation procedures • Process ACAT free deliveries and fail reversals (FRVs) • Investigate & resolve cash and stock reconciliation issues • Address settlement discrepancies and engage the Director of Brokerage Operations for prompt resolution • Adhere to all rules, regulations, and procedures that govern this role and organization • Be aware of Operational Risk and escalate the Director of Operations • Review Buy-ins and Knowledge of REG SHO/15c3 • Produce timely, quality, and relevant reporting. Regularly communicate amendments to policies and procedures • Verify and reconcile securities held at various depositories and transfer agents • Process and confirm fails within Obligation Warehouse (OW) for settlements reconciliation with brokers • Create reports on money discrepancies between our internal ledger and external platforms • Ensures reconciliations are accurate and complete and that discrepancies have been resolved in a timely manner • Works with other internal teams, fostering an environment that encourages participation, teamwork and communications. • Ensures industry rules, regulations and securities laws are adhered to for 15c3-3 and proper action is taken to ensure proper possession and control of customer securities • Maintains orderly and readily obtainable records for research and examination purposes • Prepares summary documentation/work papers for special projects/observations, submitting to management for review • Performs data collection and analysis to ensure the firm is in compliance with regulatory requirements • Tests controls and measures to identify excessive operational risk and/or control problems at an early stage and works with staff to maintain quality and efficiency standards • Works cross-functionally with other staff to create highly efficient operational processes that avoid control and quality deficiencies and associated monetary losses. • Escalates observations/issues to Management that require attention in order to mitigate risk • Assists the Director in completing all Internal Audit and Regulatory reviews for the operating group and to ensure that review findings are effectively resolved. • Driving continuous operational improvement, updating of the control framework and undertaking root cause analysis and trend analysis of operational issues • Support the business unit management with the application of policy frameworks and become established as a referral point for policy related queries. • Assist on automation of daily self-clearing processes collaborating with engineering • Participates on projects as needed • Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned • Core hours are 9am - 4pm Eastern Time, to follow market hours.

Manager, Retail Operations Location: Saint Louis United States Job Description: The Manager, Retail Operations serves as the primary contact for high-visibility pop-up shops and Build-A-Bear events, as well as the management of store information and field alignments. This role leads the planning and execution of short-term, high-impact retail activations-ranging from one-day events to week-long pop-ups-in partnership with Brand, Marketing, and Licensing teams, ensuring operational excellence, brand alignment, and seamless field execution. Responsibilities: Pop-Up Shops & High-Visibility Activations - Lead planning meetings with key business partners and manage execution timelines and critical path activities to ensure all milestones are met. - Partner closely with Brand, Marketing, Licensing, Field Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure activations are operationally sound and brand right. - Lead recurring conference calls with NA BQ and field teams to review activation readiness, execution plans, and post-event learnings. - Provide clear, formal communication to field teams outlining activation scope, operational expectations, timelines, and execution guidance. - Facilitate cross-functional reviews to ensure layouts, fixtures, technology, and operational processes support the intended Guest experience. - Gather event-specific field feedback, synthesize insights, and share key learnings with partners to inform future activations and strategy. - Partner with Finance to ensure all popup stores are properly established and assigned store numbers - Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of popup shop sales - Ensure the administration of revenue reporting and any required revenue share payments to support contractual and legal obligations for popup shops partnerships Build-A-Bear Events - Oversee the planning and execution of Build-A-Bear-owned events, ensuring consistent operational standards and a high-quality Guest experience. - Partner with Field Leadership, Finance, and cross-functional teams to align event execution, expense management, and revenue recognition. - Ensure all required documentation, approvals, and operational requirements are completed prior to event execution. - Support operational setup, execution readiness, and post-event wrap-up for Build-A-Bear events. Program Strategy & Awareness - Support the development of the overall strategy and visibility of the pop-up and Build-A-Bear events program. - Partner with Marketing and Brand teams to build awareness, alignment, and clarity around program goals, formats, and opportunities. - Provide operational input to help shape scalable, repeatable events and pop-up models that support brand priorities. - Manage record-keeping of documentation related to temporary popup locations and events Required Qualifications: - Minimum 5-7 years of experience within a Store Operations or enterprise retail support role - Bachelor's degree in business or a related field - Strong ability to manage timelines, organize work, and lead cross-functional initiatives - Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to remove obstacles and drive execution - Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Behavioral Traits for Success: - Confident, assertive leader who takes ownership and drives results - Highly persuasive and socially skilled; influences others to action - Energized by leading teams, building momentum, and setting direction - Comfortable making decisions in fast‑paced, dynamic environments - Motivates and engages others through strong communication and presence - Results‑focused with a bias toward action and progress - Adaptable and resilient; thrives in change and ambiguity - Balances authority with approachability to rally teams toward shared goals Working Environment: - Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs - Hybrid work schedule - Corporate Office located in St. Louis, MO Your Performance will be measured on: Your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals, which includes but is 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 - Execution of pop-up shops and Build-A-Bear Events - Relationships with external vendors - Creating a positive experience for both internal and external guests - Internal and external stakeholder Feedback

Manager, Retail Operations Location: Saint Louis United States Job Description: The Manager, Retail Operations serves as the primary contact for high-visibility pop-up shops and Build-A-Bear events, as well as the management of store information and field alignments. This role leads the planning and execution of short-term, high-impact retail activations-ranging from one-day events to week-long pop-ups-in partnership with Brand, Marketing, and Licensing teams, ensuring operational excellence, brand alignment, and seamless field execution. Responsibilities: Pop-Up Shops & High-Visibility Activations - Lead planning meetings with key business partners and manage execution timelines and critical path activities to ensure all milestones are met. - Partner closely with Brand, Marketing, Licensing, Field Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure activations are operationally sound and brand right. - Lead recurring conference calls with NA BQ and field teams to review activation readiness, execution plans, and post-event learnings. - Provide clear, formal communication to field teams outlining activation scope, operational expectations, timelines, and execution guidance. - Facilitate cross-functional reviews to ensure layouts, fixtures, technology, and operational processes support the intended Guest experience. - Gather event-specific field feedback, synthesize insights, and share key learnings with partners to inform future activations and strategy. - Partner with Finance to ensure all popup stores are properly established and assigned store numbers - Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of popup shop sales - Ensure the administration of revenue reporting and any required revenue share payments to support contractual and legal obligations for popup shops partnerships Build-A-Bear Events - Oversee the planning and execution of Build-A-Bear-owned events, ensuring consistent operational standards and a high-quality Guest experience. - Partner with Field Leadership, Finance, and cross-functional teams to align event execution, expense management, and revenue recognition. - Ensure all required documentation, approvals, and operational requirements are completed prior to event execution. - Support operational setup, execution readiness, and post-event wrap-up for Build-A-Bear events. Program Strategy & Awareness - Support the development of the overall strategy and visibility of the pop-up and Build-A-Bear events program. - Partner with Marketing and Brand teams to build awareness, alignment, and clarity around program goals, formats, and opportunities. - Provide operational input to help shape scalable, repeatable events and pop-up models that support brand priorities. - Manage record-keeping of documentation related to temporary popup locations and events Required Qualifications: - Minimum 5-7 years of experience within a Store Operations or enterprise retail support role - Bachelor's degree in business or a related field - Strong ability to manage timelines, organize work, and lead cross-functional initiatives - Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to remove obstacles and drive execution - Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Behavioral Traits for Success: - Confident, assertive leader who takes ownership and drives results - Highly persuasive and socially skilled; influences others to action - Energized by leading teams, building momentum, and setting direction - Comfortable making decisions in fast‑paced, dynamic environments - Motivates and engages others through strong communication and presence - Results‑focused with a bias toward action and progress - Adaptable and resilient; thrives in change and ambiguity - Balances authority with approachability to rally teams toward shared goals Working Environment: - Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs - Hybrid work schedule - Corporate Office located in St. Louis, MO Your Performance will be measured on: Your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals, which includes but is 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 - Execution of pop-up shops and Build-A-Bear Events - Relationships with external vendors - Creating a positive experience for both internal and external guests - Internal and external stakeholder Feedback