Experience Manager

Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences—for true beauty enthusiasts. At Ulta Beauty, we’re transforming the world one shade, one lash, one cut at a time. Because beauty is powerful. If you seek greater purpose—a place of vision, mission, and lived values—where voices are heard, contributions valued and recognized, and growth opportunities abound, consider Ulta Beauty.

About the Role

The Experience Manager (EM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values to develop a high-performing team that consistently delivers top-line sales growth in retail and services. The EM leads a team of stylists, estheticians, guest coordinators (select locations), Assistant Services Managers (select stores), Sales Managers, and boutique leads. This leader is accountable for all aspects of the guest experience, retail sales, and services businesses, including salon services, boutiques, retail sales, makeup, and guest satisfaction. The EM drives business through a focus on performance (NPS, services, boutiques, makeup, and retail sales), people (guest experience and associate culture), and process (operating procedures and compliance standards).

Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed the store’s goals related to services, boutiques, retail sales, guest loyalty (including credit), payroll, omni-channel, and retail shrink.
• Drive company profitability through operational excellence, top-line sales growth, and expense control.
• Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support scheduling needs and communicate these to the General Manager to maximize productivity, achieve sales and payroll goals, and complete workload on time within budget.
• Address underperforming metrics related to services, boutiques, retail sales, services sales, loyalty, store visit, and audit results by developing strategies using company programs, tools, and resources.
• Support direct reports in developing and maintaining their clientele.
• Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations with guests to drive sales and enhance guest service experience.
• Stay informed about new and existing industry trends, products, and services during work time, and be knowledgeable about their ingredients and benefits.
• Maintain prompt, regular attendance and hold store associates accountable to the Ulta Beauty attendance policy.
• Attract, hire, retain, and source a diverse team of top talent for the salon and boutiques, leveraging social media platforms and addressing staffing needs efficiently.
• Build a highly engaged team that embodies the Ulta Beauty brand through effective collaboration, communication, prioritization, and coaching.
• Create an inclusive environment that inspires and encourages growth and engagement of associates.
• Support all aspects of manager and associate professional development, including training, feedback, coaching, performance reviews, succession planning, and individual development plans.
• Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable continuous professional development.
• Ensure direct reports participate in ongoing training for continuous professional development and sales performance.
• Establish professional peer and brand partner relationships to foster collaboration on sales and service goals.
• Model a culture of teamwork and guest service excellence by working alongside the leadership team and sharing best practices.
• Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program flawlessly through business ownership, associate coaching, and leading a helpful guest experience.
• Ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards, including the Infection Control Policy.
• Adhere to and enforce Ulta Beauty’s dress code.
• Use the company’s scheduling tool to manage schedules, attendance, and ensure the right associates are in the right places at the right times.
• Use the company’s task management tool to prioritize and execute store workload, including product and marketing resets, pricing updates, inventory tasks, cleaning, and replenishment.
• Protect company assets and minimize loss by ensuring all store standards and operating procedures are met, including workplace safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention.
• Execute day-to-day inventory control processes (e.g., known theft, damages, hazardous waste, inventory adjustments, product returns) and complete theft reporting as necessary.
• Support continuous improvement by influencing the adoption of company initiatives and technology, communicating expectations, and ensuring execution of all store tasks.
• Regularly communicate and provide feedback to field and services leadership on business trends, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Cosmetology license and/or a cosmetology management license where required by state law.
• 2-3+ years of relevant, fast-paced retail management work experience or other relevant work experience.
• Financial management: success with driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
• Cosmetology management: advanced competency in services, including sales, guest experience, and product attachment; demonstrated knowledge of Board of Cosmetology regulations and hiring requirements.
• Retail management: proven ability with monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandise directives.
• Leadership management: experience with attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, swiftly adapting to change, developing collaborative relationships, and leading teams.

Skills

• Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale system, Microsoft Office programs, and Apple devices).
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to react under pressure, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and be flexible/adaptable.

Special Position Requirements

• Work a flexible, full-time schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Attend corporate business meetings and conferences.

Working Conditions

• Continuous mobility throughout the store during shift.
• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and twisting during shift.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 25 lbs. during shift.
• Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift.
• Frequent use of a computer, telephonic devices, and related office supplies.

If an associate has a disability that prevents them from performing an essential function of the job, the Company will engage in the interactive process with the associate to determine whether there is a reasonable accommodation that will enable the associate to perform the essential functions of the job.

About Ulta Beauty

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products, and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.