Merchandise Manager

About the role

The Merchandise Manager (MM) leads through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values, contributing to a high-performing team that delivers top-line sales growth. Reporting to the Operations Manager (OM), the MM guides a team of Task Associates and supports store operations, including shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns. This role drives business through performance, people, and process, requiring a passion for operational excellence and the ability to lead through complexity.

Responsibilities

• Performance:
  • Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed store goals for sales, guest loyalty, payroll, omni-channel, and retail shrink.
  • Drive profitability through operational excellence, top-line sales growth, and expense control.
  • Leverage store forecasts and payroll budgets to support scheduling, maximizing productivity and achieving sales goals.
  • Review and analyze financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results, to drive improvements.
  • Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations to enhance guest service and sales.
  • Stay informed about industry trends, products, and services to better serve guests.
  • Maintain prompt attendance and hold associates accountable to Ulta Beauty’s attendance policy.
• People:
  • Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent.
  • Build an engaged team through collaboration, communication, and prioritization.
  • Create an inclusive environment that encourages growth and engagement.
  • Support associate development through training, feedback, coaching, and succession planning.
  • Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education.
  • Model operational excellence by leading by example and sharing best practices.
  • Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program to drive business results across all APG metrics.
• Process:
  • Ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Adhere to and enforce the company’s dress code.
  • Use scheduling and task management tools to prioritize and execute store workload.
  • Oversee shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns.
  • Protect company assets by meeting store standards for safety, inventory control, and loss prevention.
  • Execute inventory control processes, including theft reporting and hazardous waste management.
  • Support continuous improvement by adopting company initiatives and technology.
  • Communicate business trends, challenges, and opportunities to field leadership.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma preferred.
• Experience:
  • 1-2+ years of fast-paced retail management or relevant work experience.
  • Proven success in driving top-line sales, interpreting financial data, and managing payroll budgets.
  • Experience with inventory management, operational excellence, and merchandising execution.
  • Leadership experience in attracting, developing, and motivating talent, adapting to change, and influencing teams.
• Skills:
  • Proficient with basic technology (e.g., POS systems, Microsoft Office, Apple devices).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
  • Ability to react under pressure and use good judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Special Position Requirements:
  • Work a flexible, full-time schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be available for shifts beginning at 5:00 a.m.
  • Must be available to work Sundays and Mondays.

Working Conditions

• Continuous mobility throughout the store during shift.
• Frequent bending, pulling, pushing, crouching, stooping, reaching, and twisting.
• Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 40 lbs.
• Frequent use of computers, telephonic devices, and office supplies.

About Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) is the largest North American beauty retailer and a premier destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, haircare, and salon services. With over 25,000 products from approximately 500 brands, Ulta Beauty offers a full-service salon in every store, featuring hair, skin, brow, and makeup services. Ulta Beauty considers all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, consistent with applicable state and local laws.