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 drives top-line sales growth for the store. Reporting to the Operations Manager (OM), the MM guides a team of Task Associates and supports retail operations, including shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns. This role focuses on performance (sales, inventory, operational compliance), people (training and development), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance standards).

Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed store goals for retail and service sales, guest loyalty, 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, maximize productivity, and achieve sales and payroll goals.
• Review, analyze, and react to Ulta Beauty’s financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results.
• Utilize company programs, tools, and resources to drive improvements and meet store goals.
• Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations to drive sales and enhance guest service.
• Stay informed about industry trends, products, and services to better serve guests.
• Maintain prompt, regular attendance and hold associates accountable to the attendance policy.
• Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent.
• Build a highly engaged team through collaboration, communication, and prioritization of work.
• Create an inclusive environment that encourages associate growth and engagement.
• Support associate professional development through training, feedback, coaching, and individual development plans.
• Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to drive sales performance.
• Model operational excellence by leading by example, sharing best practices, and providing support.
• Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program to drive business results across all Annual Performance Goals (APGs).
• Ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards, including dress code.
• Use scheduling and task management tools to prioritize and execute store workload, including resets, pricing updates, and inventory tasks.
• Oversee execution of shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns.
• Protect company assets by adhering to store standards for workplace safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention.
• Execute day-to-day inventory control processes, including theft reporting, damages, hazardous waste, and product returns.
• Support continuous improvement by adopting company initiatives and technology.
• Communicate business trends, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape to field leadership.

Requirements

• 1-2+ years of fast-paced retail management or other relevant work experience.
• Experience with financial management, including driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
• Proven ability in retail management, including monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives.
• Leadership experience in attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, adapting to change, and leading teams.

Skills

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

Schedule

• Flexible, full-time schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available for shifts beginning at 5:00 a.m.
• Must be available to work shifts on Sundays and Mondays.

Working Conditions

• Continuous mobility throughout the store during shift.
• Continuous and/or 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 a computer, telephonic devices, and related 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. We offer more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 brands, including our own private label. Every store features a full-service salon offering hair, skin, brow, and makeup services.

We consider all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, consistent with applicable state and local laws.