Merchandise 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 Merchandise Manager (MM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values and contributing to a high-performing team that consistently delivers top-line sales growth for the store. The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). This leader guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a retail store, including shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns. The MM drives the store’s business through a focus on performance (sales, inventory results, and operational compliance), people (training and development), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance standards). This position requires a passion for operational excellence, a drive for results, and the ability to lead through unforeseen complexity.

Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed the store’s goals related to retail and service 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 requirements to the General Manager to maximize productivity, achieve sales and payroll goals, and complete workload (e.g., omni-channel, shipment, replenishment, markdowns, and price changes) on time and within budget.
• Review, analyze, and react to Ulta Beauty’s financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results, regularly and in a timely manner.
• Leverage company programs, tools, and resources to drive improvements and meet store goals.
• 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 to better serve guests.
• Maintain prompt, regular attendance and hold store associates accountable to the Ulta Beauty attendance policy.
• Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent.
• Build a highly engaged team that embodies the Ulta Beauty brand through effective collaboration, open communication, and prioritization of work.
• Create an inclusive environment that inspires and encourages growth and engagement of associates.
• Support associate professional development, including training, competency-based feedback, coaching, succession planning, and individual development plans to drive sales performance.
• Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, for continuous professional development.
• Model operational excellence by leading by example, sharing best practices, establishing priorities, and providing support.
• Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program flawlessly through business ownership, associate coaching, and leading a helpful and friendly guest experience to drive business results across all Annual Performance Goals (APGs).
• Ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards, including adherence to the dress code.
• Use the company’s scheduling and task management tools to prioritize and execute store workload, including product and marketing resets, pricing updates, inventory tasks, cleaning, and replenishment.
• Ensure execution of all operational focuses, including shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns.
• 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 leadership on business trends, opportunities, events, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape.

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, including attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, 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 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 be flexible/adaptable.

Schedule

• Work a flexible, full-time schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work 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 during shift.
• Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 40 lbs. 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 to determine a reasonable accommodation.

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.