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 results through performance, people, and process while maintaining operational excellence and adaptability.

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, maximize productivity, and achieve 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.
  • Foster 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, to drive sales performance.
  • Model operational excellence and lead by example.
  • 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 day-to-day 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

• 1-2+ years of fast-paced retail management or relevant work experience.
• Experience with financial management, including driving sales, interpreting data, managing payroll, and controlling expenses.
• Proven ability in retail management, including inventory monitoring, operational excellence, service culture, and merchandising execution.
• Leadership experience in attracting, developing, and motivating talent, adapting to change, and fostering collaboration.

Skills

• Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale 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, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and adapt flexibly.

Schedule

• 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.

Ulta Beauty provides reasonable accommodations for associates with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) is the largest North American beauty retailer, offering cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, haircare, and salon services. With over 25,000 products from approximately 500 brands, Ulta Beauty provides a premier beauty destination both in-store and online. Every store features a full-service salon for hair, skin, brow, and makeup services.