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 fostering operational excellence and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• 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, analyze, and react to financial and operational reporting, including audit results, in a timely manner.
• Utilize company programs, tools, and resources to drive improvements and meet store goals.
• 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.
• Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent while fostering an inclusive and engaging work environment.
• Support associate professional development through training, feedback, coaching, and succession planning.
• Participate in ongoing brand and category education to drive continuous professional growth and sales performance.
• Model operational excellence by leading by example, sharing best practices, and establishing priorities.
• 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 and workplace safety.
• Use scheduling and task management tools to prioritize and execute store workload, including resets, pricing updates, and inventory tasks.
• Oversee shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns to maintain operational efficiency.
• Protect company assets by adhering to inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention standards.
• Execute day-to-day inventory control processes, including theft reporting, damages, and hazardous waste management.
• Support continuous improvement by adopting company initiatives and technology, communicating expectations, and ensuring task execution.
• Communicate business trends, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive insights 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 budgets, 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 top 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 skills.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to react under pressure, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and adapt flexibly.

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 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 computers, telephonic devices, and related 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, including its own private label, Ulta Beauty provides a full-service salon in every store. The company considers all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in compliance with applicable state and local laws.