Merchandise Manager

About the role

At Ulta Beauty, the Merchandise Manager (MM) leads through the company’s mission, vision, and values while contributing to a high-performing team that consistently delivers top-line sales growth for the store. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting store operations, including shipment processing, replenishment, omni-channel tasks, price changes, and markdowns. This leader drives store performance through a focus on sales, inventory results, operational compliance, associate training and development, and adherence to standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performance
  • Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed store goals for retail and service sales, guest loyalty (including credit), payroll, omni-channel, and retail shrink as set by Ulta Beauty.
  • Drive company profitability through operational excellence, top-line sales growth, and expense control.
  • Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support scheduling needs, communicate needs to the General Manager, and maximize productivity while completing workload (e.g., omni-channel, shipment, replenishment, markdowns, 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 Ulta Beauty’s goals for the store.
  • Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations with guests to drive sales and enhance the guest service experience.
  • Stay informed about new and existing industry trends, products, and services, and maintain knowledge of ingredients and benefits to better serve guests.
  • Maintain prompt, regular attendance as the MM and hold store associates accountable to Ulta Beauty’s attendance policy.
• People
  • 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 and honest communication, and prioritization of work.
  • Create an inclusive environment that inspires and encourages associate growth and engagement.
  • Support associate professional development, including training, individualized competency-based feedback and coaching, succession planning, and individual development plans to enable continuous development and drive sales performance.
  • Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable continuous professional development and drive sales performance.
  • Model a culture of operational excellence by leading by example, sharing best practices, establishing priorities, and providing support.
  • Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program through business ownership, associate coaching, and leading a helpful and friendly guest experience to drive business results across all Annual Performance Goals (APGs) metrics for the store.
• Process
  • Ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Adhere to and enforce Ulta Beauty’s dress code.
  • Use the company’s scheduling tool to adjust schedules and manage attendance during manager-on-duty shifts to ensure accurate schedules and reporting.
  • Use the company’s task management tool to prioritize and execute store workload, including product and marketing resets, pricing updates, inventory-related 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.
  • Utilize company programs, tools, and resources to drive store improvements.
  • Regularly communicate and provide feedback to field leadership on business trends and opportunities, events, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store.

Qualifications

• Education
  • High school diploma is preferred.
• Experience
  • 1–2+ years of fast-paced retail management or other relevant work experience.
  • Financial management: success driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
  • Retail management: proven ability monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives.
  • Leadership management: experience attracting, developing, and motivating top talent; adapting to change; leading others through change; developing collaborative relationships; and leading and influencing a team.
• Skills
  • Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale system, Microsoft Office programs, 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 be flexible/adaptable.
• Special Position Requirements
  • 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.