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 consistently delivers top-line sales growth for the store. Reporting to the Operations Manager (OM), the MM guides a team of Task Associates and supports retail store operations, including shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns. This role drives business through performance, people, and process, requiring a passion for operational excellence, results, and leadership in complex situations.

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, analyze, and react to financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results.
  • Utilize company programs, tools, and resources to drive store improvements.
  • Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations to drive sales and 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.
• People:
  • Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent.
  • Build a highly engaged team through collaboration, communication, and prioritization.
  • Create an inclusive environment that encourages growth and engagement.
  • Support associate professional development, including training, feedback, coaching, and succession planning.
  • Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education.
  • Model operational excellence, share best practices, and provide support.
  • Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program to drive business results across all 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.
  • Ensure execution of operational tasks, including 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 and complete theft reporting as necessary.
  • Support continuous improvement by adopting company initiatives and technology.
  • Communicate business trends, opportunities, and challenges to field leadership.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma preferred.
• Experience:
  • 1-2+ years of fast-paced retail management or relevant work experience.
  • Financial management: success with driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
  • Retail management: proven ability with inventory monitoring, operational excellence, service culture, and merchandising execution.
  • Leadership management: experience 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.
  • 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.
• Special Position Requirements:
  • Work a flexible, full-time schedule, including 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.
• 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, and feature a full-service salon in every store. Ulta Beauty is committed to considering all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with applicable laws.