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 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 results through performance, people, and process while maintaining a passion for 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 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 through inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention.
  • Execute day-to-day inventory control processes, including theft reporting.
  • Support continuous improvement by adopting company initiatives and technology.
  • Communicate business trends, challenges, and opportunities to field leadership.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma preferred.
• Experience:
  • 1-2+ years of fast-paced retail management or relevant work experience.
  • Proven success in driving top-line sales, interpreting financial data, and managing payroll budgets.
  • Experience monitoring inventory, achieving operational excellence, and executing merchandising directives.
  • Leadership experience in attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, adapting to change, and influencing 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.
  • Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
  • Ability to react under pressure and adapt to ambiguous situations.
• Special Requirements:
  • Flexible, full-time schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Availability to work shifts beginning at 5:00 a.m., including Sundays and Mondays.

Working Conditions

• Continuous mobility throughout the store during shifts.
• 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.

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 over 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 accordance with applicable laws.