Operations Manager

Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences—for true beauty enthusiasts. At Ulta Beauty, we’re transforming the world one shade, one lash, one cut at a time. Because beauty is powerful. If you seek greater purpose—a place of vision, mission, and lived values—where voices are heard, contributions valued and recognized, and growth opportunities abound, consider Ulta Beauty.

About the Role

The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values to develop a high-performing team that consistently delivers top-line sales growth for the store. The OM leads a team of Task Associates and the Merchandise Manager (MM), supporting the management of retail store operations, including realignments, planograms, and inventory life-cycle processes (e.g., cycle counts, damages, testers, Return To Vendors (RTV), Destroy in Field (DIF), and inventory adjustments). This leader drives the store’s retail business through performance (sales, inventory results, and operational compliance), people (talent acquisition, training, and development), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance standards). This position requires a passion for operational excellence, a drive for results, and the ability to lead through complexity while developing and influencing the team.

Responsibilities

• Performance:
  • Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed store goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty (including credit), payroll, omni-channel, and retail shrink.
  • Drive company profitability through operational excellence, top-line sales growth, and expense control.
  • Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support scheduling needs, maximizing productivity and achieving sales and payroll goals.
  • Review, analyze, and react to Ulta Beauty’s financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results.
  • Leverage company programs, tools, and resources to drive improvements and meet store goals.
  • Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations to drive sales and enhance guest service.
  • Stay informed about new and existing industry trends, products, and services, including their ingredients and benefits.
  • Maintain prompt, regular attendance and hold store associates accountable to the Ulta Beauty attendance policy.
• People:
  • Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent, addressing staffing needs and open positions efficiently.
  • Build a highly engaged team that embodies the Ulta Beauty brand through collaboration, communication, and prioritization.
  • Create an inclusive environment that inspires and encourages associate growth and engagement.
  • Support professional development, including training, feedback, coaching, performance reviews, succession planning, and individual development plans.
  • Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to drive professional development and sales performance.
  • Ensure direct reports participate in ongoing training for continuous development.
  • Establish professional vendor partnerships to collaboratively deliver on shipment and planogram expectations.
  • Model operational excellence by working alongside the leadership team, establishing priorities, and sharing best practices.
  • Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program to drive business results across all Annual Performance Goals (APGs).
• Process:
  • Ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards for the store.
  • Adhere to and enforce Ulta Beauty’s dress code.
  • Oversee execution of operational focuses, including ad set processes, visual sets, planograms, realignments, and inventory life-cycle processes (e.g., cycle counts, damages, testers, inventory adjustments, RTVs, and DIFs).
  • Use the company’s scheduling tool to adjust schedules and manage attendance during manager-on-duty shifts.
  • Use the company’s task management tool to prioritize and execute store workload, including product and marketing resets, pricing updates, cleaning, and replenishment.
  • Manage service, boutique, and store supply inventory and ordering processes, ensuring budget adherence and product availability.
  • Protect company assets and minimize loss by ensuring compliance with store standards and operating procedures, 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.
  • Regularly communicate business trends, opportunities, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape to field leadership.

Requirements

• 2-3+ years of fast-paced retail management or other relevant work experience.
• Experience with financial management, including driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
• Proven ability in retail management, including monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives.
• Leadership management experience, including attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, adapting to change, and leading teams through transitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale system, Microsoft Office programs, and Apple devices).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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 available to work shifts on Sundays and Mondays.
• Attend corporate business meetings and conferences.

Working Conditions

• Continuous mobility throughout the store during shift, including twisting.
• Frequent bending, pulling, pushing, crouching, stooping, and reaching during shift.
• Continuous lifting and/or moving up to 25 lbs. during shift.
• Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift.
• Frequent use of a computer, telephonic devices, and related office supplies.
• If an associate has a disability that prevents them from performing an essential function of the job, the Company will engage in the interactive process to determine a reasonable accommodation.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00 per hour, with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company’s bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs.

Benefits

• Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.

For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page.