Visual Merchandising Analyst

Position is located at corporate offices in Bolingbrook, IL (Hybrid work schedule – approx. 6 days in office per month).

About the role

The Visual Merchandising Analyst is responsible for the entire lifecycle of in-store marketing elements including graphics, product display units (POP) and semi-permanent fixtures for assigned categories – from concept (request, ideation, and strategy build) through completion (creative concepting, production and logistics to end locations). This role manages the following business categories:

• Marketing Campaigns (Holiday, 21 Days of Beauty, Gorgeous Hair, Love Your Skin, Fall & Spring Haul, Summer Event)
• Salon & Skin Services
• Loyalty (Credit, Gift Card, Ultamate Rewards program)
• Store Operational Signage (Return Policy, Safety, Navigational, Pricing compliance – bag tax & customer notices, Impulse Fixture & Conscious Beauty In-Store Program)

In addition to the primary owned categories, additional projects may include:

• Visual Merchandising Sustainability research, policy, and implementation
• Ulta Beauty Store Events (brand, department, or celebrity personal appearances)
• New Flagship Store Planning
• New Brand Launches (where storewide crossover exists)
• Storewide Initiatives (Visual & Communication Audit, Store of the Future)
• Other special projects & duties as assigned

Responsibilities

• Project Management:
  • Collaborates with internal and external cross-functional partners to scope projects, develop in-store strategy, oversee budget, manage timelines, and monitor progress from conception to in-store execution for multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Manages ambiguity and develops strategic plans with varying degrees of input while gaining partner support.
  • Pivots and adapts as plans change while maintaining focus on end-to-end milestones.
• Strategic Sourcing & Budget Maintenance:
  • Responsible for estimating and invoice management of assigned projects.
  • Bids projects and negotiates costs with suppliers to ensure projects remain on budget.
  • Works directly with finance and project partners to manage expenses.
  • Processes invoices in a timely fashion and resolves discrepancies between estimates and invoices.
  • Shares estimates with merchants and business partners for visibility and forecasting.
  • Ensures contracted rates are adhered to by suppliers.
  • Partners with suppliers to develop and present dimensional produced items (e.g., product display units or dimensional signs).
• Supplier Management:
  • Works with supplier partners to determine print techniques, request material samples, and develop temporary POP fixture displays.
  • Communicates project scope, asset turnover, timeline, and budget with suppliers.
  • Troubleshoots live projects and resolves issues as they arise.
  • Researches new suppliers and printer capabilities to fill gaps when necessary.
  • Schedules and attends press checks for assigned product categories as required.
• Strategic Innovation:
  • Drives the Visual Merchandising and Visual Marketing teams forward as a center of excellence.
  • Develops and implements new strategies and processes to streamline workflows (e.g., transitioning from manual paper workflows to systems/databases).
  • Researches and develops new fixture and visual initiatives to maximize in-store displays and experience.
  • Partners with team members to ensure all visual merchandising documents are consistently updated and managed.
• Communication:
  • Effectively communicates with all internal and external partners.
  • Creates, edits, and contributes to communication guides (e.g., Graphic Launch Kit, Promotional Planner, Visual Standards Documents, Display Instruction Sheets).
  • Communicates category strategies and project updates with extended internal teams (e.g., New/Remodel store team leads).
  • Measures feedback on store implementation and develops continuous improvement loops.
  • Presents project strategies, progress, and completed work to leadership in a clear and concise manner.
  • Provides feedback and direction to field and store teams through Ulta Beauty’s support ticket process.
• Relationship Management:
  • Manages relationships with cross-functional teams including Creative, Merchants, Store & Service Operations, Field and Store teams, Space Planning, Floor Planning, Procurement, Finance, Facilities, Integrated Marketing, Loyalty & Store Design.
  • Partners with internal associates to ideate and resolve critical issues.
  • Analyzes root causes and develops strategies for process improvements to mitigate issues.
• Inventory Management:
  • Manages inventory of graphics for assigned categories.
  • Analyzes inventory reports to ensure all graphics at the fulfillment center are active and not obsolete.
  • Manages replenishment orders and logistics to ensure active items are in-stock and available for store teams.
  • Updates graphic libraries for internal and external use.
  • Partners with inventory vendors to ensure accurate orders for new stores.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Project Management).
• Minimum 4-5 years of merchandising, marketing, buying, or planogram work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Merchandising skills with demonstrated knowledge of store fixtures, design, and store operations.
• General knowledge and prior experience with Visual Merchandising, Visual Marketing, or Store Experience Marketing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical and process management skills for continuous improvement.
• Self-starter capable of meeting tight deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Exceptional negotiation, value analysis, and supplier management skills.
• Knowledgeable in print procurement, production, and processes, including print equipment and technology to determine appropriate types and processes for various print vehicles while maintaining cost efficiencies.
• Significant experience utilizing Microsoft Office Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365), including complex data management (e.g., V-lookups, pivot tables, reports).

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Experience with project management scheduling software, workflow management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Workfront).
• Experience with CrossCap distribution and sourcing management (or similar applications).
• Previous corporate visual merchandising or in-store marketing experience.
• Experience with temporary fixture and point-of-purchase displays.

Special Position Requirements

• Work travel may be required to local stores, vendors, or conferences.
• Routinely assists in mock store or live store sets/installations, including:
  • Moving or transporting boxes, fixtures, or visuals up to 35 pounds across store environments.
  • Unpacking visual or fixture/product display boxes.
  • Using a rolling ladder to set visuals on shelves, walls, ceilings, or other high locations.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $66,200.00 - $87,000.00 per year, 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 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, visit Ulta Beauty’s Benefits and Career Development page.