Merchandise Manager

General Summary & Scope The Merchandise Manager (MM) reports to the Operations Manager (OM) and leads through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values to consistently deliver top‑line sales growth for the store. The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a retail store, including the shipment process, replenishment, omni‑channel, price changes, and markdowns. This leader drives the store’s business through a focus on performance (sales, inventory results, and operational compliance), people (training and development), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance standards). The position requires a passion for operational excellence, a drive for results, and the ability to lead through unforeseen complexity. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Performance Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed the store’s goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty, payroll, omni‑channel, and retail shrink as set by Ulta Beauty for the store. Drive company profitability through operational excellence, top‑line sales growth, and expense control. Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support scheduling needs and communicate the needs to the GM to maximize productivity, achieve sales and payroll goals, and complete workload on time and within the payroll 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 to meet Ulta Beauty’s goals for the store. Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations with guests to drive sales and guest service experience. Stay informed regarding new and existing industry trends, products, and services and be knowledgeable about the ingredients and benefits to better serve guests. Maintain prompt, regular attendance as the MM and hold store associates accountable to the Ulta Beauty 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 the growth and engagement of associates. Support all aspects of associate professional development, including training, providing individualized competency‑based feedback and coaching, succession planning, and individual development plans. Regularly 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 flawlessly through business ownership, associate coaching, and leading a helpful and friendly guest experience to drive business results across all Annual Performance Goals metrics for the store. Process Be knowledgeable of and 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 the execution of all operational focuses inclusive of shipment, replenishment, omni‑channel, price changes, and markdowns. Protect company assets and minimize loss by ensuring all store standards and operating procedures are met. Execute day‑to‑day inventory control processes and complete theft reporting as necessary. Support continuous improvement by influencing the adoption of company initiatives and technology, communicating expectations, and ensuring the 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. Job Qualifications Education High school diploma is preferred. Experience 1‑2+ years of fast‑paced retail management or other relevant work experience. Financial management: success with driving top‑line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expense. Retail management: proven ability with monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives. Leadership management: experience with attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, swiftly adapting to change and leading others through the change curve, developing collaborative relationships, and leading and influencing a team. Skills Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale system, Microsoft Office programs, and 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. 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 with the associate to determine whether there is a reasonable accommodation that will enable the associate to perform the essential functions of the job. The pay range for this position is $17.00–$24.15 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. 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 the Benefits and Career Development page: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr