AI/ML Operations Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc. • Bolingbrook, IL

1d

About The Position

Live the experience. From professional empowerment to continual learning opportunities. From ongoing investment in new and emerging technologies to a career of self-determination. At Ulta Beauty, our tech team is critical to our scalability—and is recognized that way. We’ve been defined as a “mature start-up.” A place where interdepartmental exposure, open doors, and genuine collaboration is ubiquitous. Where challenges come fast and furious, requiring agility, mental dexterity, and creativity. Where our passion for better solutions drives us and is core to who we are. We’re engineering for the future of retail, and it’s no-holds-barred. But for those motivated by continual change and ambiguity, by superior leadership, by whip smart colleagues who will press you daily for your very best, you’ll find that virtually nothing’s impossible at Ulta Beauty. THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE: Ulta Beauty is seeking a highly skilled and experienced AI/ML Operations Manager to lead the operationalization and governance of our rapidly evolving AI/ML landscape. This role is critical in ensuring the robust, ethical, and efficient deployment of AI/ML solutions across the enterprise, aligning with Ulta Beauty’s documented standards and processes. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader, adept at building and optimizing operational frameworks, and deeply knowledgeable in the latest AI/ML platforms and methodologies. This role will contribute significantly to Ulta Beauty's strategic initiative to embed AI into the core of our business, driving enhanced customer experiences and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in AI/ML operations, MLOps, or a closely related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing operational governance frameworks for AI/ML systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with cloud platforms, particularly Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Demonstrated expertise with Databricks platform for data and AI workloads.
• Solid understanding of the AI/ML lifecycle, including model development, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), Model Context Protocol (MCP), and Agentic AI concepts and their practical applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with other cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure).
• Knowledge of AI ethics, responsible AI principles, and relevant industry regulations.
• Experience with automation tools and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Certification in relevant cloud platforms (e.g., Google Cloud).

Responsibilities

• AI/ML Operational Governance: Establish, implement, and continuously refine AI/ML operational governance frameworks in alignment with Ulta Beauty’s existing standards and processes. This includes defining policies, procedures, and best practices for the entire AI/ML lifecycle, from development to deployment and monitoring.
• Platform Management & Optimization: Oversee the operational aspects of key AI/ML platforms, with a focus on Databricks and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Ensure optimal performance, scalability, security, and cost-efficiency of AI/ML infrastructure and deployed models.
• Model Lifecycle Management: Develop and manage robust processes for the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and retraining of AI/ML models in production. Implement MLOps best practices, including CI/CD pipelines, model versioning, and performance monitoring.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key AI/ML technology vendors, ensuring effective partnership, optimal service delivery, and strategic alignment with Ulta Beauty's evolving needs and roadmap. This includes managing contracts, evaluating new vendor offerings, review their delivery, performance reports and compliance against SLAs, resolving operational issues, resource planning and continues improvement efforts.
• Risk Mitigation & Compliance: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with AI/ML systems, including issues related to data bias, fairness, accuracy, data privacy, and ethical considerations. Ensure compliance with relevant internal policies and external regulations.
• Emerging Technologies & Innovation: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI/ML, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), Model Context Protocol (MCP), and Agentic AI. Evaluate and recommend new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance Ulta Beauty’s AI/ML capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with data scientists, ML engineers, IT operations, legal, and business stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of AI/ML solutions and alignment with business objectives.
• Team Leadership & Development: Potentially lead and mentor a team of AI/ML operations specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and operational excellence. Provide guidance and support for skill development in advanced AI technologies.
• Documentation & Reporting: Ensure comprehensive documentation of AI/ML operational procedures, architectures, and governance frameworks. Develop clear reporting mechanisms for AI/ML performance, risks, and compliance metrics.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees