Director Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Quality Assurance & Quality Control is a key leader within the Enterprise compliance function. This role oversees the organization's quality strategy, quality management systems, compliance programs, and continuous improvement initiatives. They lead teams responsible for preventing defects (Quality Assurance) and verifying product/service quality through inspection and testing (Quality Control). Accountable for the end-to-end product quality, integrity of the quality management system, and regulatory readiness across the supply chain and retail network. The Director must operate as a strong collaborator and partner, leveraging relationship skills and business expertise.

Requirements

7+ years of compliance leadership experience in retail, beauty, or consumer products, preferably at a Fortune 500 or similarly scaled enterprise.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., JD and/or MBA).
Proven ability to design, operationalize, and audit enterprise compliance programs.
Demonstrated leadership skills to build and maintain high-performing teams.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in cosmetics, hair care, skin care, fragrance, wellness, and/or OTC product regulations.
Technical expertise across FDA, CARES Act, DSHEA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, REACH/CLP, FTC, CPSC, retail store, salon, distribution center, and digital commerce platform compliance, factory compliance, CBP/import/customs, DOT/IATA/IMDG, EPA, Hazmat, State-Level Chemical & Toxic Bans, Ethical/Sustainability Laws, and/or FCPA/anti-corruption.
Experience leveraging compliance technology, analytics, or automation platforms, and managing compliance risks associated with AI.
Enterprise role model for compliance and ethical decision-making.
Ability to lead complex programs and foster continuous improvement.
Anticipate regulatory changes and prepare the company for compliance.
Dynamic, results-oriented collaborator on strategic initiatives.
Reliability in completing strategic initiatives on time and under budget.
Use of metrics and benchmarking for improvement.
Strong leadership presence and communication skills.
Proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
High emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness.
Trustworthiness and discretion in handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the enterprise Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) strategy, establishing annual quality objectives aligned with organizational goals.
Provide end-to-end accountability for product quality, Quality Management System (QMS) integrity, and regulatory readiness across the supply chain and retail network.
Own and continuously enhance the Quality Management System (QMS), including quality policies, standards, procedures, and governance frameworks.
Lead quality governance activities, including management reviews, quality councils, and executive reporting forums.
Direct quality oversight for distribution centers, supply chain operations, and retail locations to ensure consistent product quality and compliance.
Manage supplier quality programs, including qualification, auditing, performance monitoring, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead complaint handling, product recall management, and non-conformance investigations to ensure timely resolution and risk mitigation.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal quality policies.
Coordinate and oversee internal audits, external audits, regulatory inspections, and associated remediation activities.
Identify, assess, escalate, and mitigate quality risks that may impact products, customers, operations, or regulatory compliance.
Oversee pharmacovigilance and cosmetovigilance programs, including adverse event monitoring, investigation, documentation, and reporting.
Maintain controlled quality documentation, records, and procedures to support compliance and operational excellence.
Establish quality metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), monitor performance trends, and present results to executive leadership.
Lead root cause analysis, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) programs, and continuous improvement efforts to strengthen quality performance.
Build, coach, and develop high-performing QA/QC teams and quality field organizations.
Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Operations, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Retail leaders to drive quality objectives.
Serve as the primary quality representative with regulators, auditors, suppliers, and other key external stakeholders.
Foster a culture of quality, accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.