Manager Supplier Quality & Performance

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Supplier Operations – Quality & Performance will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of supplier quality management, performance, and compliance programs across Ulta Beauty’s supplier network. The role establishes and advances a structured Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) to drive supplier accountability, operational excellence, risk mitigation, and measurable performance improvement. This includes standardized processes, supplier scorecards, governance frameworks, and corrective-action methods to identify performance gaps, address root causes, and strengthen supplier capabilities. Acting as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders—including Merchandising, Inventory Planning, Supply Chain, Distribution, Finance, and Technology—the Manager translates performance insights into improvement strategies supporting business and operational objectives. The position also leads, coaches, and develops a team responsible for supplier quality, compliance, and performance management. The role operates in a typical office environment 90% of the time and a typical distribution center environment 10% of the time, with approximately 15% travel for brand visits, meetings, conferences, and training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Quality Management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressive experience in supplier quality management, supplier performance, supplier development, supply-chain operations, or related disciplines.
At least 2 years of direct people leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience developing, implementing, or significantly improving an SQMS, supplier performance management program, or comparable supplier governance framework.
Ability to establish supplier performance standards, develop KPIs and scorecards, identify performance gaps, and drive measurable supplier improvements.
Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving, root-cause analysis, CAPA, and continuous-improvement processes.
Experience managing supplier relationships, facilitating performance reviews, resolving escalations, and influencing external partners to implement corrective actions.
Strong analytical capabilities and experience using data, reporting tools, and performance trends to guide operational decisions and measurable business outcomes.
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders across supply chain, operations, procurement, quality, finance, and technology.
Strong project management, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and drive results in a dynamic business environment.
Knowledge of supplier quality management frameworks and methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma, 8D problem-solving, supplier audits, and CAPA.
Pay range: $102,900–$133,000 per year, with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation under the company’s bonus plan. Exact pay depends on factors including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Power BI, Tableau, SAP, or comparable enterprise reporting and operational systems.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or related professional certification.
Experience managing large supplier portfolios and driving performance improvement across geographically diverse supplier networks.
Experience in retail, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, automotive, or other supplier-intensive industries.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a Supplier Quality Management System, including performance standards, quality expectations, governance, risk assessments, CAPA frameworks, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Establish scalable processes that strengthen supplier accountability and operational reliability.
Own supplier performance measurement and improvement programs, including KPIs, scorecards, performance reviews, and supplier improvement plans.
Analyze performance trends, identify systemic gaps, conduct root-cause analysis, and partner with suppliers on sustainable corrective actions.
Oversee supplier compliance, including performance requirements, compliance policies, chargeback governance, financial forecasting, dispute resolution, and escalation management.
Partner with internal teams and suppliers to improve operations, supplier readiness, and supply-chain risk mitigation.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier capabilities, standardize processes, leverage technology and analytics, and reduce operational inefficiencies.
Facilitate supplier business reviews and improvement discussions that support long-term strategic partnerships.
Lead, coach, and develop a team responsible for supplier quality, compliance, and performance management.
Set team goals, performance expectations, and accountability mechanisms; use data, reporting tools, and continuous-improvement methods to prioritize opportunities, monitor outcomes, and communicate business impact to leadership.