Manager Transportation Digital Operations

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Transportation leads a high-performing team focused on delivering seamless, cost-effective merchandise movement to Ulta Beauty’s Digital guests. This role is responsible for day-to-day carrier performance, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives. With clear accountability for service, capacity, and cost, the manager drives carrier compliance, builds performance metrics, and leads strategic efforts to remove roadblocks and optimize the transportation network. Success in this role means combining strong operational oversight with forward-thinking leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business preferred
5–7 years of experience in transportation or supply chain operations
Proven track record managing carrier relationships, parcel networks, and driving operational performance
Experience leading teams with direct reports in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking under pressure
Clear communicator, skilled in influencing across levels and functions
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
Adaptable, action-oriented, and able to manage shifting priorities
Proficiency with transportation management tools (e.g., ProShip, rate-shopping, carrier management platforms)
Strong Excel and data analysis skills; experience with PowerBI and reporting dashboards a plus
Capable of exception-based management and independent decision-making
Working knowledge of parcel shipping operations, compliance, and cost modeling
Willing and available to support non-standard shifts (including holidays or weekends) as needed
Experience in e-commerce or retail distribution networks
Familiarity with carrier capacity planning and seasonal logistics strategy
Experience working cross-functionally across Supply Chain, I.T., and Customer Service teams
Proven ability in continuous improvement and innovation in transportation
Some travel may be required based on business needs

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Transportation Analysts focused on execution and daily operations across the digital transportation network. Set direction, establish priorities, and drive accountability through clear goals and performance standards.
Own day-to-day transportation performance, building and refining scalable processes that enable service excellence and cost efficiency. Use KPIs and operational data to monitor progress and course correct as needed.
Oversee carrier performance and relationships, ensuring coverage, capacity, and compliance meet expectations. Identify gaps and implement data-driven solutions to improve service or reduce cost.
Serve as the primary escalation point for operational transportation issues—working cross-functionally with Guest Services, Supply Chain, and external partners to resolve challenges and prevent recurrence.
Manage the onboarding and integration of new carriers and partners, ensuring smooth implementation and full operational readiness from the start.
Drive continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions, and embedding better practices into daily operations.
Lead or support strategic initiatives such as peak season planning, distribution network changes, and new service rollouts.
Deliver transportation reporting and analytics—including dashboards, carrier scorecards, and performance insights that guide decisions and reviews.
Support procurement activities by preparing RFPs, evaluating proposals, and contributing operational input to sourcing decisions.
Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to support growth, tech enhancements, and business launches.
Partner closely with the Director of Digital Transportation to evolve strategy, scale capabilities, and adopt best practices across the function.
Stay current with transportation trends and tools, recommending innovations that improve service, flexibility, or cost.
Participate in leadership development, team-building activities, and initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and engagement.
Take on additional projects or responsibilities as business needs evolve.