Merchandise Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc. • Norwalk, CT

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Merchandise Manager (MM) leads in alignment with Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values and helps the store team deliver top-line sales growth. Reporting to the Operations Manager (OM), the MM guides Task Associates and supports retail store operations, including shipment, replenishment, omni-channel fulfillment, price changes, and markdowns. The role drives results through performance, people development, and consistent execution of operating procedures and compliance standards, and calls for operational excellence, accountability, and the ability to lead through changing or unforeseen circumstances.

The MM supports store sales, inventory, payroll, and operational goals; reviews financial and operational results; and coordinates store workload and scheduling with the General Manager. The role also develops and engages associates, delivers guest experiences, ensures compliance and asset protection, and communicates store trends and needs to field leadership. Guest-facing duties include makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations.

Requirements

• 1–2+ years of fast-paced retail management or other relevant work experience.
• Financial management ability, including driving sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
• Retail management ability, including monitoring inventory, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives.
• Leadership experience attracting, developing, and motivating talent; adapting to change; building collaborative relationships; and leading and influencing a team.
• Proficiency with basic technology, such as point-of-sale systems, Microsoft Office programs, and Apple devices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to react under pressure, exercise good judgment in ambiguous situations, and remain flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work a flexible, full-time schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Availability for shifts beginning at 5:00 a.m. and for shifts on Sundays and Mondays.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote accountability for store goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty including credit, payroll, omni-channel, and retail shrink.
• Drive profitability through operational excellence, sales growth, and expense control.
• Use store forecasts and payroll budgets to support scheduling and communicate staffing needs to the General Manager, ensuring productivity and timely completion of workload within budget.
• Review and respond to financial and operational reports, store visit results, and audit results.
• Use company programs, tools, and resources to improve store performance.
• Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations for guests.
• Stay informed about industry trends, products, services, ingredients, and benefits to better serve guests.
• Maintain regular attendance and hold store associates accountable to the attendance policy.
• Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of talent.
• Build an engaged team through collaboration, open communication, and effective prioritization.
• Create an inclusive environment that supports associate growth and engagement.
• Support associate development through training, individualized feedback and coaching, succession planning, and development plans.
• Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education.
• Model operational excellence by leading by example, sharing best practices, setting priorities, and providing support.
• Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program through business ownership, associate coaching, and leadership of a helpful guest experience.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, and dress code.
• Use the company scheduling tool to adjust schedules and manage attendance during manager-on-duty shifts.
• Use the company task management tool to prioritize and complete workload, including resets, pricing updates, inventory tasks, cleaning, and replenishment.
• Ensure execution of shipment, replenishment, omni-channel, price changes, and markdowns.
• Protect company assets and minimize loss by enforcing safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention standards.
• Complete day-to-day inventory control processes, including handling known theft, damages, hazardous waste, inventory adjustments, and product returns, and complete theft reporting as needed.
• Support adoption of company initiatives and technology, communicate expectations, and ensure store tasks are completed.
• Communicate business trends, opportunities, events, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive information to field leadership.

Benefits

• Eligible full-time associates receive paid time off and health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Eligible associates may earn additional compensation under the company bonus plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED