Merchant

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

About The Position

As a Merchant, you’ll partner with the Senior Merchant/DMM to develop and implement omni merchandising strategies across the business. You will be responsible for developing innovative and profitable assortments, managing a P&L, maintaining brand relationships and partnering cross-functionally to drive a seamless omni-channel experience for our guests. This role manages Merchandise Coordinators and/or Assistant Merchants based upon the brand portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred, or relevant work experience
6+ years of professional, relevant experience with deep category, product, trends and guest knowledge
Management experience preferred, not required
Strategic mindset: ability to set competitive and breakthrough department, brand, event and go-to-market strategies
Financial acumen: understanding of a brand and company P&L and the drivers of profitability
Brand relationship management: creating and sustaining strong business partnerships that maximize the value of the brand and Ulta Beauty. This includes the skill of negotiation
Influence and communications; grounded in analytical rigor, expertise, and a set of soft skills that inspire alignment
Strong financial and analytical aptitude, ability to analyze the businesses’ opportunities and risks, and develop solutions
Analysis and problem solving: applying logical thinking, data analysis, and creativity to solve problems effectively and efficiently
Develops talent and instill accountability: coaches in the moment, provides regular performance and developmental feedback
Strong collaborator with internal partners, understands that success is done by a team of people
Ability to plan and prioritize effectively and stay organized in a fast-moving business
Value creation mindset; robust understanding of the current internal / external competitive landscape and the levers used to drive profitable business decisions for Ulta
Strong passion for products and brand value
Sees the possibilities and moves self and team into the future with clear intentions and purposeful actions

Responsibilities

Develop and implement merchandising strategies in partnership with leadership to achieve the financial and strategic objectives of the category and enterprise (sales, margin, turn)
Lead and maintain relationships with brands through terms negotiations, exclusivity, assortments, and marketing activations. Establish a strategy for enhancing profitability and phasing out underperforming brands
Create a high-quality, innovative and competitive omni-channel assortment by strategically expanding our core business, boosting newness, and creating differentiation.
Stay on top of trends, consumer behavior, and competitive activity
Ensure financial stability and profitability for the brand portfolio, working closely with MP&I and FP&A to make sound business decisions
Successfully partner with marketing and operations to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience, bringing our vision to life and engaging our guests
Provide management direction to assistant merchants and coordinators. Assist in identifying priorities, support through execution, and remove obstacles
Foster a team culture that is results-oriented and aligned with Ulta Beauty's values, mission, and vision