Operations Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc. • Pinole, CA

21d

About The Position

The Operations Manager (OM) leads a high-performing store team in support of Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values, with a focus on driving top-line sales growth. The OM leads Task Associates and the Merchandise Manager and supports retail-store operations, including realignments, planograms, and inventory life-cycle processes. The role drives business results through performance, people, and process: sales and inventory outcomes, operational compliance, talent acquisition and development, and adherence to standard operating procedures. It calls for operational excellence, a drive for results, adaptability in complex situations, and the ability to lead, influence, and develop a team.

The OM promotes accountability for store goals and profitability, uses forecasts and payroll budgets to support scheduling and workload completion, and reviews financial and operational reporting. The position includes guest-facing work such as makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations, as well as maintaining knowledge of products and industry trends. The OM hires and develops talent, fosters an inclusive and engaged team, supports training and performance management, builds vendor partnerships, and models operational excellence alongside the leadership team.

The OM ensures compliance with company policies and standards and oversees operational execution, scheduling and task-management tools, store and service supplies, inventory control, cash management, workplace safety, and loss prevention. The position also supports company initiatives and technology, and communicates store trends, opportunities, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive information to field leadership.

This is a full-time role with a flexible schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays; shifts on Sundays and Mondays are required. Attendance at corporate business meetings and conferences is also required. Work involves continuous mobility and object coordination, frequent bending and other physical movements, continuous lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds, and frequent computer and telephone use.

Requirements

• 2–3+ years of fast-paced retail management or other relevant work experience.
• Experience driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
• Proven ability to monitor inventory levels, achieve operational excellence, drive a service culture, and execute merchandising directives.
• Experience attracting, developing, and motivating talent; adapting to change; developing 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, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and remain flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work a flexible full-time schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, and shifts on Sundays and Mondays.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described, including continuous mobility, object coordination, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote accountability for store goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty, 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, communicate staffing needs to the GM, and complete workload on time and within budget.
• Review and respond to financial and operational reports, including store visit 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, and services and use that knowledge to serve guests.
• Maintain regular attendance and hold store associates accountable to the attendance policy.
• Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team and address staffing needs and open positions.
• Build an engaged team through collaboration, communication, and prioritization of work.
• Create an inclusive environment that supports associate growth and engagement.
• Support professional development through training, feedback, coaching, performance reviews, succession planning, and development plans.
• Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, and ensure direct reports do so as well.
• Establish vendor partnerships to support shipment and planogram expectations.
• Model operational excellence by setting priorities, giving direction and support, and sharing best practices.
• Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program and coach associates to deliver a helpful, friendly guest experience and meet store performance goals.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, and dress code.
• Oversee ad sets, visual sets, planograms, realignments, and inventory life-cycle processes.
• 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 execute resets, pricing updates, inventory tasks, cleaning, and replenishment.
• Manage service, boutique, and store supply inventory and ordering within allocated budgets.
• Protect company assets and minimize loss through workplace safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention standards.
• Execute daily inventory-control processes and complete theft reporting when necessary.
• Support continuous improvement by promoting company initiatives and technology and ensuring store tasks are completed.
• Communicate store business trends, opportunities, events, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive information to field leadership.
• Attend corporate business meetings and conferences.

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: No Education Listed