Operations Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Cedar Falls, IA

About The Position

The Operations Manager (OM) leads through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values to develop a high-performing team that consistently supports store sales growth. The OM leads Task Associates and the Merchandise Manager and supports the management of retail store operations, including realignments, planograms, and inventory life-cycle processes. The role drives store performance through sales, inventory results, and operational compliance; talent acquisition, training, and development; and adherence to standard operating procedures and compliance standards. It calls for operational excellence, results orientation, adaptability in complex situations, and the ability to lead, influence, and develop a team. The OM supports retail and service sales, guest loyalty, payroll, omni-channel performance, and retail shrink goals; oversees operational and merchandising work; manages inventory and supplies; and protects company assets. The role also attracts and develops talent, coaches associates, fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment, maintains vendor partnerships, and ensures compliance with company policies and procedures. The OM works a flexible, full-time schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, must be available Sundays and Mondays, and attends corporate business meetings and conferences.

Requirements

2–3+ years of fast-paced retail management or other relevant work experience.
Financial management experience, 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 and leading others through 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, use sound judgment in ambiguous situations, and remain flexible and adaptable.
Availability for a flexible full-time schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays; must be available Sundays and Mondays.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including continuous store mobility 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 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 to meet productivity, sales, payroll, and workload goals.
Review and respond to financial and operational reports, store visit results, and audits.
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 their ingredients and benefits.
Maintain regular attendance and hold store associates accountable to the attendance policy.
Attract, hire, and retain diverse talent and address store staffing needs.
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 individual development plans.
Participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, and ensure direct reports do the same.
Establish vendor partnerships that support shipment and planogram expectations.
Model operational excellence alongside the leadership team by setting priorities, providing direction and support, and sharing best practices.
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.
Ensure execution of ad sets, visual sets, planograms, realignments, and inventory life-cycle processes, including cycle counts, damages, testers, adjustments, RTVs, and DIFs.
Use the company scheduling tool to adjust schedules and manage attendance during manager-on-duty shifts.
Use the task management tool to prioritize and execute workload, including 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 by enforcing workplace safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss-prevention standards.
Execute inventory control processes for known theft, damages, hazardous waste, 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 conditions to field leadership.
Attend corporate business meetings and conferences.