Operations Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Leland, NC

15d

About The Position

The Operations Manager (OM) leads a high-performing store team in support of Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values, with the goal of driving top-line sales growth. The OM leads Task Associates and the Merchandise Manager and supports the management of retail store operations, including merchandising directives and inventory life-cycle processes. The role focuses on business performance, people, and processes, and requires operational excellence, results orientation, and the ability to lead, influence, and develop a team through changing and complex situations. The OM drives sales, profitability, operational compliance, and expense control; reviews business and operational results; supports store scheduling and workload planning; and performs guest-facing services such as makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations. The role is also responsible for talent acquisition and development, fostering an inclusive and engaged team, ensuring compliance with company policies and operating standards, managing inventory and supplies, protecting company assets, and communicating store trends and opportunities to field leadership. This position requires a flexible, full-time schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, with availability for Sunday and Monday shifts. The OM must also attend corporate business meetings and conferences. The job involves continuous mobility throughout the store, frequent bending and other movements, continuous lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds, handling objects, and frequent use of computers and telephonic devices.

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 experience, 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; 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 that includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Availability to work shifts on Sundays and Mondays.
Ability to attend corporate business meetings and conferences.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Promote accountability for store goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty, payroll, omni-channel performance, and retail shrink.
Drive profitability through operational excellence, sales growth, and expense control.
Use sales forecasts and payroll budgets to support scheduling, productivity, and timely completion of store workload within budget.
Review and respond to financial and operational reporting, 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, 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 and address staffing needs and open positions.
Build an engaged team through collaboration, honest communication, and prioritization of work.
Create an inclusive environment that encourages 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 the same.
Establish professional vendor partnerships to support shipment and planogram expectations.
Model operational excellence by working with the leadership team, setting priorities, providing direction and support, and sharing best practices.
Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program to support guest experience and store performance goals.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, and dress code.
Ensure execution of operational work, including advertising and 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 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 through workplace safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss-prevention standards.
Execute inventory control processes, including known theft, damages, hazardous waste, inventory adjustments, and product returns; 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.