Sr Manager Strategic Sourcing Category

Ulta Beauty, Inc. • Bolingbrook, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Experience something categorically different. With over 1,400 stores throughout the U.S., a thriving digital ecosystem and a growth trajectory that’s put Wall Street on notice; Ulta Beauty provides dynamic challenges for those who want to apply their financial acumen to ever-increasing levels of complexity. Professional ownership. Diverse and ever-evolving projects. Greater levels of impact. The ability to influence decisions and organizational direction. It’s all part of the daily experience of our Finance & Accounting associates. If you want a collaborative environment where continual learning, career self-determination and trust are prioritized, where an engaged leadership provides deep levels of support and guidance, Ulta Beauty is uniquely positioned to deliver greater levels of career satisfaction. Are you up for the challenge?
As the Senior Sourcing Manager at Ulta Beauty, you will lead a high-performing team and oversee critical Indirect Procurement portfolios, focusing heavily on Marketing and Corporate Services. Category ownership includes, but is not limited to: Marketing Agencies and Services, Media & Advertising, Print, Visual Supplies, Travel, Guest Services, Human Resources, Finance, Legal, and Insurance. In this highly visible role, you will balance strategic, project-based initiatives with recurring sourcing responsibilities. You will act as a driving force behind expense reduction, risk mitigation, supply assurance, and continuous operational improvement, directly impacting Ulta’s bottom line while aligning procurement goals with overarching business initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant sourcing, or procurement experience, including people leadership.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing direct reports to success; brings a collaborative, inclusive mindset and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing and procurement best practices, with a thorough understanding of contract lifecycles (drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex terms).
• Confident verbal and written communicator able to effectively partner with, present to, and influence stakeholders at all levels—from front-line staff to the C-suite.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with comfort in MS Teams, SAP Ariba, and Coupa; possesses a strong aptitude to quickly learn new sourcing and purchasing software.
• A demonstrable history of curiosity, professional development, and continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

• Professional negotiation training or certifications are a plus.
• Prior consulting experience preferred
• Project management skills and experience a plus
• Participation in external industry events, membership in sourcing, purchasing or contracting organizations such as ISM, SIG, ProcureCon, or others
• CPSM, CPM, CCM and related certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop Category Strategies: Formulate comprehensive, long-term category strategies by analyzing spend data, monitoring market trends, and assessing supply risk.
• Annual Sourcing Roadmaps: Collaborate regularly with department stakeholders to plan sourcing, contracting, and procurement activities that support Ulta's corporate objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with internal business leaders, suppliers, and affiliates to optimize commercial value, rationalize the supply base, and support organizational growth.
• Proactive Lifecycle Management: Monitor and track expiring contracts for your designated categories to ensure timely renewals, renegotiations, or market tests.
• End-to-End Event Execution: Champion procurement best practices by leading and overseeing high-value competitive bids (RFPs) and contracting activities, utilizing eSourcing and eContract Management tools.
• Process Innovation: Join the Sourcing Leaders Team to research, develop, and execute improvements across procurement processes, data analysis, sourcing technologies, and negotiation training.
• Complex Negotiations: Formulate negotiation strategies to draft, review, and finalize complex commercial agreements, serving as the primary liaison between Legal Services and internal business partners.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure all Purchase Orders (POs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and legal contracts are accurately documented, appropriately routed for approval, and properly archived.
• Talent Development: Manage, coach, and support a driven team of sourcing professionals, empowering them to grow their skills and successfully execute their individual category strategies.
• Culture and Accountability: Lead by example according to corporate Sourcing Expectations; foster a collaborative and empathetic culture, celebrate wins, and provide regular, candid feedback to help team members succeed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company’s bonus plan.
• Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life and disability benefits.
• Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager