Vice President, Merchandising

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

29d•$175,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,300 stores throughout the U.S. and an innovative omni-channel ecosystem, Ulta Beauty is revolutionizing the beauty retail experience. Ulta Beauty is expanding its digital capabilities, opening new stores on a continual basis and re-designing existing locations with the latest design and technological advancements for heightened guest experiences. We’re not just growing, we’re thriving through consistent innovation and a bold commitment to re-imagination. If you want the opportunity to build something strategic, to take ownership of your career trajectory, to apply your passion to operational excellence, Ulta Beauty provides the kind of stability and support few organizations can match. So be curious. Be flexible. Be more than you thought possible. The future is yours at Ulta Beauty. THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE: The VP, Merchandising will be responsible for driving the merchandising strategy and execution for assigned categories in support of Ulta Beauty’s continued growth and success across brick and mortar and digital channels. The VP of Merchandising will be a strategic thinker with the ability to embrace change and foster new opportunities for omni business growth. A visionary leader, the VP of Merchandising will inspire and mentor a high performing team to drive innovative product strategies and set the course for growth with our existing and future brands. The VP, Merchandising will be responsible for brand collaboration, new product/brand identification, product assortment/forecasting, driving the sales growth strategy, P&L management, marketing strategy and team leadership. As a member of the Merchandising Leadership Team, the VP, Merchandising will lead through example to the broader merchandising organization of our culture, competencies, and values.

Requirements

15+ years of retail and leadership experience in retail merchandising required, must have both merchandising and MP&I experience across multiple business segments; beauty industry is highly preferred
Demonstrated experience managing a growth-oriented omni channel business, identifying trends, developing category, department, and brand strategies to drive sales and profit growth, while managing a large budget/P&L with the ability to approach the business from a creative, strategic, and analytical point of view
Proven experience in strategic merchandise planning; driving differentiation, inclusive of meaningful exclusive product strategy, growing market share, and driving profitable sales growth
An inspirational leader who has the ability to set the merchandise strategy for the category while gaining alignment, influencing the broader organization, and inspiring the team around a shared vision
Proactive and skilled negotiator with success in demonstrating strong communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, and decision making ability to influence successful negotiations
Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate with influence while adapting communication style and content based upon audience level, style, and situation - while consistently remaining confident and credible
Proven experience in leading and developing a large team with the demonstrated ability to prioritize self-development, direct report development, and overall team growth
Proven experience creating an inclusive culture, placing emphasis on leading with values and ethics, and driving high standards of performance and behaviors for team
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to quickly influence and establish relationships, gain credibility, trust and respect with peers, subordinates, senior executives, and brand partners
Travel required

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Microsoft Office/knowledge of SAP and SAP Hana a plus

Responsibilities

Merchandise Strategy: Lead the merchandise strategy that drives profitable omni sales and grows market share for the category while gaining alignment, influencing the broader organization, and inspiring the team around the shared vision. Develop, communicate, and execute overall category/brand strategies to maximize sales and profits, resulting in new product offerings while strengthening existing brand performance and driving traffic to our stores. Contribute to the strategic direction and vision of the company by bringing high quality ideas to the table that continue to disrupt beauty industry through continual innovation
Financial Oversight: Manage a large P&L that is inclusive of sales, margin, shrink, turn, inventory, etc. Set sales and profit objectives to meet financial goals, in partnership with MPI and FPA. Develop and manage KPI’s for success: (vendor profitability, overhead budget, margin, CAPEX). Analyze sales, feedback, and historical data to inform category strategies and product decisions, staying highly aware of the competitive landscape and market trends
Compelling Product Assortment: Lead and grow the business and individual brands through successful trend identification, meaningful exclusive product and/or brand strategies, exclusive programs, events and education that grow market share and drive profitable sales growth. Build strategic, diligent, long-term, and financially sound assortment plans through deep knowledge of each brand’s market segment and targeting the guest. Determine new brands/product/assortments to support product differentiation, while optimizing assortment across store and e-commerce channels.
Brand Partnerships: Manage a large portfolio of brands by being the key conduit to brand partners and ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership. Pro-actively communicate Ulta Beauty strategies to brand partners and make decisions in a timely manner. Act as a critical influencer in negotiations, driving profitability and market value
Collaborate with Internal Stakeholders/Partners: Establish credible partnerships with relevant enterprise partners (MP&I, Merchandise Operations, Marketing, Digital, Stores) to bring merchandise strategies to life. Define success in terms of the whole Ulta Beauty team by showcasing the impact that department/everyone has on Ulta Beauty through shared contributions to goals.
Executive Communication: Effectively communicate and present to both large and small groups in various settings
Leadership: Provide strategic direction to team, lead team by supporting and coaching to ensure effective day to day execution to achieve business outcomes. Develop a team of high performing merchants and create career development paths for team members
Culture: Prioritize team culture by leading through example in building a positive culture that enlists, empowers, and encourages team to demonstrate values and act as role models of Ulta Beauty’s culture and values

Benefits

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.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume