Manager Workforce Planning & Insights

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,200 stores throughout the U.S., Ulta Beauty is revolutionizing the beauty retail experience. With new stores coming online on a continual basis and the re-engineering of 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 reimagination. 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 

* This position is Hybrid, six in-office days per month for individuals living within a commutable distance from Bolingbrook, IL*

The Manager, Workforce Planning & Insights is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the workforce management product suite and connected systems, including labor standards, volume and labor forecasting, schedule optimization, timekeeping, absence management, accruals, and analytics. This leadership position demands a unique blend of functional and technical skills, and is accountable for developing tools, reporting, and processes to aid in the analysis and continuous improvement of forecast accuracy, schedule effectiveness, and risk mitigation. The role also has cross-functional responsibilities, partnering closely with field leadership and business stakeholders to influence actions that result in a simplified end-user experience, enhanced operational efficiencies, and adoption of workforce management processes through effective data mining, analysis, synthesis, and compelling narratives.

The Manager, Workforce Planning & Insights is a champion of Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values, and should demonstrate them skillfully and consistently through the following (as well as all other projects/duties as assigned):

• Manage the workforce management (WFM) platforms used for forecasting, scheduling, and reporting labor, including system administration, data analysis, reporting, and ongoing product lifecycle support.
• Lead all daily activities related to the forecasting, allocation, and scheduling of labor planning for stores, proactively collaborating with Operations and Finance partners to validate the reasonableness of applied labor standards and manage workload capacity.
• Create and maintain models and dashboards for ongoing analysis of workforce metrics, identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth.
• Implement data mining techniques to extract valuable insights from workforce data, identifying trends, patterns, and anomalies that impact operations and strategy.
• Synthesize complex data findings into actionable insights, determining key drivers of workforce efficiency, engagement, and productivity.
• Leverage data insights for strategic workforce planning, forecasting, and optimization to align workforce capabilities and capacities with business objectives.
• Design and deliver high-impact presentations that are tailored for executive audiences to convey complex data in an understandable and visually engaging manner by clearly communicating findings, insights, and recommendations.
• Utilize storytelling to present data insights compellingly, crafting narratives that highlight challenges, opportunities, and the impact of proposed strategies on the organization.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process and efficiency improvements within workforce operations.
• Offer training and support to teams on using analytics tools and interpreting data, fostering a culture of data literacy within the organization.
• Partner with Workforce Training and Compliance team to define, capture, and analyze compliance data, as well as assist with the development of training materials and processes to enhance end-user adoption.
• Serve as a resource for workforce management-related field inquires and determine root cause to identify potential gaps in processes or documentation.
• Develop a highly engaged team; accountable for achieving quantifiable results while maturing the Store and Services Operations organization.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, business analysis, data science, operations management, or related field of study.
• 7 years of relevant work experience in workforce management/business operations.
• Professional certification in human resource management (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP) and/or project management (PMP) are desirable assets.

Experience

• Hands on experience with UKG Pro WFM, Kronos Workforce Central (WFC), Workforce Analytics (WFAN), or other industry-leading workforce management software platform.
• Adept in forecasting workforce needs, developing scheduling optimization strategies, and aligning workforce plans with business goals.
• Advanced analytical experience, coupled with demonstrated ability to comprehend and interpret ambiguous data, communicate findings, and propose recommended action(s).
• Demonstrated project management planning and execution experience, coupled with a proven track record of leading projects to obtain tangible business results.

Skills

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and predictive modeling techniques to forecast workforce trends and inform planning efforts.
• Strong command over data analytics and management tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Ability to consolidate disparate data into coherent, actionable information through advanced data processing and analytical techniques.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate data-driven insights and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.
• Expertise in crafting compelling narratives, paired with powerful storytelling abilities, to highlight key insights, trends, and implications for the business.
• Skilled in engaging and influencing executive stakeholders through informed, data-backed presentations and discussions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office product suite, including PowerPoint for creating impactful presentations and compelling data visualizations.
• Established expertise with Atlassian Software Development and Collaboration Tools, including Jira and Confluence.
• Competence with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), SQL, and business insights data visualization software (preferably PowerBI.)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Access, Project, Visio, HTML, JavaScript, and VBA.
• Expert level organizational skills with the analytical ability to problem-solve, multi-task, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to quickly develop, foster, and positively influence cross-functional partnerships and relationships at all levels across the enterprise.

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work a flexible, full-time schedule to include days, as well as evenings, weekends, and holidays, if needed.
• Ability to travel, including overnight stays, as required (5% or less).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office demands.
• Visit stores to enhance understanding of the associate and guest experience.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-JR 

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring—hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.