Merchant, Hair (Hybrid)

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:

As a Merchant, you’ll partner with the Senior Merchant/DMM to develop and implement omni merchandising strategies across the business. You will be responsible for developing innovative and profitable assortments, managing a P&L, maintaining brand relationships and partnering cross-functionally to drive a seamless omni-channel experience for our guests. This role manages Merchandise Coordinators and/or Assistant Merchants based upon the brand portfolio.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies in partnership with leadership to achieve the financial and strategic objectives of the category and enterprise (sales, margin, turn)
• Lead and maintain relationships with brands through terms negotiations, exclusivity, assortments, and marketing activations. Establish a strategy for enhancing profitability and phasing out underperforming brands
• Create a high-quality, innovative and competitive omni-channel assortment by strategically expanding our core business, boosting newness, and creating differentiation. 
• Stay on top of trends, consumer behavior, and competitive activity 
• Ensure financial stability and profitability for the brand portfolio, working closely with MP&I and FP&A to make sound business decisions
• Successfully partner with marketing and operations to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience, bringing our vision to life and engaging our guestsProvide management direction to assistant merchants and coordinators. Assist in identifying priorities, support through execution, and remove obstacles
• Foster a team culture that is results-oriented and aligned with Ulta Beauty's values, mission, and vision 

• FlexWork Program includes a min of 6 in-office days per month for individuals living within a commutable distance from Bolingbrook, IL occasional travel to additional locations, including stores and distribution centers, as needed
• Relocation assistance is not offered for this role

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• 6 years of professional, relevant experience with deep category, product, trends and guest knowledge
• Management experience preferred, not required
• Strategic mindset: ability to set competitive and breakthrough department, brand, event and go-to-market strategies
• Financial acumen: understanding of a brand and company P&L and the drivers of profitability
• Brand relationship management: creating and sustaining strong business partnerships that maximize the value of the brand and Ulta Beauty. This includes the skill of negotiation
• Influence and communications; grounded in analytical rigor, expertise, and a set of soft skills that inspire alignment
• Strong financial and analytical aptitude, ability to analyze the businesses’ opportunities and risks, and develop solutions
• Analysis and problem solving: applying logical thinking, data analysis, and creativity to solve problems effectively and efficiently
• Develops talent and instill accountability: coaches in the moment, provides regular performance and developmental feedback
• Strong collaborator with internal partners, understands that success is done by a team of people
• Ability to plan and prioritize effectively and stay organized in a fast-moving business
• Value creation mindset; robust understanding of the current internal / external competitive landscape and the levers used to drive profitable business decisions for Ulta
• Strong passion for products and brand value
• Sees the possibilities and moves self and team into the future with clear intentions and purposeful actions

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.