Vice President, Merchandising Strategy & Growth

OVERVIEW

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 Vice President of Merchandising Strategy & Growth sets the vision, strategy and maintains oversight over business development (new), strategy and insights of the merchandising function, while setting and directing the merchandising strategy of the Ulta Beauty @ Target strategic platform. Reporting to the Chief Merchandising Officer, the VP will identify and evaluate new business opportunities while directing and developing business development plans and processes to drive sales, increase profit, expand business opportunities, capture market share, and achieve financial objectives. This VP is a strategic leader, leading the strategic planning process of merchandising at Ulta Beauty through amplified insights that inform category strategies to achieve growth and secure competitive advantages. The VP The VP leads the Ulta Beauty @ Target strategic platform by shaping and accelerating the partnership and capturing incremental value (sales and efficiencies).

The VP of Merchandising Strategy, Insights and Business Development will directly manage:

• 1 Senior Director, Merchandising Strategy, Insights and Business Development
• 1 Director, Merchandising – Ulta Beauty @ Target
  
  

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Business Development

• Directs the development and execution of Merchandising Business Development vision, strategy, plans and processes that will drive sales, increase profit, expand business opportunities, drive market share and accomplish financial objectives.
• Identifies and evaluates new business opportunities externally and expands and or evolves existing business opportunities to drive improvement across key aspects of business.
• Develops wide network of contacts to keep informed about current and future industry and market actions.
• Researches and analyzes the business environment, competitors and customers to develop ideas for new opportunities (sales driving as well as efficiency driving).
• Collaborates with key stakeholders across all functions / categories within Merchandising, Marketing, Digital, Stores and Operations to support BD plans.
  
  

Merchandising Strategy and Insights

• Leads Merchandising Strategy and Insights, driving the strategic planning process for the department to identify opportunities for growth and secure competitive advantages
• Create a compelling value driving vision for beauty merchandising in the future
• Leads department in the identification of trends, generating ideas, and determining/interpreting business opportunities which set us apart from the competition, while still maximizing our core business and growing the brand market share
• Partners with Chief Merchandising Officer on strategic direction and vision that disrupts the beauty industry through continual innovation
  
  

Ulta Beauty @ Target

• Sets and directs the merchandising vision and strategy of the Ulta Beauty @ Target platform to accelerate guest acquisition, maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives
• Ensures a cohesive merchandising strategy between Ulta Beauty @ Target retail and online
• Identify and/or evolve existing partnership and process to drive improvement across key aspects of business
• Directs the sales growth strategy to improve profitability and capture value for the enterprise while maintaining oversight of the strategic roadmap to achieve partnership goals
• Establish external partnerships and maintain oversight of environment, competitors and customers to develop ideas for new opportunities (sales driving as well as efficiency driving).
• Direct the sales growth strategy and maintain oversight over assortment, brand, product and category strategies through close partnership with category S/VP’s
• Collaborates with key stakeholders across all functions / categories within Merchandising, Marketing, Digital, Stores and Operations to support Ulta Beauty at Target plans
  
  

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• 15 years of relevant work experience; 10 years of experience in a strategic capacity; management consulting experience is also valuable
• MBA / postgraduate degree
• Seasoned strategy leader with strong financial acumen and track record of driving success
• High intuition and EQ in a highly visible, collaborative advisor to executive teams and other stakeholders
• A holistic understanding of category and growth trends, and consumer behavior
• Inspirational leader with proven leadership experience, including the ability to grow, mentor, and manage a diverse mix of talent.
• High degree of analytical capability, understanding FP&A, and creative problem solving
• Strong knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research/insights methodologies.
• Strong working knowledge of analytical and effectiveness measurement techniques and outputs.
• Ability to communicate complex scenarios and concepts via simple models.
• Experience with competitive analysis, financial analysis, evaluation of strategic options, preparation of management decision documents, and executive level presentations
• A holistic understanding of category and 2025-02-14T19:05:13.777 00:00 We consider applications for this position on an ongoing basis.
  
  

OVERVIEW

Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences—for true beauty enthusiasts. At Ulta Beauty, we’re transforming the world one shade, one lash, one cut at a time. Because beauty is powerful.

If you seek greater purpose—a place of vision, mission, and lived values—where voices are heard, contributions valued and recognized and growth opportunities abound, consider Ulta Beauty. Nowhere else are the possibilities quite this beautiful.

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE

The Prestige Beauty Advisor (PBA) is responsible for maximizing sales in the prestige category (color cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance) by engaging guests to determine their individual needs and assisting guests in the selection and purchase of prestige merchandise, while following all company policies and procedures. All responsibilities are done while maintaining overall store standards, including cleanliness and replenishment. This position supports the Sales Manager (SM) through a focus on performance (service/retail sales and in-store events), people (guest service and associate culture), and process (operating procedures and compliance standards). This position requires a passion for the beauty industry, exceptional guest service, and the aptitude to learn and communicate product knowledge.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (*Essential Job Functions)

The PBA is a champion of Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision and values, and should demonstrate them skillfully and consistently by performing the following duties and responsibilities of the position (as well as all other projects/duties as assigned):

Performance

• Contribute to meeting or exceeding the store’s goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty (including credit), retail shrink and omni-channel sales, with a specific focus on the prestige category and iconic brands as set by Ulta Beauty for the store.
• Ensure that each guest receives exceptional service by providing a guest-friendly environment, which includes greeting and engaging every guest, personalizing service to their needs, recommending complementary products and/or services, and informing guests of current promotions, events, and services within the store.
• Courteously handle sales, refunds, and exchanges.
• Routinely perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations with guests to drive sales and guest service experience.
• Book appointments for, and support the execution of, services and in-store events that deliver an unrivaled guest experience while delivering on prestige and iconic brand sales goals.
• Take the initiative to stay informed regarding new and existing industry trends, products, and services during work time and be knowledgeable about the ingredients and benefits of these trends, products, and services to better serve guests.
• Maintain prompt, regular attendance.
  
  

People

• Contribute to an inclusive environment that supports teammates, peers, and the internal and external guests served.
• Collaborate with managers and associates throughout the store to help grow the business.
• Regularly participate in ongoing training, including prestige and iconic brand product training as directed and brand and category education, to enable continuous professional development and drive prestige sales performance.
  
  

Process

• Be knowledgeable of and ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards.
• Adhere to Ulta Beauty’s dress code.
• Drive sales by keeping prestige and iconic brand work area replenished, signed and faced, and ensuring testers are continuously available and maintained in compliance with hygiene standards.
• Maintain outstanding store operational standards, including cleanliness of the salesfloor, restrooms, cashwrap, backroom, and break area and ensuring that makeover stations adhere to company standards at all times.
• Participate in completing merchandise resets, planograms, marketing displays, physical inventory procedures, and processing shipment using Ulta Beauty’s technology and best practices.
• Share the benefits of the guest loyalty program, including credit and the Ulta Beauty app, with guests on the salesfloor and when prompted by Ulta Beauty’s systems.
• Protect company assets by following loss prevention best practices and providing exceptional guest service.
• Execute other operational tasks as directed.
  
  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma is preferred
• Cosmetology, esthetician or demonstrator’s license where required by state law
  
  

Experience

• 1 year of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience preferred
  
  

Skills

• Demonstrates a passion and significant competency for prestige product, guest service, and selling
• Ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication skills
  
  

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Attend corporate business meetings and conferences, including overnight stays
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent mobility throughout the store during shift
• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, and twisting during shift
• Continuous lifting and/or moving up to 10 lbs. during shift
• Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift
  
  

If an associate has a disability that prevents them from performing an essential function of the job, the Company will engage in the interactive process with the associate to determine whether there is a reasonable accommodation that will enable the associate to perform the essential functions of the job.

ABOUT

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.