Vice President, Merchandising

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 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. A strategic thinker who embraces change, 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.

Responsibilities include brand collaboration, new product/brand identification, product assortment/forecasting, driving the sales growth strategy, P&L management, marketing strategy and team leadership.

• 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.
• 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 KPIs for success: vendor profitability, overhead budget, margin, CAPEX.
• 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.