VP Merchandise Systems

OVERVIEW

Live the experience . From professional empowerment to continual learning opportunities. From ongoing investment in new and emerging technologies to a career of self-determination. At Ulta Beauty, our tech team is critical to our scalability—and is recognized that way. We’ve been defined as a “mature start-up.” A place where interdepartmental exposure, open doors, and genuine collaboration is ubiquitous. Where challenges come fast and furious, requiring agility, mental dexterity, and creativity. Where our passion for better solutions drives us and is core to who we are.

We’re engineering for the future of retail, and it’s no-holds-barred. But for those motivated by continual change and ambiguity, by superior leadership, by whip smart colleagues who will press you daily for your very best, you’ll find that virtually nothing’s impossible at Ulta Beauty.

We are seeking a results-driven, innovative Vice President of Merchandise Systems to lead the vision, strategy, and execution of enterprise-scale merchandising technologies and support of the current application technology platforms. This executive will drive Agile-based delivery of scalable, customer-centric solutions that enable core merchandising capabilities such as Inventory planning, allocation, pricing, promotions, master data, and product lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will bring a strong mix of retail domain expertise, deep systems knowledge, and hands-on experience scaling Agile delivery across large, complex organizations.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a multi-year merchandise systems strategy aligned with business growth and digital transformation goals.
• Serve as the executive thought partner to Merchandising, Planning, Pricing, and Allocation teams to translate business needs into scalable, technology-driven capabilities.
• Partner with C-level and senior leaders to prioritize investments, champion innovation, and deliver measurable business value.
• Provide leadership in support of current systems and applications supporting Merchandise Planning and Operations.
• Lead Agile transformation and delivery across multiple IT merchandise planning and operations teams, driving a product mindset and iterative, customer-first development.
• Build and scale high-performing Agile teams (product managers, solution architects, delivery leads, engineers) with a focus on velocity, quality, and alignment to business outcomes.
• Own the merchandise system’s current and future roadmap, from strategy through execution, support, focusing on speed-to-value and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the implementation, modernization, and optimization of core merchandising platforms, including Inventory Planning, Fulfillment/Replenishment, Optimization, PIM, PLM, Pricing/Promotion, Allocation, Master Data, and demand forecasting.
• Ensure seamless integration between merchandise systems and related platforms, including supply chain, e-commerce, stores, and finance.
• Maintain a future-ready architecture that supports data-driven decisions, omnichannel execution, and global scalability.
• Strong focus on delivery with effective metrics to manage outcomes, determine correct delivery methodology per capability, and grow efforts across engineering, testing, and architecture for success.
• Manage budget for the group with strict adherence to financial guidelines and work plans to ensure on-time delivery and management of critical, senior-level risks and issues.
• Foster a high-performance culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Drive the use of real-time insights and predictive analytics to support assortment optimization, pricing decisions, and inventory efficiency.
• Partner with enterprise data and analytics teams to align merchandise data with enterprise data governance and AI/ML initiatives.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Spearhead the implementation of software development best practices, including architecture design, DevOps processes, and system monitoring.
• Maintaine high system availability and ensured optimal performance during both peak and off-peak periods.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional technology teams such as Business Applications, IT Security, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, and Enterprise Integration.
• Actively participate in IT governance activities, including the Change Advisory Board (CAB), Architecture Review Board (ARB), and incident response calls for system outages, degradation, or downtime.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

• 15+ years of experience in retail or consumer-facing industries, with 10+ years in senior leadership roles overseeing large-scale merchandising systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business, or related field; MBA or relevant graduate degree preferred.
• Proven experience leading enterprise-scale transformations and a passion for driving innovation through technology. Deep functional expertise in implementing Retail Merchandise planning, operations, pricing, promotions, inventory fulfillment/allocation, and product lifecycle systems.
• Hands-on experience implementing and optimizing platforms such as Blue Yonder, O9, RELEX, SAP S/4HANA IS Retail, or similar.
• Proven success leading Agile/SAFe delivery in complex enterprise environments.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to translate business priorities into technology strategy and execution.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating and communicating with technical and non-technical stakeholders across all levels.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions on time and on schedule.
• Able to solve complex problems efficiently and ability to teach/guide other team members as necessary.
• Innovative thinker who can envision how technology can be leveraged to solve complex business problems.
• Leverages strong connections with stakeholders to anticipate their emerging priorities; ensures the organization adapts accordingly.
• Proven leadership experience, including the ability to grow, mentor, and manage talent at different levels.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment with new tasks changing daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly.
• Experience and intuition needed to serve as a highly visible, collaborative advisor to management teams and other stakeholders.

The pay range for this position is $300,000.00 - $350,000.00 / Year with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company’s bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs. 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. For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page:

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.