Sr Manager, Merchandise Planning & Operations (MPO) Strategy & Programs

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 Sr. Manager, Merchandise Planning & Operations (MP&O) Strategy & Programs will drive thought leadership and lead the implementation of long-term and medium-term MP&O strategic initiatives. Reporting to the SVP, MP&O, this leader will serve as a key influence on the team's go-forward strategy, developing and driving project plans to implement strategic objectives. This role acts as a trusted advisor and right hand to the SVP, ensuring alignment between MP&O initiatives and enterprise goals while managing cross-functional collaboration to deliver business results.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and right hand to the SVP of Merchandise Planning and Operations, ensuring strategic alignment between MP&O initiatives and enterprise objectives.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and communication of the MP&O strategy roadmap, collaborating with the SVP of Merchandise Planning and Operations and their leadership team, and cross-functional partners to ensure alignment with both business goals and customer experience priorities.
• Prepare regular executive updates, board materials, and program reviews for SVP of Merchandise Planning and Operations and their leadership team, ensuring clear communication of MP&O program status, risks, and outcomes to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Act as a communication liaison between the SVP of Merchandise Planning and Operations, executive leadership, and department heads, ensuring alignment and timely dissemination of information.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for senior leaders on all matters related to MP&O strategy, program progress, and business impact.
• Manage and execute special projects on behalf of the SVP of Merchandise Planning and Operations, including confidential or high-impact initiatives that require cross-departmental coordination and executive oversight.
• Continuously assess and improve internal operations, identifying knowledge and skill gaps, and implementing strategies to address them for ongoing organizational growth.
• Develop scorecards and roadmaps for day to day operations and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to change management efforts and communication plans for new MP&O rollouts.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelors or Master’s degree from an accredited college with a focus on Strategy, Finance, or Inventory and Planning. (MBA preferred)
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in retail operations, operations management, or strategy consulting (4 years’ experience at a top-tier consulting firm preferred)
• Self-starter able to successfully execute against departmental goals with minimal guidance
• Comfortable working independently and in a collaborative, cross-functional manne
• Able to influence and drive accountability among associates across multiple departments
• Able to manage multiple projects/multiple presentation deadlines at one time
• Able to develop presentation materials for communicating strategies to key stakeholders
• Able to work additional hours and weekends during critical project times
• Strong strategic mindset, with critical reasoning and qualitative analysis experience
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal) and analytical skills with a solid understanding of financials.
• Enthusiastic, persistent, action-oriented, and a strong sense of accountability
• Strong working knowledge in Word, Excel, and Power-Point

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The pay range for this position is $119,300.00 - $150,000.00 / 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.