Associate Merchandise Planner

ULTA Beauty; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking beauty retailer as an Associate Planner, where your financial acumen and analytical skills will drive strategic merchandise planning. In this dynamic role, you will collaborate with merchants and external brands, utilizing data insights to optimize inventory and enhance business performance. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving organization that values innovation and operational excellence. With a commitment to professional growth and a supportive environment, your career trajectory will flourish in the beauty industry. Embrace the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying the perks of a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Paid time off

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in merchandise planning, supply chain, finance or inventory.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of financial metrics.

Responsibilities

• Manage merchandise plans and inventory strategies for multiple brands.
• Analyze market trends and provide insights for business growth.

Skills

Financial and analytical aptitude

Critical thinking

Effective communication

Data analysis

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP

JDA

Job description

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:
As an Associate Planner, your financial and analytical aptitude will enable you to develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans while maintaining strong partnerships with merchants, inventory analysts and external brands. You will oversee all aspects of planning and inventory management for all brands under your portfolio to achieve the strategic and financial objectives of the enterprise.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage the development and execution of merchandise plans (weekly, monthly, annual) and inventory strategies for all brands under portfolio.
2. Establish and maintain credible partnerships with external brands, share monthly projections, advocate for what’s best for the business, and engage in critical negotiations while providing clear financial justifications for decisions.
3. Partner with internal merchants to grow and drive the business. Analyze market trends, historical data and customer/sales insights to drive the business.
4. Partner with FPA to provide insights into changes (margins, receipts) that impact overall financial performance and ensure decisions are made with a thorough understanding of the impact on the bottom line.
5. Collaborate with Inventory Analysts, communicate inventory strategies and direction to maintain healthy inventory levels and manage towards turn and EOH goals.
6. Develop and analyze sales, inventory and ad-hoc reports.
7. Identify and communicate opportunities and risks on overall business performance.
8. Participate and/or lead category, functional or enterprise initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

1. 2+ years of professional, relevant experience in merchandise planning, supply chain, finance and/or inventory.
2. Bachelors' degree in relevant field preferred.
3. Financial and analytical aptitude and a deep understanding of financial metrics (sales, margin, turn, receipt planning).
4. Interacts professionally with internal and external stakeholders, utilizes critical thinking and data influential skills.
5. Effective verbal and written communication and strong listening skills.
6. Ability to make well-informed decisions through the evaluation of large quantities of data, discovery of trends and development of actionable insights.
7. Ability to comprehend complex issues and approach situations in a logical and structured manner.
8. Exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and multi-tasking ability.
9. Strong Microsoft Office skills with solid proficiency in Excel and working knowledge of SAP or JDA a plus.
10. Ability to embrace/maneuver change with a positive attitude.
11. Willingness to learn continuously from planners and senior planners, ask questions openly, and share insights.
12. Mindset that emphasizes teamwork.
13. Desire to continuously learn inventory best practices and activities.

The pay range for this position is $64,900.00 - $90,000.00 / 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: https://learn.bswift.com/ulta.

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.