Associate Planner

Ulta Beauty, Inc.; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Ulta Beauty is seeking an Associate Planner to develop and execute merchandise plans across brands, partnering with merchants and external brands to achieve financial objectives. You will analyze trends, manage inventory strategies, and collaborate with finance to inform margins and receipts.

The role requires a strong background in planning, analytics, and Excel/SAP/JDA proficiency, with a focus on turning inventory and optimizing stock levels in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional, relevant experience in merchandise planning, supply chain, finance and/or inventory.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred.
• Financial and analytical aptitude and a deep understanding of financial metrics (sales, margin, turn, receipt planning).
• Interacts professionally with internal and external stakeholders, utilizes critical thinking and data-influential skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development and execution of merchandise plans (weekly, monthly, annual) and inventory strategies for all brands under portfolio.
• Establish and maintain credible partnerships with external brands and provide clear financial justifications for decisions.
• Partner with internal merchants to analyze market trends, historical data and insights to drive the business.
• Collaborate with FPA to provide insights into margins and receipts impacting the bottom line.
• Communicates inventory strategies to maintain healthy inventory levels and drive turn and EOH goals.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Supply chain

Finance metrics

Data analysis

Excel

SAP

JDA

Communication skills

Teamwork

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

SAP

JDA

Job description

OVERVIEW

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,400 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 IMAPCT YOU CAN HAVE:

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.

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

• Manage the development and execution of merchandise plans (weekly, monthly, annual) and inventory strategies for all brands under portfolio
• 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
• Partner with internal merchants to grow and drive the business. Analyze market trends, historical data and customer/sales insights to drive the business
• 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
• Collaborates with Inventory Analysts, communicates inventory strategies and direction to maintain healthy inventory levels and manage towards turn and EOH goals
• Develops and analyzes sales, inventory and ad-hoc reports
• Identifies and communicates opportunities and risks on overall business performance
• Participates and/or leads category, functional or enterprise initiatives

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

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

The pay range for this position is $66,200.00 - $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.