Strategic Supply Chain Optimization Leader

Ulta Beauty; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel up to 10%

Job summary

Ulta Beauty in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking a Sr. Manager, Supply Chain Optimization to lead CI and cost optimization across the supply chain, partnering cross-functionally to protect margins, enable growth, and scale our network.

You will own the CI pipeline from concept to pilot, develop business cases for enterprise priorities, and translate analyses into executive-ready recommendations. Travel up to 10% may be required; MBA preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or MBA preferred, ideally in Supply Chain, Business, Strategy, Finance, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, strategy, continuous improvement, consulting, or related fields
• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving measurable business outcomes
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to translate data into strategic insights
• Excellent communication and executive storytelling skills
• Experience in retail, eCommerce, omnichannel, or complex distribution environments preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead supply chain continuous improvement (CI) efforts, identifying, evaluating, and advancing initiatives that deliver sustainable cost offsets while protecting service levels
• Own and manage the CI pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of ideas from concept through pilot, implementation, and realized savings
• Partner with Finance to validate savings assumptions, track realized benefits, and ensure offsets are accurately captured in the P&L
• Support Enterprise Cost Optimization initiatives, including analysis, execution support, and leadership communications
• Drive broader supply chain cost optimization efforts across labor, transportation, network, and process improvement levers
• Develop and advance initiatives including new fulfillment concepts, product flow optimization, and B2B
• Build business cases, strategic frameworks, and decision materials to support executive alignment and investment decisions
• Conduct and oversee quantitative and qualitative analysis to support CI initiatives, strategic concepts, and day-to-day decision-making
• Develop insights related to product flow, DC assortment strategy, and network efficiency
• Synthesize complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leaders
• Develop high-quality presentations and written materials for executive audiences
• Support leaders in preparing content for strategic reviews, operating updates, and planning forums
• Translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling narratives that align stakeholders and drive decision-making
• Partner within the Supply Chain team and cross-functionally
• Influence without direct authority by building trust, alignment, and shared accountability across teams
• Mentor and develop team members and contributors involved in CI and strategic initiatives
• Support supply chain international expansion initiatives, with an emphasis on B2B fulfillment, compliance, and operating model design

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Executive storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

SAP

Job description

Ulta Beauty in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking a Sr. Manager, Supply Chain Optimization to lead CI and cost optimization across the supply chain, partnering cross-functionally to protect margins, enable growth, and scale our network.

You will own the CI pipeline from concept to pilot, develop business cases for enterprise priorities, and translate analyses into executive-ready recommendations. Travel up to 10% may be required; MBA preferred but not mandatory.