ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc

Manager Inventory Planning

Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Analytics, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in inventory management or related operational roles.
  • Preferred exposure to multiple categories/channels and retail inventory operations.
  • Some experience in team leadership or mentoring is a plus.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills with experience monitoring key metrics.
  • Proficiency with inventory and planning systems like Manhattan DFIO, SAP APO, or Anaplan preferred.
  • Experience in process improvements or operational initiatives is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee a team of inventory analysts for purchase orders and inventory allocation.
  • Collaborate with Merchandise Planning and Demand Planning teams on inventory decisions.
  • Integrate inventory planning with merchant strategies for effective execution.
  • Optimize inventory positioning to meet demand and minimize stockouts/overstock.
  • Monitor and analyze inventory performance, initiating corrective actions as needed.
  • Partner with Merchants, Supply Chain, and Finance to align inventory with business objectives.
  • Drive consistency and excellence in inventory processes.

Benefits

  • Paid time off and health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life and disability benefits available for full-time positions.
  • Bonus opportunities based on eligibility.
  • Career development support and access to additional benefit resources.
Full Job Description
THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:

The Manager, Inventory Planning plays a critical role within the Inventory Planning team, reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Inventory Planning. This role is responsible for managing a team of inventory analysts who execute the day-to-day operational planning and inventory management activities, including ensuring forecast properly reflects all parameters that my impact an items selling, placing purchase orders with vendors and allocating product across stores and e-commerce channels.

The Manager, Inventory Planning ensures inventory is optimally positioned to meet demand, minimize stockouts and overstock, and support omnichannel fulfillment. This role partners closely with Merchants, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, and Finance to translate forecasts and business priorities into actionable inventory decisions. The Inventory Planner is also accountable for driving process consistency, team development, and operational excellence across inventory planning activities.

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:
  • Oversee a team of inventory analysts responsible for placing purchase orders with vendors and allocating inventory across stores and e-commerce channels.
  • Collaborate with Merchandise Planning and Demand Planning teams to incorporate forecasts, promotional plans, and historical sales trends into actionable inventory decisions.
  • Integrates their inventory planning and fulfillment team with the merchant category/department pod team to ensure smooth translation of merchant strategies into forecast, inventory buying and stocking execution.
  • Ensure inventory is optimally positioned to meet demand, minimize stockouts, reduce overstock, and support omnichannel fulfillment.
  • Monitor and analyze inventory performance, identifying variances, risks, and opportunities, and lead corrective or preventive actions as needed.
  • Partner with Merchants, Supply Chain, and Finance to align inventory plans with category strategies and business objectives.
  • Drive consistency and operational excellence in inventory processes, including purchase order management, allocations, and replenishment workflows.
  • Translate complex data into actionable insights and recommendations for leadership and cross-functional partners.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives, including process enhancements, system optimizations, and automation opportunities to improve inventory accuracy and productivity.
THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Analytics, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in inventory management, merchandising planning, supply chain, or related operational roles.
  • Exposure to multiple categories and/or channels is preferred; strong understanding of retail inventory operations.
  • Some experience leading or mentoring team members is a plus, but not required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience monitoring key metrics such as sales, inventory levels, and turnover.
  • Proficiency with inventory and planning systems (e.g., Manhattan DFIO, SAP APO, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, Anaplan) preferred.
  • Experience contributing to process improvements or operational initiatives is a plus.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with Merchants, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, and vendors.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Excel for analysis and reporting; familiarity with Power BI or SQL is a plus.

#LI-GH1

The pay range for this position is $88,200.00 - $110,000.00 / 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 ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc

ULTA Beauty is the beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin, hair care products and salon services. Since opening its first store 25 years ago, ULTA Beauty has grown to become the top national retailer providing All Things Beauty, All in One Place™. The Company offers more than 20,000 products from over 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 and brow services. ULTA Beauty is recognized for its commitment to personalized service, fun and inviting stores and its industry-leading Ultamate Rewards loyalty program.

ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. Careers

Join the vibrant team at ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., a leader in the beauty industry, where innovation meets diversity and professional growth. As a company renowned for its inclusive culture and commitment to employee development, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At ULTA, we empower our team to bring beauty to life, providing unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and professional enrichment. Whether you are looking for a position in our retail stores, at our corporate headquarters, or within our distribution network, ULTA offers a dynamic work environment where your skills will be honed and your achievements recognized. Join our team and contribute to an industry-leading company known for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and diversity. ULTA is not just about beauty products; it's about elevating the beauty in everyone. Our team’s diversity is our strength, and we continuously strive to foster an inclusive environment through comprehensive diversity training programs. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career journey with an internship at ULTA, where you can gain hands-on experience in a thriving retail environment. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the beauty industry, offering insights into various aspects of business operations, from marketing to supply chain management. For those seeking full-time roles, ULTA is hiring across a range of departments. We look for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on our Careers page. Benefits and Culture At ULTA, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of our team members and their families. Benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, employee discounts, and more. Our company culture champions personal and professional growth, encouraging every team member to reach their full potential. Through leadership training and continuous learning opportunities, we prepare our employees to lead and innovate in the beauty industry. Networking and Professional Development Stay connected and advance your career through ULTA’s networking events, where you can meet industry leaders and like-minded professionals. Enhance your resume and interview skills through our career development workshops and receive personalized advice from our experienced hiring managers. Future-Proof Your Career With ULTA, the trajectory of your career is boundless. Embrace the opportunity to grow with a company that is as committed to your professional journey as it is to leadership in the beauty industry. Explore Discover how ULTA is transforming the beauty landscape and leading the way in retail innovation. Read more about our latest projects and the impact they have on our customers and industry. Join Our Team Search for job opportunities that align with your career aspirations. We are excited to see how your vision and expertise can contribute to our ongoing success. Stay Up to Date Keep ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. Join us and be part of a company where innovation, leadership, and beauty move forward together.
Learn more about ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc
Size
16,500 employees
Market Cap
$23.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$175.8 million
Founded
1990
5 Year Trend
+12.2%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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