Director Brand Building & Strategic Platforms, Merchandising

About the position Responsibilities • Leads overall strategy for two strategic merchandising initiatives; new and emerging brand-building efforts; and any other cross-category special projects. • Set the overall Sparked Strategy, continuing to differentiate our assortment for guests. • Lead a team dedicated to scouting, onboarding, and launching new brands across all major channels at Ulta Beauty. • Set the overall vision of growth for black owned + founded brands, ensuring inclusive assortments. • Lead Muse Accelerator Program, a 10-week dedicated program focused on early-stage BIPOC brands. • Leads team accountable for scouting and securing new brands that offer distinct points of differentiation. • Partners with Brand Founders/Brand CEO's and internal merchandising, marketing, and digital partners to navigate operating processes for a successful launch. • Get in the kitchen with high potential, emerging brands to drive growth for their brand and Ulta Beauty. • Collaborates with core category merchandising team, providing education on trends/newness, and identifying key assortment gaps. • Prepares newly launched brands for migration into core categories. • Represents Ulta Beauty on panels, in media and as needed for mentorship/judging various brand accelerators. • Accountable for driving YOY financial improvement of Ulta brand launches. • Develop unique marketing strategies to grow awareness that supports both strategic merchandising platforms and priority brands. • Keeps current with cultural, technological and market trends to inform strategic and creative direction. • Develop launch strategies and assist team with new business and brand opportunities. • Lead, coach and develop their direct and cross-functional team to achieve financial objectives. • Balance competing interests and needs across the organization to arrive at a clear vision. Requirements • Minimum of 12+ years of progressive merchandising experience. • Credible merchant leader in the industry with a track-record of managing successful vendor relationships. • Subject Matter Expert (SME) with a well-developed understanding of beauty brands, assortments, and trends. • Proven experience with negotiation and strong communication skills. • Minimum of 5+ years leading a team with a strong focus on team member growth and development. • Passion for the beauty industry and innovation. • High emotional intelligence and ability to style-flex your approach. • Financially savvy and analytical, ability to gather, understand and analyze data. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Knowledge of SAP and SAP Hana a plus. Benefits • Paid time off • Health insurance • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Life insurance • Disability benefits Apply tot his job