Visual Merchandising Analyst

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,400 stores throughout the U.S., Ulta Beauty is revolutionizing the beauty retail experience. With new stores coming online on a continual basis and the re-engineering of 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 reimagination. 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 IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE    ** Position is located at corporate offices in Bolingbrook, IL (Hybrid work schedule – approx. 6 days in office per month)   The Visual Merchandising Analyst is responsible for the entire lifecycle of in-store marketing elements including graphics, product display units (POP) and semi-permeant fixtures for his/her assigned categories – from concept (request, ideation, and strategy build) through completion (creative concepting, production and logistics to end locations).  The individual will perform a wide variety of core job responsibilities which include:   Project Management Strategic Sourcing & Budget Maintenance Supplier Management Strategic Innovation Communications Relationship Management Inventory Management   This Visual Merchandising Analyst role manages the following assigned business categories: Marketing Campaigns (Holiday, 21 days of beauty, Gorgeous Hair, Love Your Skin, Fall & Spring Haul, Summer Event), Salon & Skin Services, Loyalty (Credit, Gift Card, Ultamate Rewards program), Store Operational Signage (Return Policy, Safety, Navigational, Pricing compliance- bag tax & customer notices, Impulse Fixture & Conscious Beauty In-Store Program).   In addition to the primary owned categories additional projects may be assigned – Visual Merchandising Sustainability research, Sustainability policy and implementation, Ulta Beauty Store Events (brand, department, or celebrity personal appearances), New Flagship Store Planning, New Brand Launches (where storewide crossover exists), Storewide Initiatives (Visual & Communication Audit, Store of the Future) and other special projects & other duties as assigned.     PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (*Essential Functions)   Project Management:  Collaborates with internal and external cross-functional partners across the organization to scope projects, develop in-store strategy, oversee budget, manage timelines, and monitor progress of projects from conception to in-store execution for several projects at a time at different project phases. Ability to manage ambiguity and develop strategic plans with varying degrees of input, while gaining partners support on approach. Able to pivot and maneuver as plans change while keeping focus on end-to-end milestones.   Strategic Sourcing & Budget Maintenance:  Responsible for all estimating and invoice management of assigned projects. Bids projects and negotiates cost with suppliers.  Ensures projects remain on budget and works directly with finance and other project partners to manage expenses.  Processes all invoices in a timely fashion and before period closing.  Resolves any discrepancies between estimate and invoice with suppliers.  Shares estimates with merchants & business partners for visibility and forecasting purposes. Ensures contracted rates are adhered to by suppliers. This Analyst role also requires the ability to take flat design concepts and partner with suppliers to develop and present dimensional produced items (product display units or dimensional signs to support seasonal initiatives.   Supplier Management: Works with supplier partners to determine print techniques, request material