Brand Manager

OVERVIEW

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,300 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.

POSITION SUMMARY:


The Brand Manager is responsible for setting brand or category product strategies to maximize sales, margin, and inventory and space productivity. They develop and manage product assortments and product marketing strategies that support the brand identity and direction. Core to this role is managing new product development through the timeline from concept to production and working with the merchant on in-store marketing and presentation. This position works with the buyers and merchandise planning team to develop and deliver financial plans and forecasts. This position must work cross-functionally to achieve their goals. Responsible to mentor, coach and develop team members.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Area Strategy:

• Drives new product development and execution of the business area strategy through the category review process. The category review identifies product white space or unproductive items and what should be in the innovation cycle that supports the brands strategies and initiatives.
• Manages individual business area and provides input and direction on categories managed by direct reports.

• Responsible for Product Innovation Roadmap development, management and flow for new program launches

• Product Development Process:
  Manage products through the development timeline, provides initial direction through product briefs to suppliers on formula, scent or shade. Completes approvals or redirects as needed with manufacturers.
• Strategic product sourcing & vendor management
• Testing & Regulatory on products
• Evaluate product testing results and determine next steps and direction to give to manufacturers
• Packaging:
  Owner of primary package with partnership from designer and component manager, oversee secondary packaging.
• Execution for Launch:
  Works with planning on forecasts, works with inventory to issue POs on time and ensures production starts on time for on time delivery into DCs.

• Responsible for development and execution for marketing initiatives. Includes:
  

• Key launch 360 marketing plans
• Dotcom Brand Store Strategy
• Oversee Ulta Beauty Collection role in corporate marketing initiatives
• Sampling and CRM:
  Owns sampling initiative, development of samples and plans and maintains budget for sampling.
• In-store Merchandising:
  Collaborate with buyers on securing and developing off-shelf placement and required marketing collateral

• Proactively assess and monitor the competitive landscape and marketplace to determine potential opportunities or threats

• Responsible for planogram flow and execution. Key ownership of:
  

• Add/Delete item list for transitions
• Fixture development with merchant and planogramming partners
• Graphics for planogram in partnership with marketing
• Final round proofing of planogram and graphic strips

• Pulls, prepare and analyze reports from BW, SAP, or Merchandising systems as needed.

• Exemplifies Ulta Beauty's core values within role. Ulta Values are quality and timely decision making, continuous improvement, collaboration, accountability, coaching and developing, planning and prioritizing, communication

• Complete on-going training and development courses supported by the HR Training Team or the Merchandise Operations Training Team.

• Develop and maintain internal and external relationships, including Distribution Centers, eCommerce, Marketing, Operations, Planning & Allocation, Stores and brand partners

• Manage their vendor portfolio, performance, and relationships to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives.

• Negotiate vendor terms, item costs, exclusivity, newness or exits to support the financial plans and strategy.

• Mentor, coach, and develop direct report(s) to position them for success and promotability

• Depending upon organizational structure, there may be some additional tasks as needed by the business.

• Education:
  Bachelors degree required

• Work Experience:
  5+ years total experience in product development or retail experience. Strongly prefer backgrounds of both product development and financial planning.
• Skills:
  Strong organizational skills required. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Knowledge of SAP and SAP Hana a plus. Creative problem solver. Professionalism and confidentiality required. Passion for the business. High energy innovation leader. Strong financial aptitude and analytical ability. Capability to lead brand meetings and presentations. Proven leadership skills in communication, teamwork, collaboration and relationship building. Demonstrates enterprise thinking and proficiency across buying or merchandise planning or inventory assignments. Strategic thinker with strong business acumen. Strong negotiation skills. Strong merchandising, forecasting and financial skills.
• Working Conditions:
  Some travel required