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. As an Associate Planner, your financial and analytical aptitude will enable you to develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans while maintaining strong partnerships with merchants, inventory analysts and external brands. You will oversee all aspects of planning and inventory management for all brands under your portfolio to achieve the strategic and financial objectives of the enterprise. CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: * Manage the development and execution of merchandise plans (weekly, monthly, annual) and inventory strategies for all brands under portfolio * Establish and maintain credible partnerships with external brands, share monthly projections, advocate for what's best for the business, and engage in critical negotiations while providing clear financial justifications for decisions * Partner with internal merchants to grow and drive the business. Analyze market trends, historical data and customer/sales insights to drive the business * Partner with FPA to provide insights into changes (margins, receipts) that impact overall financial performance and ensure decisions are made with a thorough understanding of the impact on the bottom line * Collaborates with Inventory Analysts, communicates inventory strategies and direction to maintain healthy inventory levels and manage towards turn and EOH goals * Develops and analyzes sales, inventory and ad-hoc reports * Identifies and communicates opportunities and risks on overall business performance * Participates and/or leads category, functional or enterprise initiatives * 2+ years of professional, relevant experience in merchandise planning, supply chain, finance and/or inventory * Bachelors' degree in relevant field preferred * Financial and analytical aptitude and a deep understanding of financial metrics (sales, margin, turn, receipt planning) * Interacts professionally with internal and external stakeholders, utilizes critical thinking and data influential skills * Displaying effective verbal and written communication and strong listening skills * Ability to make well-informed decisions through the evaluation of large quantities of data, discovery of trends and development of actionable insights * Ability to comprehend complex issues and approach situations in a logical and structured manner * Exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and multi-tasking ability * Strong Microsoft Office skills with solid proficiency in Excel and working knowledge of SAP or JDA a plus * Ability to embrace/maneuver change with a positive attitude * Learns continuously from planners and senior planners, asks questions openly, shares insights * Mindset that emphasizes teamwork * Desire to continuously learn inventory best practices and activities ABOUT At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 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, brow, and make-up services. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.