Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

OVERVIEW

Experience something categorically different. With over 1,200 stores throughout the U.S., a thriving digital ecosystem and a growth trajectory that’s put Wall Street on notice; Ulta Beauty provides dynamic challenges for those who want to apply their financial acumen to ever-increasing levels of complexity. Professional ownership. Diverse and ever-evolving projects. Greater levels of impact. The ability to influence decisions and organizational direction. It’s all part of the daily experience of our Finance & Accounting associates.

 

If you want a collaborative environment where continual learning, career self-determination and trust are prioritized, where an engaged leadership provides deep levels of support and guidance, Ulta Beauty is uniquely positioned to deliver greater levels of career satisfaction. Are you up for the challenge?

THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:

The Sourcing Category Manager will actively lead the sourcing, contracting and procurement of non-merchandise (indirect) goods and services (both capital and expense), focusing on Software, IT Hardware, Infrastructure (including cloud), telecommunications, and professional services in both the IT and Digital (eCommerce) space.

 

The Manager’s primary goal is to add value to the organization. This is accomplished by developing category strategies, leading activities that drive cost reduction, cost avoidance, risk mitigation, supply assurance, operating effectiveness, or revenue generation.

 

The position requires strong influencing, communication, creativity, partnership-building, problem-solving, analytical, and negotiation skills.  The Manager will:

 

• Leverage internal data (SAP Ariba, etc.) and external data to analyze spend
• Conduct market research and develop category strategies
• Compose and lead stakeholders through requests for proposals (RFP)
• Facilitate the supplier selection process
• Negotiate agreements
• Ensure proper procurement processes are adhered to after agreements are completed
• Identify and influence improvement opportunities
• Support Ulta’s efforts to further sustainability, diversity and inclusion efforts

 

The Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategies for complex spend areas. They shall be responsible for tracking value achieved for Ulta and shall report to a Sr. Sourcing Manager.  They may have management responsibility for one or more direct reports.

 

 

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

 

Strategy and Planning

• Analyzing spend data in SAP Ariba to create sourcing plans and strategies for specific Departments or categories.
• Meeting with Department stakeholders on a regular basis as well as annually to plan sourcing, contracting and procurement activities in support of the company’s five (5) year plan.

Stakeholder Partnership

• Partnering with stakeholders to optimize value, improve processes, rationalize Ulta’s supply base, leverage Ulta’s growth, and reduce costs.
• Cultivating and strengthening relationships with internal partners, suppliers, affiliates and professional organizations to bring maximum value to Ulta guests, shareholders and associates.
• Monitoring and tracking expiring contracts for categories and Departments being supported.

Sourcing and Procurement Best Practices

• Championing the sourcing, contracting, and procurement process throughout the organization.
• Directing and conducting bid/quote (RFP) collection and contracting activities, using eSourcing and eContract Management software as appropriate.
• Developing, documenting and implementing improved processes surrounding RFx’s, bid analysis, purchasing strategies, strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, contract processing and etc.

Contracting

• Drafting, negotiating, and leading the finalization of complex agreements; including developing the negotiation strategies.
• Serving as liaison between Legal Services and internal stakeholders.
• Ensuring all contracts are properly executed in accordance with company policies, then uploaded into Ulta’s contract database, and processed via our P2P system – SAP Ariba

People Leadership

• *Note* not all managers lead a team or have direct reports
• Empowering your team to develop and achieve - listen, coach, and support
• Ensuring team members meet our team’s expectations and delivering clear feedback when not
• Practicing empathy

Other duties may be assigned

 

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

 

Qualified candidates will have an Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5-7 years related sourcing, contracting or procurement experience or the experience and ability to provide value or proven ability to influence Directors, VP’s and SVP’s for specific categories and Departments. Additional requirements include:

• A desire to constantly learn and grow
• Excellent working knowledge of sourcing, contracting, and procurement best practices
• Proven negotiation skills and deep understanding of negotiation strategies; professional certifications or training is a plus
• Thorough understanding of contracts with the ability to create, draft, prepare, revise, review and negotiate complex contract terms
• Comfortable verbal and written communicator.  Ability to present to various levels and audiences inside and outside of the organization
• Strong influencing skills across multiple levels within the organization
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint.  Comfort with Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• The ability to learn sourcing, purchasing, or contracting software systems (training provided)
• Creative, influential, unselfish problem solver
• Collaborative team player

 

ABOVE AND BEYOND

• Experience leading cross-functional teams
• Participation in external industry events and/or membership in sourcing, purchasing or contracting organizations such as ISM, SIG, IACCM, or others

• Process improvement and project management skills and experience a plus

• CPSM, C.P.M., C.C.M. and related certifications preferred
• Prior consulting experience preferred

 

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel required 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ulta “FlexWork” – three (3) days in office every other week (bi-weekly) with the remainder remote

#LI-JB2

#LI-Hybrid

 

The pay range for this position is $88,200.00 - $117,166.00 / 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

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.

Salary : $88,200 - $117,166