Manager Supplier Quality & Performance

Overview

Imagine. With over 1,400 stores throughout the U.S. and a thriving supply chain network, there has never been a greater need for people of high initiative, of big-picture thinking, and adaptability to share in our journey. At Ulta Beauty, we have greater ambitions. Growing what works. Iterating in areas that have promise. Creating new offerings for industry advantage.

In all of this is the opportunity to experience real impact, to effectuate change, to give wings to a spirit of creativity and entrepreneurism. Because the challenges are multi-faceted and ever-changing. But for those inspired by real-world demands that press and stretch, that call for new and smarter ideas, that require heavy doses of trust and respect, Ulta Beauty encourages you to imagine with us.

THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:

The Manager, Supplier Operations – Quality & Performance will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of supplier quality management, performance, and compliance programs across Ulta Beauty's supplier network. This role will be responsible for establishing and advancing a structured Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) that drives supplier accountability, operational excellence, risk mitigation, and measurable performance improvement. The Manager will develop standardized processes, supplier performance scorecards, governance frameworks, and corrective action methodologies to proactively identify performance gaps, address root causes, and strengthen supplier capabilities.

Serving as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders, including Merchandising, Inventory Planning, Supply Chain, Distribution, Finance, and Technology, this individual will translate performance insights into actionable improvement strategies that support Ulta Beauty's operational and business objectives. The ideal candidate brings experience in supplier quality management, supplier development, performance improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience across retail, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, automotive, or other supplier-intensive industries is highly valued.

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

• Supplier Quality Management System Development: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS), including supplier performance standards, quality expectations, governance processes, risk assessments, corrective and preventive action (CAPA) frameworks, and continuous improvement methodologies. Establish scalable processes that strengthen supplier accountability and operational reliability.
• Supplier Performance Management & Development: Own supplier performance measurement and improvement programs, including the development of KPIs, scorecards, performance reviews, and supplier improvement plans. Analyze trends, identify systemic performance gaps, conduct root-cause analysis, and partner directly with suppliers to implement sustainable corrective actions that improve service levels, supply chain execution, and operational performance.
• Supplier Compliance & Governance: Oversee Ulta Beauty's supplier compliance program, including performance requirements, compliance policies, chargeback governance, financial forecasting, dispute resolution, and escalation management. Manage a compliance program, ensuring consistent application of requirements, financial accuracy, and alignment with broader supplier performance improvement objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Partner with Merchandising, Inventory Planning, Distribution, Finance, Technology, and external suppliers to drive operational improvements, strengthen supplier readiness, and mitigate supply chain risks. Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve supplier capabilities, standardize processes, leverage technology and analytics, and reduce operational inefficiencies. Facilitate supplier business reviews and improvement discussions that support long-term strategic partnerships.
• Leadership, Analytics & Operational Excellence: Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team responsible for supplier quality, compliance, and performance management. Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability mechanisms while leveraging data, reporting tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to prioritize opportunities, monitor outcomes, and communicate business impact to leadership.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in supplier quality management, supplier performance, supplier development, supply chain operations, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct people leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, or significantly improving a Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS), supplier performance management program, or comparable supplier governance framework.
• Proven ability to establish supplier performance standards, develop KPIs and scorecards, identify performance gaps, and drive measurable supplier improvements.
• Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving methodologies, root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement processes.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, facilitating performance reviews, resolving escalations, and influencing external partners to implement corrective actions.
• Strong analytical capabilities with experience leveraging data, reporting tools, and performance trends to drive operational decisions and measurable business outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders across supply chain, operations, procurement, quality, finance, and technology.
• Strong project management, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and drive results in a dynamic business environment.
• Knowledge of supplier quality management frameworks and methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma, 8D problem-solving, supplier audits, and CAPA.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, SAP, or comparable enterprise reporting and operational systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or related professional certification.
• Experience managing large supplier portfolios and driving performance improvement across geographically diverse supplier networks.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typical office environment – 90%
• Typical DC work environment – 10%
• Travel approximately 15% of time. (Brand visits, meetings, conferences, training)

The pay range for this position is $102,900.00 - $133,000.00 / 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.