Asset Protection Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois

Be a part of an exceptional team that leads company shrink mitigation and safety initiatives while keeping our Guests, Associates, and Communities at the center of everything they do. The face of retail is constantly changing, and this agile team is at the forefront of the latest Asset Protection technology and analytical tools that help protect company assets every day. Through operational excellence, innovation, and collaboration, the Asset Protection team is exceptional at quickly designing and implementing innovative new solutions for diverse Asset Protection challenges while simultaneously building strong partnerships across Human Resources, Stores Operations, Supply Chain, and Compliance teams. Do you enjoy investigating company profitability opportunities? Are you a proactive critical thinker who loves executing a strategic business plan? Then consider joining the Asset Protection team today!

THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:

The Manager AP Systems position is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational execution, performance management, and continuous improvement of Asset Protection systems, service programs, and field support across retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate facilities.

This leader serves as the operational owner of Asset Protection service delivery, ensuring all AP technologies, repair programs, maintenance activities, vendor services, and capital projects are executed efficiently, within budget, and in accordance with established service level expectations.

The role bridges enterprise Asset Protection strategy and field execution by translating strategic initiatives into scalable operational processes, driving vendor accountability, identifying operational risks, and leading a team of analysts responsible for daily program execution.

YOU'LL ACCOMLISH THESE GOALS BY:

Operational Leadership

• Lead the AP Operations function supporting retail stores, corporate offices, and distribution centers.
• Establish operational priorities, workload management processes, and performance expectations for AP Operations Analysts.
• Ensure consistent execution of Asset Protection programs, service delivery, and maintenance activities across all locations.
• Develop operational playbooks, standards, and governance processes to improve execution consistency.

Service Channel & Ticket Governance

• Own overall performance of AP service ticket management.
• Establish and monitor SLAs for ticket aging, response times, completion rates, and vendor performance.
• Identify recurring failure points and implement corrective actions.
• Drive reduction in ticket backlog and improve service resolution timelines.

Vendor Performance Management

• Act as operational owner for AP service vendors.
• Provide data analytics for recurring vendor performance reviews.
• Escalate performance concerns and drive corrective action plans.
• Partner with AP Vendor Relations and Finance to improve vendor accountability and cost efficiency.

Asset Protection Systems & Programs

• Oversee operational support of:
• CCTV systems
• Burglar alarm systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Merchandise protection programs
• Physical security hardware
• Emerging AP technologies
• Ensure operational readiness and system reliability across the enterprise.

Capital Projects & Program Execution

• Lead operational execution of AP Operation capital projects, store openings, remodels, relocations, and technology deployments.
• Develop project plans, milestones, and execution strategies.
• Monitor project schedules, risks, and implementation performance.
• Partner with Construction, Facilities, Store Operations, IT, and Field AP teams.

Operational Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop operational scorecards and KPIs for:
• Ticket performance
• Vendor performance
• Project execution
• System uptime
• Service levels
• Identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Drive automation, workflow simplification, and reporting enhancements.

Financial & Budget Accountability

• Partner with AP Finance and Vendor Relations on:
  • Forecasting
  • Accruals
  • Expense management
  • Capital tracking
  • Invoice validation
• Ensure operational spending aligns with approved budgets.
• Identify cost savings and efficiency opportunities.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Directly lead and develop AP Operations Analysts.
• Establish performance goals and accountability measures.
• Provide coaching, development planning, and succession planning.
• Create a culture focused on ownership, operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 5-8+ years of progressive experience in Asset Protection, Operations, Facilities Management, Retail Operations, Physical Security, or a related operational leadership function.
• 3-5+ years of people leadership experience managing analysts, project teams, or operational support functions.
• Experience managing service vendors, contractor relationships, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Experience overseeing enterprise-wide operational programs across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated success leading operational improvement initiatives, automation efforts, and process optimization programs.
• Experience supporting large-scale technology deployments, store openings, remodels, or facility-related initiatives.

The pay range for this position is $77,600.00 - $95,000.00 / 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

AtUlta 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.