Associate Inventory Planner Jobs in Joliet, IL (NOW HIRING)

OVERVIEW

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,400 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.

THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:

The Senior Demand Planner is responsible for developing and executing demand forecasts and inventory planning strategies across a portfolio of strategic brands. This role serves as a key partner to Merchandise Financial Planning, Inventory Planning and Supply Chain, translating business insights into accurate forecasts and actionable inventory recommendations. The Senior Demand Planner drives continuous improvement in forecasting processes, inventory performance, and cross-functional collaboration while leading initiatives that enhance planning capabilities and support Ulta Beauty's growth objectives.

 

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

• Develop, manage, and continuously refine demand forecasts and order projections using historical sales, market trends, and promotional insights; adjust forecasting parameters to improve accuracy
• Lead and facilitate demand planning projects and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment, execution, and delivery of measurable business outcomes
• Support short and long-term demand planning by aligning SKU-level forecasts with category and seasonal targets; identify and communicate risks and opportunities with clear root-cause insights
• Partner with Merchandise Financial Planning and Inventory teams to evaluate forecasts and order projections, ensuring alignment to financial plans and efficient inventory flow
• Deliver data-driven insights on forecast and order changes, enabling informed decisions with clear financial and margin implications
• Utilize data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to translate complex data into actionable insights for leadership
• Analyze and reconcile forecast variances, identify key drivers, and recommend actions to improve accuracy and business outcomes
• Influence and mentor cross-functional partners through best practices in forecasting, inventory management, and analytical problem solving

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead key engagements with the ability to craft a story and tell it through impactful visuals and produce alignment to actions and decisions.
• Anticipate downstream impacts of decisions across the end-to-end planning process and proactively address risks
• Evaluate trends and recommend, lead, or support new ways of working in an evolving, and at times ambiguous, environment
• Champion a customer-first mindset by clearly defining business problems, success metrics, and measurement approaches across stakeholders
• Provide data-driven recommendations to improve supply chain efficiency and financial performance
• Identify opportunities to enhance forecasting methodologies, tools, and automation
• Lead or contribute to system enhancements and integration projects.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques, including predictive modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis, to generate actionable insights.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Business Analytics, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or Master’s preferred)
• 7+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory planning, or supply chain analytics within a retail or consumer products environment, including demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven track record of driving demand planning improvements and optimizing inventory strategies, knowledge of demand forecasting models ( e.g., Time Series, Bayesian, etc.)
• Advanced proficiency in demand planning systems (e.g., Manhattan DFIO, SAP APO, o9, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, Anaplan)
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to communicate complex ideas to various audiences in both a technical and user-friendly language
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious, with a strong ability to make proactive recommendations

The pay range for this position is $102,900.00 - $125,000.00 / 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.

Qualifications:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Business Analytics, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or Master’s preferred)
• 7+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory planning, or supply chain analytics within a retail or consumer products environment, including demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven track record of driving demand planning improvements and optimizing inventory strategies, knowledge of demand forecasting models ( e.g., Time Series, Bayesian, etc.)
• Advanced proficiency in demand planning systems (e.g., Manhattan DFIO, SAP APO, o9, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, Anaplan)
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to communicate complex ideas to various audiences in both a technical and user-friendly language
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious, with a strong ability to make proactive recommendations

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME