Process Owner Inbound Transportation Job Listing at Ulta Beauty in Bolingbrook, IL (Job ID 408197)

Description

OVERVIEW

Imagine. With over 1,200 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 Process Owner of Inbound Transportation is instrumental in developing, managing, and supporting transportation processes within the inbound logistics operations. Leads transportation initiatives focused on vendor compliance support and continuous process improvement to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and advance automation. Oversees vendor relationships, supports the request for proposal (RFP) process, and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure service excellence and operational performance. Works closely with cross-functional partners across Loss Prevention, Store Operations, DCs, S&OP, MP&I, and Finance to deliver outstanding service to distribution centers and suppliers. Promotes excellence in transportation operations, ensuring seamless execution from planning through implementation, all in alignment with the broader business goals of Supply Chain.

 

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

• Support transportation processes across inbound transportation, including linehaul, dedicated, inbound freight, and inbound freight scheduling, performance optimization, and process standardization, in alignment with the overall transportation and organizational strategy.
• Monitor and analyze transportation performance and initiatives against benchmarks to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Leverage data analysis to generate actionable insights on performance trends, forecasts, and cost drivers.
• Develop, analyze, and maintain KPIs for inbound transportation activities to support vendor and leadership reviews.
• Prepare clear, executive-level reports, visualizations, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with MP&I, Inventory, S&OP, SCO, DC Operations, Loss Prevention, and other relevant teams.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and supporting documentation for transportation processes.
• Provide training to associates on new and updated processes to ensure consistent execution and understanding.
• Stay up to date with industry best practices and regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance and process relevance.
• Support the complete RFP process, from strategy, data gathering and analysis to contract negotiation and finalization.
• Evaluate vendor rate and service changes, providing detailed impact assessments and comparative analyses.
• Optimize carrier performance and capacity, identify operational gaps, and implement improvement plans to drive cost efficiency and service excellence.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing service quality.
• Supports daily transportation operations from suppliers to distribution centers, optimizing efficiency through initiatives like freight consolidation.
• Quickly resolve service issues to minimize operational disruptions and maintain service level commitments.
• Conduct “what-if” scenario analyses to support strategic decision-making and provide actionable recommendations.
• Provide support on ad hoc projects and strategic initiatives as required by leadership.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

• BA/BS degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience in transportation, supply chain, or operations, including outbound and inbound freight.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (i.e., Lean Six Sigma)
• Strong ability to troubleshoot issues and identify root causes of problems within transportation processes. 
• Knowledge of North American inbound logistics industry practices, regulations, and terminology.
• Experience with leading and facilitating change management initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage relationships and negotiate effectively.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in process improvement, best practices, and data analysis (advanced Excel: shortcuts, VLOOKUP, formulas, macros, pivot tables).
• Hands-on experience managing projects, including planning, budgeting, and execution. 
• Hands-on experience with transportation management systems (TMS), E2Open, and Project44.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and adjust plans as needed. 
• Experience using ERP, SAP, Microsoft Power BI, and Tableau systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly skilled in project leadership, organization, and time management, with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including vendors, suppliers, and management, and build relationships to foster teamwork across all organizational levels.
• Self-motivated, action-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, critical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional meetings and short/long-term projects.
• Participate in a rotational weekend on-call schedule and support after-hours operations.
• Enthusiastic, persistent, and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership and a commitment to fostering a positive team environment.
• Have a customer-first, solution-oriented mindset.

Special Position Requirements

• This position is based in Bolingbrook, IL
• Must be able to travel up to 10% year

#LI-JB2

#LI-Hybrid

 

The pay range for this position is $77,600.00 - $102,700.00 / 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.

 Apply on company website