Description
OVERVIEW
Live the experience. From professional empowerment to continual learning opportunities. From ongoing investment in new and emerging technologies to a career of self-determination. At Ulta Beauty, our tech team is critical to our scalability—and is recognized that way. We've been defined as a “mature start-up.” A place where interdepartmental exposure, open doors, and genuine collaboration is ubiquitous. Where challenges come fast and furious, requiring agility, mental dexterity, and creativity. Where our passion for better solutions drives us and is core to who we are.
We're engineering for the future of retail, and it's no-holds-barred. But for those motivated by continual change and ambiguity, by superior leadership, by whip smart colleagues who will press you daily for your very best, you'll find that virtually nothing's impossible at Ulta Beauty.
THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:
We are seeking a strategic and execution-focused Senior Director of AI and Data Platform Delivery to lead the enterprise-wide development and delivery of advanced Data & AI capabilities across the organization. This high-impact role, reporting to the VP AI, Data and Enterprise Platforms is responsible for driving strategic development, cross-functional collaboration, enterprise alignment and operational excellence of both Data and AI solutions to ensure that data, analytics, and AI initiatives accelerate business transformation.
This leader will oversee multiple AI Engineering teams focused on designing, building, training, and testing AI models while also leading the delivery of robust, scalable data platforms and analytics capabilities. The role encompasses data platform delivery, AI solution development, assessment and implementation of AI SaaS solutions.
Partnering with senior leaders, this leader will play a critical role in developing long-term AI strategy and roadmaps while ensuring operational excellence across retail, merchandising, supply chain, digital, finance and marketing domains.
This is a highly visible and delivery-centric role that requires exceptional program leadership, a deep understanding of data and AI/ML platforms, and a track record of scaling AI & Data capabilities that drive business value.
YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:
AI & Data Strategy & Roadmap
Partner with VP of AI and Data to develop comprehensive long-term AI & Data strategy and roadmaps aligned with business objectives
Lead planning for integrated Data & AI capability development across the enterprise, partnering closely with Product Team and Transformation Office
Translate strategy into actionable roadmaps—mobilizing centralized teams and embedded domain partners for seamless delivery execution
AI & Data Engineering Leadership
Lead and manage multiple AI & Data Engineering teams responsible for designing, building, training, and testing AI models and Data Products across various business domains
Oversee the complete AI model lifecycle from ideation through production deployment, ensuring high-quality, scalable, and robust AI solutions
Drive innovation in AI model development, including advanced techniques in machine learning, deep learning, and Generative AI
Establish and maintain AI development standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes across all engineering teams
Lead assessments of AI SaaS solutions when buy decisions are favored over build approaches
Oversee delivery of robust, scalable data platform and pipelines to enable advanced analytics, AI/ML and enterprise reporting
Partner with cross functional portfolios and oversee the implementation of external AI solutions, ensuring seamless integration with existing data and AI systems
Cross-Functional Delivery & Collaboration
Collaborate with senior leaders across business units to prioritize initiatives and ensure value realization from Data & AI investments
Facilitate enterprise-wide alignment by acting as the delivery bridge between centralized Data & AI teams and embedded functional units
Drive cross-functional execution using agile methodologies to maximize value and minimize time-to-market for Data & AI solutions
Establish cadences that enable transparency, accountability, and proactive risk management across multiple teams and stakeholders
Drive adoption of shared delivery practices, reusable platforms, and consistent standards across business domains
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Stay current on emerging trends in AI/ML, including GenAI, Agentic AI, Foundational Models, data engineering, and enterprise analytics delivery to evolve internal capabilities and architectures
Support workforce development by mentoring teams and developing delivery talent across Data Engineering, AI, and Data Science functions
Promote responsible data and AI practices, including privacy, security, and bias mitigation across all delivered solutions
Support change management AND capability enablement that accelerate business team maturity in leveraging data and AI
THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:
15+ years in Data, AI/ML, analytics, technology, or delivery leadership roles. Proven ability to lead enterprise-scale data and AI/ML teams and operations preferred
Degree in Computer Science, or related technical field, MBA a plus
Experience shaping enterprise-wide data strategies, including data monetization, AI innovation, and digital transformation initiatives
Prior leadership in retail, supply chain, e-commerce or consumer data environments preferred
Strong track record of leading large-scale delivery efforts across hybrid (central + embedded) organizational structures
Demonstrated experience linking investments to business value, including revenue growth, operational efficiency, and customer experience
Understanding of modern AI/ML platforms, and enterprise architecture (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, Databricks) with ability to effectively collaborate cross-functionally to deliver results at speed
Understanding of modern data platforms, architecture, and delivery methodologies (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, cloud-native services), with a track record of leading technical teams to achieve enterprise-wide objectives
Track record of building high-performing, diverse teams and mentoring senior leaders across functions
Proven success in managing cross-functional teams, navigating organizational complexity, and delivering measurable business outcomes
Exceptional communication, program management, and stakeholder alignment skills; able to influence at all levels of the organization
Strong strategic thinking and execution skills, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
Familiarity with Agile delivery, MLOps, data governance, and CI/CD practices
The pay range for this position is $201,900.00 - $280,000.00 / 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.
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