Sephora Vice President of Merchandising, Makeup

San Francisco • USA

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Sephora, a leading global beauty retailer, is part of the prestigious LVMH group, renowned for its luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Celine, and Dior. As an employer, Sephora offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, fostering innovation and excellence in the beauty industry. With its Field Support Center located in San Francisco, Sephora supports its stores in delivering exceptional client experiences through strategic merchandising, curated content, and expert training.

1. Serve as a strategic partner to makeup brands and drive the makeup business.
2. Lead the team in sourcing and developing new brands to fill market gaps.
3. Incubate new brands and provide guidance on brand positioning, strategy, marketing, and product pipeline.
4. Develop and execute growth strategies, including activations, launches, and animations with internal partners.
5. Maintain strong brand relationships and manage terms negotiations, including margin, testers/damages, training support, co-op, RTVs, and samples.
6. Drive business by meeting and exceeding financial targets.
7. Set and communicate financial goals to merchants and planners, devising seasonal and yearly strategies.
8. Review and adjust financial plans with merchants and planners to meet corporate results.
9. Serve as a leader on the U.S. Merchandising Team, executing elements of the three-year strategic plan.
10. Drive innovation and advocate for improved sustainability practices and speed to market.
11. Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Store Organization, Marketing, and Digital Teams.
12. Communicate brand and business opportunities to stores and create in-store strategies to maximize client experience and sales productivity.
13. Communicate brand training needs to brands and education team.

1. Proven leadership experience with the ability to identify, hire, and retain world-class talent.
2. Strong partnership and collaboration skills, operating with integrity and respect with all business partners.
3. At least 10 years of buying experience, including 5 years at a management level in a retail environment.
4. Strong business acumen with an ability to run a profitable business in a growth environment.
5. Track record for identifying and incubating brands.
6. Expertise in beauty, specifically in the skincare category, is a plus.
7. Prior brand management or GM experience is a plus.

1. Leadership and team management
2. Strategic vision and execution
3. Brand partnership and negotiation
4. Financial planning and analysis
5. Innovation and market trend analysis
6. Cross-functional collaboration
7. Communication and storytelling

A minimum of 10 years of buying experience, including 5 years in a management role within a retail environment.

Sephora offers comprehensive medical benefits, generous vacation and holiday time off, commuter benefits, Work From Anywhere July, LVMH Sample Sales, and Summer Fridays. Employees enjoy product discounts and receive free products throughout the year.

Sephora fosters a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture, characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Field Support Center in San Francisco is a hub of creativity and strategic thinking, where diverse teams work together to disrupt the status quo and drive the beauty industry forward. Sephora values diversity and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.