Associate Buyer

SUMMARY 

At Magnolia, the Associate Buyer plays a key role in curating thoughtful product assortments and building compelling collections within assigned categories. This role combines creativity and analytical thinking to support product development, vendor partnerships, and performance analysis. The Associate Buyer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure each product aligns with Magnolia’s aesthetic and values. This role is based at Magnolia Headquarters in Waco, Texas, reports to the Senior Buyer, and provides support to the broader buying team as needed. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Partner with the Buyer/Senior Buyer and Merchandise Planner to develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans that drive sales and meet category goals*
• Analyze item and category performance to identify trends, recommend strategic actions, and deliver insights that maximize revenue while maintaining healthy margins*
• Stay ahead of trends and market shifts by researching new vendors and products that align with Magnolia’s aesthetic, quality standards, and brand vision*
• Own the product lifecycle strategy — from concept to launch — ensuring timely execution and a strong go-to-market plan*
• Develop pricing strategies at the category and subcategory levels that meet margin goals and support overall business performance
• Communicate assortment intentions clearly across cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution
• Maintain accurate product and vendor data within internal systems, proactively resolving any issues that arise*
• Manage vendor relationships, including cost negotiations, product details, lead times, and payment terms
• Oversee sample management — including labeling, presentation prep, and coordination of returns
• Perform other duties as assigned 

*Metrics evaluated on Performance Review 

COMPETENCIES 

• Teamwork: Contribute to a team environment supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Work effectively with others, be a team player and contribute toward team goals. 
• Critical Thinking: Identify and communicate challenges in day-to-day activities. Ability to analyze data, trends, and patterns. 
• Expertise: Eye for detail, accuracy, and complete all tasks in a timely manner. Possess knowledge and skills related to specific area(s) and specialized tools and techniques relevant to specialization. 
• Communication: Actively engage in listening to teammates and guests and be open to feedback from guests, peers, and management. 
• Guest Focus: Ability to proactively understand and meet guest needs, ensuring a personalized and guest-centric experience. 
• Strategy and Goal Setting: Approach change with positivity and curiosity. Know your role in achieving team goals. 
• Hard skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required. 

ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university preferred 
• 2-4 years of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and arms to reach, handle, feel; utilize fine motor dexterity of fingers; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS  

Magnolia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. 

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description at any time.