Associate Buyer

ABOUT MADRAG

MadRag is a fast-paced, value-driven specialty retailer with a 50-year history and 93 stores across 14 states. We are committed to delivering on-trend fashion at extraordinary prices for our loyal customer. Our buying team is at the heart of everything we do — curating assortments that excite our customer, drive business results, and reflect a deep understanding of the marketplace. We are looking for a driven, curious, and commercially minded Associate Buyer to join our team and help shape the future of our product offering.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Associate Buyer plays a critical role in executing MadRag's buying strategy. Working closely with the Buyer, you will own the day-to-day management of your business area — from analyzing performance data and managing purchase orders, to building vendor relationships and identifying emerging trends. This role is ideal for a self-starter who takes ownership, communicates proactively, and thrives in a fast-moving retail environment. You will be expected to bring a solution-oriented mindset, a strong sense of accountability, and a genuine passion for fashion and the retail landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze sales, margin, markdown, inventory, and regional performance to identify risks and opportunities and drive data-informed business decisions. Develop and execute assortment and inventory strategies aligned with business goals, customer trends, and market opportunities. Manage purchase orders, reorders, cancellations, and delivery flow with urgency and accuracy to support inventory productivity. Maintain strong vendor partnerships through consistent communication, business reviews, market appointments, and performance follow-up. Prepare for and lead vendor meetings with a clear understanding of selling performance, inventory position, competitive landscape, and business objectives. Conduct regular market, trend, and competitive shopping across specialty and off-price retail to identify emerging trends, assortment gaps, and new opportunities. Partner cross-functionally with Planning, Allocation, and Visual Merchandising teams to execute assortment strategies and support overall business performance. Demonstrate strong understanding of retail fundamentals including sales, margin, markup, markdown, turn, and open-to-buy management. Travel to local markets, trade shows, LA market, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

2+ years of retail buying or merchandising experience, preferably in an off-price, specialty, or value-oriented environment. Strong analytical skills with a solid command of retail math and key performance metrics Demonstrated experience managing purchase orders and vendor communications. Proven ability to build and maintain productive vendor relationships. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail. Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Competitive shopping experience with a genuine passion for trend and product. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP. Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field preferred.

WHY MADRAG

A close-knit, entrepreneurial buying environment where your contributions have immediate and visible impact. Direct mentorship and collaboration with experienced buyers and cross-functional leaders. A fast-moving, trend-driven culture that rewards initiative, curiosity, and ownership. Competitive compensation, benefits package, and associate discount. Clear pathway for growth within the Buying organization. Pay: $60,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr Socket.dev