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Entry Level Purchasing Agent Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Chemtech Plastics, Inc.

Purchasing

Elgin, IL

$65K/yr

Entry Level Purchasing 1st shift E-Verify Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site JOB SUMMARY: Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The Purchaser will negotiate with vendors to purchase all materials, supplies ...

AGCO

Patent Agent

Tremont, IL

Experience preparing or prosecuting patent applications (internship, coop, or entrylevel experience ... Employee Stock Purchase Plan offering eligible employees the ability to purchase AGCO stock at a ...

All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsEntry Level Purchasing Agent JobsEntry Level Purchasing Agent Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Purchasing Agent information

See Illinois salary details

$29.6K

$52.4K

$80.9K

How much do entry level purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level purchasing agent in Illinois is $52,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,700.00 and $58,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level purchasing agents, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level purchasing agents often encounter challenges like managing supplier relationships, balancing cost with quality, and navigating unfamiliar procurement systems. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the fast pace and the need to quickly learn company-specific processes. Building strong communication skills and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help, as can staying organized and proactive in addressing potential supply chain issues. Over time, these experiences provide valuable learning opportunities and lay the foundation for advancement within the procurement field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Purchasing Agent vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Purchasing AgentPurchasing Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate's degreeHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate's or bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, procurement departmentsOffice environment, procurement and supply chain teams
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, logisticsCorporate procurement, manufacturing, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Purchasing Agent and a Purchasing Coordinator lies in their job scope and responsibilities. Entry Level Purchasing Agents focus on basic procurement tasks, supplier communication, and order processing, often requiring minimal experience. Purchasing Coordinators typically handle more administrative and coordination duties within procurement teams, sometimes overseeing order tracking and documentation. Both roles are essential in supply chain operations and share similar educational backgrounds, but Purchasing Coordinators may have slightly broader administrative responsibilities.

What does an entry level purchasing agent do?

An Entry Level Purchasing Agent is responsible for assisting with the procurement of goods and services for a company. Their tasks typically include researching suppliers, obtaining quotes, placing orders, and maintaining records of purchases. They work closely with vendors and internal departments to ensure that materials are delivered on time and within budget. This role is ideal for those looking to start a career in supply chain or procurement, as it offers valuable exposure to purchasing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level purchasing agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Purchasing Agent, you need a solid understanding of procurement processes, attention to detail, and typically a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel is often required, and some roles may prefer candidates with APICS or CPSM certifications. Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills help you build relationships with vendors and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring cost-effective purchasing, accurate order processing, and smooth supply chain operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Illinois are:
Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Purchasing Agent job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,360 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Purchasing

Chemtech Plastics, Inc.

Elgin, IL

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Entry Level Purchasing
1st shift
E-Verify
Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site
JOB SUMMARY:
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The Purchaser will negotiate with vendors to purchase all materials, supplies, equipment, and services Chemtech Plastics uses. This person will also review vendor performance quarterly and work to develop suppliers as needed.
JOB DUTIES:
  • Reviews MRP for necessary production materials and establish appropriate orders. This information is reviewed with the Production Schedulers and adjusted as necessary to meet production requirements.
  • Works with outside service vendors to ensure inventory levels are accurate, orders are on time, and track levels of waste.
  • Negotiates with vendors for goods and services, negotiating the best possible price and service guarantee. Develop new supply sources as needed.
  • Follows all existing purchasing procedures and ensures vendor compliance.
  • Negotiates blanket purchase orders when appropriate and monitors costs during the period.
  • Verifies requisitions from other departments for appropriate approvals.
  • Update and maintain accurate price lists and lead times in DTR, (ERP System.)
  • Responsible for preparing weekly/monthly reports as designated to trace late arrivals from purchase orders.
  • Works closely with the Receiving Department to ensure proper supplies arrive.
  • Maintain material certifications. Maintain the Approved Supplier List and Vendor Certification Matrix. Sends vendors’ report cards quarterly.
  • Maintaining supplier’s files and keeping updated regulatory certifications.
Review suppliers’ regulatory declarations and prepare regulatory declaration letters to be provided to the customers as requested.
  • Participate in the APQP process. Work closely with engineers and estimators to facilitate project quotes, color chip approval, and prepare to ship samples of raw materials to tool makers as needed.
  • Follows environmental and safety regulations.
  • Process vendor returns and chargebacks.
  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned.
Interactions:
  • Must be able to interact and communicate with all levels of personnel, internal and external, to the company.
Qualifications:
  • At least two years of purchasing experience.
  • Experience in the plastics industry is a plus.
Accountabilities:
  • Ensure all raw materials, components, packaging, and outside serviced parts are scheduled to meet production and delivery requirements.
  • Maintain material certifications per procedure.
  • Confirm all purchasing paperwork and matrixes are followed per procedures.
Job Specifications:
  • General knowledge of purchasing policies, processes, and procedures.
  • Complete knowledge of warehouse and inventory control policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of and experience working with Material Resource Planning in ERP.
  • Extensive knowledge and ability to negotiate best vendor terms and pricing and deliver based on specific budget and schedule requirements.
  • Experience working with all Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Benefits and Compensation:
  • Full benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, and voluntary plans
  • $65,000 salary

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