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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

TopBuild Corp.

Purchasing Agent

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

About Your Future with Service Partners Are you looking for a career with an industry leader that drives the future of energy-efficient insulation and building material products? Is being part of a ...

Topbuild

Purchasing Agent

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

About Your Future with Service Partners Are you looking for a career with an industry leader that drives the future of energy-efficient insulation and building material products? Is being part of a ...

TopBuild Corp.

Purchasing Agent

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

About Your Future with Service Partners Are you looking for a career with an industry leader that drives the future of energy-efficient insulation and building material products? Is being part of a ...

LHH US

Purchasing Agent/Buyer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

LHH is seeking an experienced Purchasing Analyst / Buyer with strong purchasing expertise and a data-driven approach to inventory and supply management. This role will analyze demand, inventory ...

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Chicago, IL

Purchasing Agent information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.6K

$56K

$86.5K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Chicago, IL is $55,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $62,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a purchasing agent?

Purchasing agents buy goods and services for a company to use or resell. As a purchasing agent, you research products, pricing, and suppliers for items your company needs or wants to sell. Your job duties as a purchasing agent include attending trade shows and sales pitches, evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, arranging deliveries, and maintaining records of product pricing, performance, and inventory.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing agent?

To thrive as a Purchasing Agent, you need strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills, typically supported by a degree in business or supply chain management. Proficiency with procurement software, ERP systems like SAP, and familiarity with inventory management tools is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions, maintaining supplier relationships, and supporting smooth business operations.

What are some common challenges purchasing agents face when negotiating with suppliers?

Purchasing Agents often encounter challenges such as fluctuating market prices, limited supplier options, and tight deadlines when negotiating contracts. Balancing cost savings with quality requirements and maintaining positive supplier relationships can be difficult, especially in fast-paced industries. To overcome these challenges, successful Purchasing Agents stay informed about market trends, develop strong communication skills, and frequently collaborate with internal teams like inventory management and finance to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Purchasing Agent vs Buyer?

AspectPurchasing AgentBuyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications like CPSMHigh school diploma; certifications like C.P.M. can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often within procurement or supply chain departmentsOffice environment, working closely with suppliers and internal teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectorsWidely used across retail, manufacturing, and wholesale industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding procurement roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsComparing purchasing and buying roles, career paths, and job duties

The main difference between a Purchasing Agent and a Buyer lies in their scope and responsibilities. Purchasing Agents often handle broader procurement strategies and supplier negotiations, while Buyers focus on selecting and purchasing specific goods or services. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, and they are frequently used interchangeably depending on the industry.

Is a purchasing agent a hard job?

A purchasing agent's job involves negotiating with suppliers, managing inventory, and ensuring timely procurement of goods, which can be demanding due to deadlines and the need for attention to detail. The role requires strong communication skills, organization, and knowledge of supply chain processes, but the difficulty varies depending on the industry and complexity of the purchasing tasks.

Is purchasing a stressful job?

Purchasing agents often face stress due to tight deadlines, budget constraints, and the need to negotiate favorable terms. The role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage supplier relationships and ensure timely procurement, which can contribute to work-related pressure.
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Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,960 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Sr. Purchasing Agent

General Kinematics Corporation

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description
Job Description
Description:


General Kinematics is the premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for the processing of bulk materials. From vibratory feeders to entire process systems, General Kinematics creates the solutions customers require to process even the most difficult materials.


The Sr. Purchasing Agent is a strategic procurement leader responsible for driving sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and cost optimization initiatives that support company growth and operational excellence. This role serves as a key business partner to engineering, operations, sales and finance, ensuring procurement decisions align with organizational objectives, risk management priorities, and long-term supply continuity.


In addition to managing critical supplier relationships and negotiations, this position provides leadership within the purchasing function, guiding best practices, supporting capability development, and championing continuous improvement.


Job Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk while supporting business and operational goals.
  • Analyze and manage material requirements through the MRP system, ensuring alignment with production scheduling and inventory management.
  • Lead supplier relationship management, including performance reviews, capability assessments, and long-term partnership development.
  • Partner closely with the Supplier Quality team to establish and maintain supplier governance processes, including audit programs, performance metrics, and corrective action oversight.
  • Drive commercial negotiations and contracting strategies to achieve sustainable value and mitigate supply chain risk.
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, sales and finance to influence design, planning, and make-versus-buy decisions.
  • Champion cost leadership initiatives, including should-cost analysis, value engineering, and structured cost-reduction programs.
  • Provide procurement leadership on key projects, including early involvement in project planning and new product initiatives.
  • Analyze market dynamics and supply trends to inform sourcing strategies and executive decision-making.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance procurement efficiency, scalability, and data integrity.
  • Mentor and support development of purchasing team members, promoting a high-performance, collaborative team culture.
  • Perform other tactical duties as required to optimize procurement processes such as maintaining data integrity in the ERP system, supporting engineering changes, etc.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline preferred (or equivalent experience).
  • 5–7+ years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment.
  • APICS CPIM or CPSM certification (or similar professional certification) is a plus.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and complex negotiations.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Experience leveraging ERP systems and data analytics to support decision-making.
  • Proven ability to lead initiatives, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 15%.

Pay: $80,000 to $100,000 paid annually. The range provided is a guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Other factors that are involved in offer decisions include, and are not limited to a candidate’s experience, qualifications, geography, and internal equity.

Benefits: The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment. Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EOE M/F/D/V

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