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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chemtech Plastics, Inc.

Purchasing

Elgin, IL

$65K/yr

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 ...

HOH Water Technology

Purchasing Coordinator

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

As our Purchasing Agent, you will be the connection point between vendors, our Orders team, Finance, sales representatives, warehouse teams, and customers. You will create and release purchase orders ...

HOH Water Technology

Purchasing Coordinator

Palatine, IL · Hybrid

$22 - $28/hr

As our Purchasing Agent, you will be the connection point between vendors, our Orders team, Finance, sales representatives, warehouse teams, and customers. You will create and release purchase orders ...

HOH Water Technology

Purchasing Coordinator

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

As our Purchasing Agent, you will be the connection point between vendors, our Orders team, Finance, sales representatives, warehouse teams, and customers. You will create and release purchase orders ...

T&B Tube

Steel Procurer

Gary, IN

$55K - $70K/yr

Ready to put your purchasing, supply chain, and problem-solving skills to work? We're looking for a Steel Procurer who can keep materials moving, suppliers accountable, and production running ...

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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.

Purchasing Agent - Bilingual Japanese

Futaba North America Engineering & Marketing Corp

Bloomingdale, IL • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description:

Imagine working for a large tier-1 supplier in the exciting world of automobile manufacturing. If you enjoy working in a collaborative and respectful environment with great team members, this could be the opportunity for you. Futaba North America provides management support to its automotive parts production companies in North America. The Futaba Group leverages its core technologies such as stamping and welding to create value added products that are in line with the needs of consumers, deliver peace of mind, and promote environmental initiatives that contribute towards a sustainable society.

The Purchasing Agent (AKA Purchasing Specialist) is responsible for sourcing and pricing materials, components, and tooling for our US and Canadian manufacturing facilities to meet program requirements and new model development. This position will be based at our headquarters office located in Bloomingdale, IL.  Japanese language proficiency is preferred. Major responsibilities are as follows:

  • Develop and manage long-term supplier relationships and secure the best pricing, optimal delivery schedule, and terms.
  • Evaluate quotations and negotiate pricing, timelines, and terms within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
  • Determine best procurement method (i.e., direct purchase, bid, etc.) and prepare purchase order requisition and bid requests.
  • Issue Letter of Intent and confirm Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
  • Analyze procurement costs and develop fixes and cost reduction strategies.
  • Assess business risk, financial risks, and supply chain disruptions in area of responsibility and develop back-up plans.
  • Interface with Engineering team, manufacturers, and potential vendors on the manufacturing of custom designed items that meet user’s needs and specifications.
  • Support trial order management.
  • Negotiate Annual Price Reduction per management strategy.
  • Support plants with quality, delivery, invoicing, and other purchasing issues with suppliers.
  • Maintain communications with overseas parent company as needed.
  • Identify new suppliers, evaluate technical capabilities, negotiate contracts, analyze market trends, and ensure product reliability.
  • Maintain knowledge of market trends and developments, changes in business practices in assigned areas and new or altered materials entering the market. 
  • Attend trade shows, product exhibitions, and conferences.
  • Comply with company policies and procedures and safety and housekeeping requirements.
  • Perform other projects and support other purchasing activities as requested.
Requirements:

If you are known as an exceptional employee who produces great work and believes in adding value to everything you do, we want you to join our growing team and share in our vision. The ideal candidate will have 3 or more years of purchasing experience along with solid negotiation skills. Purchasing experience in the automotive, aerospace, OEM, or related manufacturing is preferred. Technical understanding of components and design is essential. Must possess excellent written and verbal communications along with solid organizational skills, follow though, and attention to details. Bachelor’s Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field and CPP, CPSM, or other related certification are preferred. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required. Working knowledge of ERP or MRP systems is needed. Ability to speak, read, and write Japanese is preferred. Approximately 10% business travel by car and plane is required. 


The salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 per year depending on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our full-time employees enjoy a competitive benefits plan that includes 4 medical plans, 2 dental plans, a vision plan, company paid basic life insurance, company paid short term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation, paid personal days, paid holidays, and more! The work schedule is generally Monday – Friday with a flexible starting time. Must be able to work some extended hours as needed. Qualified candidates are requested to email their cover letter and resume. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Website: https://www.futabanorthamerica.com