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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Unilock

Assistant Plant Manager - Aurora, IL

Aurora, IL · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

We are currently hiring for an Assistant Plant Manager Role of the Assistant Plant Manager Safety ... Business planning/ Capital planning and purchasing * Employee development and evaluations * Cost ...

Encompass Health

Physical Therapist Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Physical Therapist Assistant Career Opportunity PTA License in IL is required! Join a Team That ... Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans. * Flexible spending and health savings ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Purchasing Assistant information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in DeKalb, IL is $21.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a purchasing assistant job stressful?

A purchasing assistant job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring accurate inventory levels. The role often requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What is the difference between Purchasing Assistant vs Procurement Clerk?

AspectPurchasing AssistantProcurement Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some roles may require certifications in purchasing or supply chainHigh school diploma, familiarity with procurement processes
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting purchasing teamsOffice environment, handling procurement documentation
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, logistics companiesGovernment agencies, large corporations, public sector
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level purchasing rolesRelated to procurement process support roles

The Purchasing Assistant and Procurement Clerk roles share similarities in supporting purchasing and procurement activities, often requiring similar credentials and working in office environments. However, Purchasing Assistants typically focus on assisting with purchase orders and supplier communication, while Procurement Clerks handle procurement documentation and record-keeping. Both roles are essential in supply chain operations across various industries.

What are some common challenges purchasing assistants face when coordinating with suppliers, and how can these be managed effectively?

Purchasing Assistants often encounter challenges such as delayed shipments, miscommunications about order specifications, or fluctuating prices. To manage these issues effectively, it's important to maintain clear and consistent communication with suppliers, document all agreements, and proactively follow up on delivery timelines. Building strong relationships with preferred vendors and staying organized with detailed records can help resolve issues quickly and minimize disruptions to the supply chain.

How much does a purchasing assistant make?

In Pennsylvania, a purchasing assistant typically earns between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced assistants with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The job often requires proficiency with procurement software and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of procurement processes, often supported by a relevant associate degree or experience in supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and Excel is typically required. Effective communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate order processing, timely supplier coordination, and efficient support for the purchasing department’s operations.

What is a purchasing assistant?

As a purchasing assistant, you buy products for your company to sell or use in operations. Your job duties entail communicating with vendors to obtain goods at the best prices, tracking product inventory, monitoring sales trends, and placing orders on products. Purchasing assistants often play a role in choosing which products to stock. The career requires you have some formal qualifications and education, generally a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, excellent computer skills, and prior sales experience. It is necessary to develop knowledge of your specific industry, including normal sales and revenue trends.

How much do purchasing assistants make?

Purchasing assistants typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in specialized sectors can earn higher salaries. Strong organizational and negotiation skills are often required for higher pay levels.
More about Purchasing Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in DeKalb, IL? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,861 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Assistant Plant Manager - Aurora, IL

Unilock

Aurora, IL • On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Unilock rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

PAVE A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOURSELF!
Looking for a lifelong career with opportunities for advancement and unmatched benefits packages?Unilock has been North America's premier manufacturer of concrete paving stones and retaining walls for 50+ years. Our Aurora, IL location is growing. Unilock facilities are safe, modern, and fully automated production facilities.
We are currently hiring for an Assistant Plant Manager
Role of the Assistant Plant Manager
Safety:
Provide "leadership by example" with a proactive approach toward the health and safety of all customers, employees, and visitors while in compliance with all OSHA, EPA/MOE, and Unilock policies and procedures
  • Safety Committee member
  • Ensure all health and safety policies are strictly adhered to
  • Enforce progressive disciplinary policies and ensure accuracy and consistency
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA/OHSA and EPA/MOE regulations coordinating efforts with outside consultants
  • Develop action plans for continuous improvement
  • Ensure compliance with Company Policies and Procedures

Training:Assist the Plant Manager with the training of plant staff
  • Ensure plant employee training modules are updated
  • Develop and improve job training procedures
  • Assist in employee evaluations
  • Determine employee training requirements

Production:
Ensure Unilock Total Quality Management program is strictly adhered to.
  • Complete monthly and annual product testing and maintain detailed test results files
  • Ensure implementation of action plan to reduce seconds, scrap, and product deficiency
  • Review all production-related reports with Supervisors weekly
  • Monitor production schedule with Supervisors daily
  • Work with Supervisors to establish OEE improvements
  • Inventory counts

Preventive Maintenance:
Ensure development and completion of preventative maintenance action plans.
  • Monitor daily and weekly equipment checklists
  • Work closely with Maintenance Supervisor to improve OEE
  • Assist in the development of winter maintenance projects

Purchasing:
  • Maintain good relationships with vendors, especially those who supply raw materials
  • Review and monitor costs while following Unilock policies and procedures

Reports:
  • Complete monthly raw material inventories
  • Review monthly G/L and income statements
  • Work with Plant Manager to prepare yearly plant budget

Other essential duties:
  • Work closely with Plant Manager to pursue excellence in all areas of plant operations.

Business Fundamentals:
  • Business planning/ Capital planning and purchasing
  • Employee development and evaluations
  • Cost control
  • Complaint resolution/Customer service
  • Communication
  • Consistent policy enforcement

Plant Fundamentals:
  • Safety / Zero Accidents
  • Training
  • Total Quality Management / concrete technology
  • Housekeeping
  • Pursue/exceed budgeted operational OEE [Continuous Improvement]
  • Preventative maintenance program
  • Raw material inventory

Inventory control [Finished Product]
Carry out other related duties as needed to meet departmental and organizational objectives
Salary Range - $95,000 - $115,000 (Based on Experience) with the potential to earn a yearly bonus
What we offer you
  • Health Benefits - Effective 1st of the month following start date
  • 401k Matching (after a year)
  • Life Insurance, PPO, HSA & FSA plans
  • Well-being Support
  • Charitable Contribution Matching
  • Paid Time Off
  • Year-End Company-wide closure/paid time off

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Unilock employees say

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