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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Northbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Harper College

Specialist - Purchasing

Palatine, IL · On-site

Provides directions for temporary staff and student assistants. We are Harper College...the college ... Five years' experience in purchasing a variety of general and specialized items, shipping and ...

M/I Homes

Purchasing Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Oversee vendor training and new contractor onboarding. * Assist the Purchasing Manager and Director of Purchasing with researching and implementing new products, construction processes and/or ...

M/I Homes

Purchasing Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Oversee vendor training and new contractor onboarding. * Assist the Purchasing Manager and Director of Purchasing with researching and implementing new products, construction processes and/or ...

M/I Homes

Purchasing Agent

Chicago, IL

$75K - $95K/yr

Oversee vendor training and new contractor onboarding. * Assist the Purchasing Manager and Director of Purchasing with researching and implementing new products, construction processes and/or ...

Linamar

Coordinator - Purchasing

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Purchasing Coordinator Job Summary: This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day ... Prepare documents and reports to support targets. * Assist in achieving vendor compliance to ...

Allied Universal

Purchasing Specialist

Lombard, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Locate and reallocate excess materials from other branches to fill purchase requisitions when appropriate, to minimize waste and reduce costs * Assist with project equipment allocation to ensure ...

BISCO Dental Products

Purchasing Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$110 - $129/hr

Our Purchasing Manager will play an important part in helping us grow. This position is responsible for providing leadership and accountability for BISCO's purchasing function to ensure reliable ...

HOH Water Technology

Purchasing Coordinator

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

... assist with incoming calls as needed, and participate in weekly Production and Finance/Admin meetings. What Success Looks Like • Purchase orders are accurate, complete, and released on time. • ...

HOH Water Technology

Purchasing Coordinator

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

... assist with incoming calls as needed, and participate in weekly Production and Finance/Admin meetings. What Success Looks Like · Purchase orders are accurate, complete, and released on time. · ...

The LaSalle Group

Purchasing Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Our client is seeking a Purchasing Agent to support their construction projects by ensuring materials, equipment, and services are sourced, ordered, and delivered on time and within budget. This role ...

Mac Properties

Purchasing Manager

Chicago, IL

Mac Properties Purchasing Manager Location(s): Chicago, St. Louis, or Kansas City Mac Properties is a dynamic and growing private residential real estate company with operations in the metropolitan ...

Mac Properties

Purchasing Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Description Position at Mac Properties Mac Properties Purchasing Manager Location(s): Chicago, St. Louis, or Kansas City Mac Properties is a dynamic and growing private residential real estate ...

Mercury Plastics, Inc

Be Seen First

Purchasing Agent - Manufacturing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

... Assist in purchasing raw materials and special components for and related to job creation. · Contact vendors with discrepancies on quantity, quality and status of orders. · Interface with all ...

Titan Electric

Purchasing Manager

Itasca, IL · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... * Assist Project Managers to lock in pricing, lead times, and vendor commitments early * Work ... Experience purchasing or managing: * Switchgear * Generators * Lighting packages * Conduit, wire ...

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All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Northbrook, IL

Purchasing Assistant information

See Northbrook, IL salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Northbrook, IL is $21.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

How much does a purchasing assistant make in the US?

A purchasing assistant in the US typically earns 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. Skills in inventory management and familiarity with procurement software can influence compensation.

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.

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 strong organizational skills and attention to detail to handle multiple tasks efficiently. However, stress levels vary depending on the company, workload, and individual coping strategies.
More about Purchasing Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Northbrook, IL?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Northbrook, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Northbrook, IL?

For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Northbrook, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Northbrook, IL with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:

Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Northbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,358 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Specialist - Purchasing

Harper College

Palatine, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Characteristic Duties:

Coordinates the College's procurement activities by assisting with solicitation development, bid and proposal administration, and contract support. Works with departments, vendors, and consultants to develop specifications and prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and other procurement documents. Reviews bids and proposals for compliance, supports contract negotiations, and recommends award decisions while ensuring adherence to State of Illinois statutes, Board of Trustees policies, and College procedures.

Leads sourcing initiatives by identifying opportunities for competitive purchasing, contract optimization, cost savings, quality improvements, and supplier diversification. Researches market conditions, evaluates supplier performance, monitors pricing trends, and develops sourcing strategies that support organizational objectives and maximize value.

Establishes, leads, and maintains business-to-business (B2B) supplier relationships, including vendor agreements, supplier punchout catalogs, hosted catalogs, electronic ordering solutions, and other Oracle Procurement integrations. Collaborates with suppliers and internal stakeholders to implement and maintain efficient purchasing processes, optimize supplier connectivity, ensure contract compliance, and enhance the end-user purchasing experience within the Oracle system.

Coordinates testing, provides training, troubleshooting, and enhancement activities related to the Oracle Purchasing Module. Supports and leads Department initiatives. Identifies opportunities to improve procurement workflows, system functionality, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiencies, while serving as a resource for end users Collegewide.

Ensures procurement activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Maintains complete procurement records and documentation, prepares purchasing reports, analyses and develops procurement-related correspondence, and assists with board exhibits.

Serves as a liaison between the Purchasing Department and internal departments to provide guidance on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices. Communicates effectively with vendors, and internal and external partners to resolve purchasing issues, facilitate purchasing decisions, and ensure successful procurement outcomes.

Assists with resolving invoices, shipment, supplier, and contract issues; coordinates the disposal of surplus equipment and assets in accordance with statutory and Board requirements; oversees the work of temporary employees and student assistants.

Provides backup support for purchasing staff as needed while maintaining high standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.

Processes requisitions and approves purchase orders.

Performs other duties as assigned;

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily indoors and sedentary in nature.

Equipment/Tools Used

Utilize standard office equipment, including computers, to perform the duties of the job.

Supervision:

Under the general supervision of the Purchasing Manager, receives oral and written instructions as needed. Provides directions for temporary staff and student assistants.

We are Harper College...the college in your community.
The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.
Harper College is now one of the nation's premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago's northwest suburbs. The College's academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring equitable pay practices.We encourage open discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College  typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience. To review all benefit information visit us at: 

https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php

Financial Services, under the direction of the Controller, encompasses the business side of running the College.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree required. Certification in the Procurement Field (CPPB, CPM, CPSM etc.) is preferred and shall be required to continue in position.

Experience: Five years' experience in purchasing a variety of general and specialized items, shipping and receiving, and basic accounting, preferably for a Public Sector entity. Proficient Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel use. Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgement; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.

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