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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Hampshire, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mgr, Purchasing

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and ... Perform system maintenance to ensure efficient purchasing operations, updated information and ...

Mgr, Purchasing

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and ... Perform system maintenance to ensure efficient purchasing operations, updated information and ...

Specialist - Purchasing

Palatine, IL · On-site

$58K - $73K/yr

Leads sourcing initiatives by identifying opportunities for competitive purchasing, contract ... Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce ...

Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce ... Five years' experience in purchasing a variety of general and specialized items, shipping and ...

Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce ... Five years' experience in purchasing a variety of general and specialized items, shipping and ...

Purchasing Coordinator

Naperville, IL

$21 - $28.25/hr

With a team of more than 8,000 associates spanning 130 store and distribution locations across the ... The Purchasing Coordinator is an integral role supporting the Purchasing Department's procurement ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Hampshire, IL salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Hampshire, IL is $21.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a purchasing associate do?

Purchasing associates monitors company inventory and orders new stock when necessary. As a purchasing associate, you contact vendors, create new order contracts, and ensure the company receives the supplies on time. You may also keep track of inventory budgets and file purchasing paperwork. Qualifications to become a purchasing associate include familiarity with basic office programs and industry experience.

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

To thrive as a Purchasing Associate, you need a solid understanding of procurement processes, inventory management, and basic financial principles, often supported by a degree in business or supply chain management. Familiarity with ERP systems, purchasing software, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are typically required, along with possible certifications like the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP). Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills help you build relationships with vendors and manage multiple priorities effectively. These skills ensure cost-effective purchasing decisions, smooth supply chain operations, and reliable vendor partnerships.

What are some common challenges faced by purchasing associates, and how can they be effectively managed?

Purchasing Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple vendor relationships, ensuring timely deliveries, and balancing cost with quality. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with suppliers, and closely tracking inventory levels are key strategies to handle these issues. Additionally, collaborating with internal departments helps align purchasing decisions with organizational needs, leading to more efficient workflows and better outcomes.

What is the difference between Purchasing Associate vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectPurchasing AssociatePurchasing Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesAssist in procurement, process purchase orders, maintain supplier infoCoordinate purchase activities, communicate with vendors, track orders
Required SkillsBasic procurement knowledge, organizational skillsCommunication skills, attention to detail, familiarity with procurement processes
CertificationsNone typically required, some may have APICS or CIPSSimilar certifications may be preferred but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, procurement departmentOffice environment, often working closely with procurement teams

While both roles support procurement functions, a Purchasing Associate primarily assists with order processing and supplier data, whereas a Purchasing Coordinator manages coordination and communication across procurement activities. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the purchasing process.

Is purchasing a good career?

Purchasing is a viable career that involves sourcing and acquiring goods or services for organizations, often requiring skills in negotiation, supply chain management, and familiarity with procurement software. It offers opportunities for advancement into roles such as procurement manager or supply chain analyst and can provide stable employment in various industries.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Associate jobs in Hampshire, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Associate jobs in Hampshire, IL are:

What cities near Hampshire, IL are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Hampshire, IL with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Mgr, Purchasing

Core and Main LP

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Core & Main rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 426 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.
Job Summary
Responsible for managing national purchasing operations and overseeing daily operations. Monitor associates to ensure best practices. Perform system maintenance to ensure efficient purchasing operations, updated information and accurate pricing.
Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities
  • Analyzes vendor consolidation for purchasing and makes recommendations.
  • Conducts ongoing training and consultation.
  • Develops and enforces policies and procedures.
  • Performs overall analysis of purchasing effectiveness.
  • Analyzes and resolves purchasing issues.
  • Manages inventory control.
  • Manages hiring, training, development and performance appraisals of associates.

Nature and Scope
  • Solutions require analysis and investigation.
  • Achieves planned results by decisions and actions based on professional methods, business principles, and practical experience.
  • Manages a group or team of professional individual contributors and/or indirectly supervises support staff.

Work Environment
  • Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
  • Typically requires overnight travel 5% to 20% of the time.
  • Frequent periods are spent standing or sitting in the same location with some opportunity to move about. Occasionally there may be a requirement to stoop or lift light material or equipment (typically less than 8 pounds).

Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
  • Must pass pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable

Education and Experience
  • Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline.
  • Generally, 7+ years of experience in a related field.
  • May require certification, advanced degree may offset less experience in some disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Member of trade organizations.
  • Purchasing manager experience preferred.

Pay: $84,497.50 - $120,710.72 per year
Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.
None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.
For more information, please click here or visit https://www.eeoc.gov

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About Core & Main

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leading distributor of water, sewer, storm drain and fire protection products in the United States. Operating approximately 275 branches nationwide, the company combines local expertise with a national supply chain to provide contractors and municipalities innovative solutions for new construction and aging infrastructure. Core & Main's 3,500 plus associates are committed to the safe distribution of water and fire protection to help communities thrive. Visit www.coreandmain.com to learn more.

Industry

Wholesale

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US

Year founded

2017

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