Purchasing Manager Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

The Acquisition Division at JPL supports the exploration and innovation of the Laboratory's missions by working with our colleagues and subcontractors to provide exceptional acquisition solutions for our laboratory partners through unparalleled business performance while ensuring compliance with the Prime Contract with NASA and maintaining JPL's financial integrity.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchase Card (PCard) Administrator to oversee and manage our organization's credit card program. This role ensures secure, efficient, and compliant procurement practices through effective administration, monitoring, reporting, and support for all PCard activities in accordance with FAR regulations. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and experienced in financial or purchasing environments.

Key Responsibilities

Program Administration

• Manage the organization's PCard program and vendor relationships
• Create and update cardholder profiles, including setting limits and permissions
• Close cards due to separation or policy violations

Compliance & Audit

• Monitor daily transactions for policy compliance and unusual activity
• Investigate discrepancies or potential misuse
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and support internal/external audit efforts
• Ensuring compliance with organizational policies and reducing fraudulent or improper activity

Reconciliation & Reporting

• Review monthly card statements and verify proper documentation
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of expenditures
• Prepare reports on spending trends, compliance metrics, and rebate performance
• Completing monthly reconciliations accurately and on time

Training & Support

• Provide training and procedural guidance to cardholders and approving officials
• Assist users with system navigation and PCard processes

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Resolve disputes with merchants
• Coordinate with banking partners on fraud investigations or lost/stolen cards
• Maximizing rebate opportunities and program value

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, or Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
• 5 or more years of dedicated experience in P-Card administration
• Ability to make decisions pertaining to accounting policies and procedures within established governmental accounting principles and guideline
• Ability to coordinate work with other employees, providing direct instruction
• Analytical ability to identify trends, detect misuse, and interpret financial data
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and ERP financial systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy

Preferred Skills

• Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP) certification
• Experience administering government-funded or federally regulated purchasing card programs
• Experience leading system implementations, process automation initiatives, or program modernization efforts
• Displays organizational and planning skills necessary to handle multiple priorities for the timely completion of work assignments
• Experience interpreting complex state and federal tax reporting requirements associated with the procurement of goods and services

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.