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Purchasing Professional Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Director Purchasing

Skokie, IL · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Manage and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals * Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance product availability with working capital optimization * Establish target ...

Director Purchasing

Skokie, IL · On-site

$160 - $175/hr

Manage and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals * Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance product availability with working capital optimization * Establish target ...

Manage and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals * Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance product availability with working capital optimization * Establish target ...

Buyer/Procurement Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29.25 - $39/hr

This position is ideal for a purchasing professional who thrives in a fast-paced, product-driven environment and has a passion for optimizing supply chain processes. Key Responsibilities * Manage ...

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Purchasing Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Build and maintain strong professional relationships with vendors and suppliers. * Track purchase orders and follow up to ensure timely delivery. * Compare and evaluate vendor offers, pricing, and ...

New

Maintain productive and professional relationships with vendors and suppliers. * Create and process ... Communicate regularly with purchasing, warehouse, production, sales, and other departments.

Responsible for reviewing purchase order requests and determining appropriate vendors and ... Professional ethics, tact, and courtesy in dealing with vendors.

Specialist - Purchasing

Palatine, IL · On-site

$58K - $73K/yr

Provides backup support for purchasing staff as needed while maintaining high standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality. Processes requisitions and approves purchase orders. Performs ...

Purchasing Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

... strong professional relationships with vendors and suppliers. • Track purchase orders and follow up to ensure timely delivery. • Compare and evaluate vendor offers, pricing, and product ...

New

Provides backup support for purchasing staff as needed while maintaining high standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality. Processes requisitions and approves purchase orders. Performs ...

Purchasing Assistant

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Purchasing Assistant - Emlhurst, IL - $50,000-$60,000 Essential Functions The following reflects ... Office Environment- This position operates in a professional office environment and is not exposed ...

Purchasing Manager

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$80 - $95/hr

## Purchasing ManagerApplylocations: Edward Don & Company - Woodridge - ILtime type: Full timeposted ... Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyers and procurement professionals.* Establish performance ...

Provides backup support for purchasing staff as needed while maintaining high standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality. Processes requisitions and approves purchase orders. Performs ...

Mgr, Purchasing

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Manages a group or team of professional individual contributors and/or indirectly supervises ... Purchasing manager experience preferred. Pay: $84,497.50 - $120,710.72 per year Core & Main is an ...

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Purchasing Professional information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing professional?

To thrive as a Purchasing Professional, you need strong analytical skills, negotiation ability, and a solid understanding of supply chain management, often supported by a degree in business or related fields. Familiarity with procurement software such as SAP Ariba, Oracle, or Coupa, and certifications like CPM or CPSM are highly valued. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and attention to detail help professionals excel in vendor management and cross-departmental collaboration. These skills and qualifications are vital for securing cost-effective deals, minimizing risks, and ensuring a smooth supply of goods and services.

How does a purchasing professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Purchasing Professionals work closely with various departments such as finance, operations, and production to ensure that procurement aligns with organizational needs and budgets. They often coordinate with product development teams to source materials that meet technical specifications and timelines, and with accounting to manage invoices and payments. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, as they frequently act as the liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and streamline procurement processes.

What is the difference between Purchasing Professional vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectPurchasing ProfessionalPurchasing Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or related field; certifications like CPSM are commonOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentWorks in procurement departments, often in corporate or manufacturing settingsSupports purchasing activities, frequently in administrative or support roles within procurement teams
Job ResponsibilitiesNegotiates with suppliers, manages purchase orders, analyzes market trendsAssists with order processing, maintains records, coordinates communication between vendors and staff

The main difference between a Purchasing Professional and a Purchasing Coordinator lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Purchasing Professionals handle negotiations and strategic sourcing, often requiring specialized certifications and experience. Purchasing Coordinators focus on administrative support, order processing, and record-keeping, typically with less formal education or certification requirements.

What are the 4 types of purchasing professional?

Purchasing professionals can be categorized into four main types: strategic buyers who focus on long-term supplier relationships, tactical buyers who handle day-to-day procurement tasks, category managers responsible for specific product groups, and procurement analysts who analyze data to optimize purchasing decisions. Each role requires different skills and tools, such as negotiation, market research, and procurement software.

What does a purchasing professional do?

A purchasing professional is responsible for acquiring goods and services needed by an organization, negotiating prices and contracts, and ensuring timely delivery. They often use procurement software and must understand supply chain management to optimize costs and efficiency.

What is the best certification for purchasing professionals?

The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is highly regarded for purchasing professionals, demonstrating expertise in procurement, supply chain management, and strategic sourcing. Other recognized certifications include the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) and the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from APICS, which can enhance a purchasing professional’s credentials and career prospects.

What is the highest position in purchasing professional?

The highest position for a purchasing professional is typically the Director of Procurement or Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). These roles involve overseeing the entire procurement function, developing strategies, and managing supplier relationships at an executive level. Advancement depends on experience, leadership skills, and organizational size.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Professional job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Director Purchasing

Visual Comfort & Co.

Skokie, IL • On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Who we are:
Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling fans, system controls and automated shading solutions from the most influential designers in the world. We are proud to offer a market-leading range of premium products across categories, styles and price points, remaining committed to beautiful design and, above all, a world-class customer experience.
This role is responsible for leading the procurement strategy and supplier partnerships across all of Visual Comfort. This role oversees the purchasing and supply planning of all product ensuring optimal inventory levels, strong in-stock and competitive cost structures. The Purchasing Director will work closely with the Demand Planning team to balance product availability with inventory investment across the entire Visual Comfort supply chain network and distribution channels. In addition, the Purchasing Director develops and maintains strategic supplier relationships, evaluating vendor capabilities, lead times, quality standards, and service levels and cost. The Purchasing Director will establish best practices and lead a team of purchasing team members across various work locations, for example Houston, Skokie, and China.
Visual Comfort Offers:
  • Work-Life Balance: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with flexibility to support global partners
  • Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
  • Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
  • Compensation: Competitive compensation plan
  • Health Benefits: Visual Comfort covers the majority of employee medical premiums, and offers competitive vision and dental coverage available starting the first of the month following your start date.
  • Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
  • Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

How success is defined:
Facilitate
  • Facilitate supplier meetings and team members to review and resolve problems or issues as needed
  • Coordinate product launches, transitions, and phase-outs to minimize excess and obsolescence
  • Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key lighting manufacturers and vendors
  • Evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service levels, delivery performance, and innovation
  • Conduct quarterly and annual vendor performance reviews
  • Lead vendor scorecard programs to drive accountability and continuous improvement

Negotiate
  • Where needed, negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, freight agreements, and annual contracts to maximize margin

Troubleshoot
  • Review and resolve any discrepancies with supplier invoices, grievances, claims, conflicts, product non-conformance, or quality issues

Monitor
  • Oversee replenishment planning across multiple product categories and suppliers
  • Manage long lead-time and overseas supply chains to minimize stockouts and supply disruptions
  • Develop supply continuity plans and mitigate risks related to vendor capacity, transportation, and geopolitical factors
  • Analyze supplier lead times and performance metrics to optimize purchasing schedules

Manage
  • Manage and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals
  • Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance product availability with working capital optimization
  • Establish target inventory levels, safety stock parameters, and reorder points across warehouses and branches
  • Monitor inventory turnover, fill rates, aging, and excess/obsolete inventory; implement corrective actions as needed
  • Develop an overall vendor base which creates and sustains a competitive advantage
  • Manage all VCC purchasing business accounts (Amazon, Omnia, Travel Program)

Analyze
  • Supply planning and stocking strategies to optimize in-stock while controlling inventory investment and cost

Review and Prepare
  • Review and resolve discrepancies with supplier-related documentation or performance issues (cross-categorized with Troubleshoot)
  • Report on the measurable status of supplier performance and progress (cross-categorized with Monitor)
  • Lead S&OP meetings on product transitions and supply gaps with corrective actions identified (cross-categorized with Facilitate)
  • Prepare and review data or documentation related to supplier contracts, cost models, and inventory levels

Additional
  • Works effectively with others in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.
  • Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
  • Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
  • Must demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule while maintaining a consistent presence in the workplace to effectively collaborate and communicate amongst co-workers and teams.

What you will bring:
  • 7 -10 years' previous experience in Purchasing, Supply Planning, or relevant Supply Chain discipline. Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
  • Bachelors Degree, Masters degree a plus
  • Strong aptitude for and proficiency navigating Planning and Replenishment systems
  • Experience in interior design, custom home building products, luxury home furnishings and/or lighting industry a plus
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities
  • Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
  • Demonstrate exceptional communication across all contact channels, including email, chat and phone
  • Available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, early mornings, late evenings
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for this role

Compensation Range: $160,000 - $175,000
Compensation is based on individual factors, including skill set, relevant experience, and work location
#LI-Onsite
Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
To be eligible for this role, you must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not offer any type of employment-based immigration sponsorship for this role. Likewise, Visual Comfort & Co., will not provide any assistance or sign any documentation in support of any other form of immigration sponsorship or benefit including optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT).