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Temporary Purchasing Jobs in Chicago, 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 ...

Harper College

Specialist - Purchasing

Palatine, IL · On-site

$58K - $73K/yr

Provides directions for temporary staff and student assistants. Qualifications Minimum Acceptable ... Five years' experience in purchasing a variety of general and specialized items, shipping and ...

Harper College

Specialist - Purchasing

Palatine, IL

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 ...

Labor Solutions, LLC

Be Seen First

Purchasing Assistant

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Position Summary The Purchasing Coordinator supports the purchasing and supply chain functions by ... Company Description Labor Solutions, LLC is a leader in the professional, temporary, and direct ...

Mauser Packaging Solutions

Purchasing Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.85 - $24/hr

Purchasing of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) items as required * Provide weekly and ... Temp labour hours reporting - review and reconcile with invoices * Point of contact for offsite A/P ...

Mauser Packaging Solutions

Purchasing Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.85 - $24/hr

Purchasing of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) items as required * Provide weekly and ... Temp labour hours reporting - review and reconcile with invoices * Point of contact for offsite A/P ...

Curion LLC

Temporary Project Manager

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Temporary position (1099) Hours - Expected 30-40 hours per week (fluctuates based on business needs ... purchased products. Curion's deep data-driven product insights, sensory expertise, and ...

RSM

Executive Assistant Sr. Temporary

Chicago, IL

$42/hr

This is a temporary position running from Aug- Feb. 2027 and can sit out of any of our RSM office ... Review invoices and/or charges on firm-issued purchasing card for accuracy and reconcile in a ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Temporary Sales Associate

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Process transactions efficiently (purchases, returns, exchanges, online pickups). * Support inventory cycles: receive shipments, stock shelves, and manage product movement. * Assist teammates in ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Temporary Sales Associate

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Process transactions efficiently (purchases, returns, exchanges, online pickups). * Support inventory cycles: receive shipments, stock shelves, and manage product movement. * Assist teammates in ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Temporary Sales Associate

Schaumburg, IL

$14.75 - $17/hr

Process transactions efficiently (purchases, returns, exchanges, online pickups). * Support inventory cycles: receive shipments, stock shelves, and manage product movement. * Assist teammates in ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Temporary Sales Associate

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Process transactions efficiently (purchases, returns, exchanges, online pickups). * Support inventory cycles: receive shipments, stock shelves, and manage product movement. * Assist teammates in ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Temporary Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Process transactions efficiently (purchases, returns, exchanges, online pickups). * Support inventory cycles: receive shipments, stock shelves, and manage product movement. * Assist teammates in ...

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Temporary Purchasing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do temporary purchasing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary purchasing in Chicago, IL is $22.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is temporary purchasing a stressful job?

Temporary purchasing can be stressful due to tight deadlines, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely procurement of goods. The role often requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to handle fluctuating workloads and prioritize tasks effectively.

What are some common challenges faced in a temporary purchasing role, and how can they be addressed?

Temporary Purchasing professionals often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new procurement processes and software while meeting urgent purchasing deadlines. Since they may be working with unfamiliar vendors and internal teams, building effective communication and understanding company policies rapidly is essential. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to proactively seek clarification on procedures, maintain organized records, and build rapport with key stakeholders early on. Staying flexible and resourceful enables temporary purchasing staff to contribute effectively even within a short assignment period.

Are temporary purchasing jobs in demand?

Temporary purchasing jobs are generally in demand across various industries, especially during periods of supply chain fluctuations and economic recovery. These roles often require skills in negotiation, inventory management, and familiarity with procurement software, making them valuable for companies seeking flexible staffing solutions.

What is the difference between Temporary Purchasing vs Permanent Purchasing?

AspectTemporary PurchasingPermanent Purchasing
CredentialsTypically requires a purchasing or supply chain certification, relevant experienceSame as temporary, often with additional qualifications for long-term roles
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often in fast-paced settingsFull-time, stable, integrated into company operations
Employer UsageUsed for short-term needs, seasonal projects, or to cover absencesUsed for ongoing procurement needs and strategic roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for by companies needing temporary procurement supportsearched for by companies seeking long-term procurement staff

Temporary Purchasing roles focus on short-term procurement needs, offering flexibility and quick staffing solutions. Permanent Purchasing positions involve ongoing responsibilities, strategic planning, and integration into company operations. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in duration and employment stability.

What is temporary purchasing?

Temporary purchasing jobs are short-term positions focused on the procurement of goods and services for a company or organization. These roles often involve tasks such as sourcing suppliers, negotiating prices, creating purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of products. Temporary purchasing professionals may be hired to cover employee absences, manage increased workloads, or support special projects. These positions offer flexibility and the opportunity to gain experience in procurement without a long-term commitment.

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

To excel as a Temporary Purchasing professional, you typically need a background in supply chain management or business, strong analytical skills, and experience with procurement processes. Familiarity with purchasing software such as SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems, as well as basic contract management, is often required. Strong negotiation, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help individuals stand out in this fast-paced role. These skills ensure timely, cost-effective purchasing decisions and smooth coordination with vendors, directly impacting organizational efficiency and cost savings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Temporary Purchasing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Purchasing job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,035 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Specialist - Purchasing

Harper College

Palatine, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 614 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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