Purchasing Specialist / Manager

Purchasing Specialist / Manager

Algonquin, Illinois | 💼 Full-Time, Exempt (Non-Union)

💲 $67,000 – $73,000/year (DOE) Competitive Benefits Pension Eligibility

About the Role

We’re seeking a Manager of Purchasing to lead and coordinate purchasing operations for a school district. This role ensures the efficient, ethical, and cost-effective procurement of goods and services while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and policies.

You’ll oversee daily purchasing activities, support contract administration, and collaborate with departments and vendors to meet operational needs.

Good news:

• Prior management experience is not required
• Experience in the education industry is not required
• Strong onboarding and support will be provided

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to step into a leadership role and grow within public sector procurement.

Schedule & Work Details

• Full-time
• Standard business hours
• Reports to: Director of Purchasing

What You’ll Do

Procurement Operations

• Manage daily purchasing activities including purchase orders, requisitions, and vendor requests
• Coordinate bids, RFPs, and quotes in compliance with district procedures
• Review and approve requisitions for accuracy, coding, and compliance
• Apply cooperative purchasing agreements to maximize cost savings
• Develop and maintain procurement documents, specifications, and forms
• Provide direction and support to purchasing staff (training, task delegation, development)

Vendor & Contract Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for vendors
• Support contract tracking, renewals, and compliance requirements
• Assist with evaluating bids and preparing vendor recommendations
• Ensure vendors meet insurance, licensing, and documentation standards

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with Illinois School Code, Board policies, and regulations
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready purchasing records
• Support internal controls related to approvals and financial tracking
• Assist with FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests

Financial & Data Management

• Monitor pricing trends and market conditions
• Generate purchasing reports to support budgeting and planning
• Track purchase orders, encumbrances, and spending activity

Collaboration & Customer Support

• Partner with principals, department leaders, and staff to support purchasing needs
• Communicate purchasing processes clearly across the organization
• Resolve vendor and purchasing issues in a timely, professional manner

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Support improvements to purchasing processes and documentation
• Assist with ERP and procurement systems (training and maintenance)

What You Bring

Experience & Education

• 3–5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement
• Experience with public sector procurement and competitive bidding preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Public Administration, or related field preferred
• Equivalent experience will be considered

Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of Illinois School Code purchasing requirements preferred
• Experience with RFPs, bids, and contract administration
• Familiarity with ERP/procurement systems (e.g., Skyward, Munis, Tyler, PeopleSoft)
• Strong analytical skills with ability to evaluate pricing and market trends
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Commitment to ethical purchasing practices and accountability

Certifications (Preferred, Not Required)

• CPP (Certified Purchasing Professional)
• CPPM (Certified Professional Purchasing Manager)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)

Why Join Us?

• Leadership opportunity without prior management requirement
• Stable public sector role with meaningful community impact
• Competitive benefits package
• Pension eligibility once vested
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Opportunity to improve processes and make a lasting impact

Keywords / Related Titles (for search visibility)

Purchasing Manager • Procurement Manager • Public Sector Procurement • Supply Chain Manager • Contract Manager • Strategic Sourcing Manager • Purchasing Supervisor