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 providedThis 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+ Competitive benefits+ Opportunity for pension upon vesting period**Keywords / Related Titles (for search visibility)**Purchasing Manager - Procurement Manager - Public Sector Procurement - Supply Chain Manager - Contract Manager - Strategic Sourcing Manager - Purchasing SupervisorAs part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.Get a complete career fit with Kelly .You're looking to keep your career moving onward and upward, and we're here to help you do just that. Our staffing experts connect you with top companies for opportunities where you can learn, grow, and thrive. 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Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. 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