Job Information
Kelly Services Purchasing Specialist / Manager in Algonquin, Illinois
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
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 Supervisor
As 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.
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