Buyer Jobs in Illinois
Buyer jobs in Illinois are active across a broad range of industries, from retail and consumer goods to manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, with openings at every level from entry-level purchasing assistants through senior procurement managers. Chicago is the dominant hiring hub, followed by significant activity in Naperville and Schaumburg, where corporate headquarters and distribution centers concentrate. Well-established Illinois employers like Walgreens Boots Alliance, Caterpillar, and U.S. Foods maintain consistent buyer demand, with the strongest specialties in indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, and merchandise buying. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space. You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate. MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence. We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT.
BENEFITS
MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
Career Advancement Program, training and development
Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Voluntary Life / AD&D, Employer Provided Life/AD&D
and More
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible for procuring goods, managing material costs, and balancing inventory levels for assigned product categories across warehouses. Work closely with vendors to negotiate pricing and ensure timely delivery of goods. Provide procurement-related reports with analyses to the department manager. Special assignments may be assigned as needed.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and work collaboratively with vendors throughout the sourcing and purchasing process
Handle purchase order placement to suppliers for domestic orders, direct import as well as containerization
Monitor and control inventory level to reflect product seasonality
Provide cost analysis and landed costs to sales and marketing teams
Procure merchandise in a timely fashion per demand and forecast
Coordinate with suppliers to determine material availability and shipment status
Work with vendors to resolve procurement issues including but not limited to price, quality, service, and delivery during international business hours
Collaborate with demand planner, sales, marketing, customer service, accounting, IT, logistics, warehouse, Import Department and custom brokers for inventory fulfillment
Qualify and recommend potential vendors based on sourcing procedures, research, and analysis
Lead cost-out initiatives for assigned product lines
Act as liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors
Manage both internal and external factory audits with the Asian Sourcing Coordinator
Represent Sourcing on distribution and logistics initiatives
Work collaboratively with the Sales and Marketing teams to support new product and program launches
Crosstrain on essential Purchasing functions utilizing SAP and the MRP system
Negotiate contracts and agreements and ensure compliance with corporate standards
* Work collaboratively with the Sales and Purchasing teams to support new product and program launches with key customers.
IMPORT COMPLIANCE
Determine tariff classification and PGA (FDA, Aphis, EPA, etc.) applicability.
Review Accuracy of Customs Entry Filing.
Conduct customs entry audits for accuracy.
Work with Import Compliance Manager to address audit results and corrections.
Ensure Integrity of Import Data. Maintain tariff classification and duty rates in SAP/SKU repository.
Works directly with vendors to obtain missing documentation or information required for customs clearance. Respond to inquiries from customs brokers impacting imports.
COMPETENCIES
Proven ability to implement and execute initiatives supporting the corporate strategy.
Capable of handling complex project management.
Proven ability to negotiate, making sound decisions in a timely manner.
Demonstrate cross-functional leadership (internal or external).
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present data organizationally.
Delivers commitments and strong follow-up skills.
Highly organized, results-driven, and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
* Must be available to respond to international vendors as needed during normal hours and after-hours
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum three years of global sourcing experience
Bi-lingual (English/Mandarin) a plus
Working knowledge of MRP systems (SAP a plus)
Experience with Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Essential knowledge of international logistics and US Customs Trade Compliance a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The posted salary range for this position is $60,850 to $85,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
See All 97 Buyer Jobs in Illinois
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Find Buyer JobsBuyer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Buyer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Chemicals & Materials
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in buyer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, finance, or a related field required
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar procurement platforms
- Experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing vendor relationships
- Familiarity with demand forecasting, inventory management, and purchase order processes
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating supplier pricing, quality, and lead times
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or CPM credential preferred
Buyer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a buyer in Illinois?
Most buyer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field, and there is no state-issued license required to work in the profession. Illinois employers typically look for candidates who have completed coursework in procurement or operations, and many prefer those who have earned or are pursuing the Certified Professional in Supply Management credential through the Institute for Supply Management. Entry-level candidates often start in purchasing coordinator or assistant buyer roles before advancing.
Which companies hire buyers in Illinois?
Employers hiring buyers in Illinois right now include Rural King, Augmentis, and Bosch, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of retail headquarters, food distribution companies, and large manufacturers means buyer roles appear across a wide range of industries and company sizes throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most buyer jobs?
Chicago, Mattoon, and Waukegan are the Illinois cities with the most buyer openings, driven by Chicago's deep concentration of corporate headquarters, retail chains, and logistics operations, while Naperville and Schaumburg attract buyers through the large number of Fortune 500 offices and distribution centers anchored in Chicago's western suburbs.
Are there remote buyer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and they're more common than in many fields, since a significant portion of buyer work involves vendor communication, data analysis, and contract review that can be done off-site. About 44% of buyer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how the role has shifted since many companies restructured procurement teams. Strategic sourcing and indirect procurement roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while merchandise and on-site inventory buyers are more likely to require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a buyer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for purchasing coordinator or procurement analyst roles at large Illinois employers, where structured onboarding and internal mobility make it possible to move into full buyer responsibilities within one to two years. Companies like U.S. Foods and Walgreens Boots Alliance, along with major Illinois hospital systems and manufacturing firms, regularly hire candidates without direct buying experience into support roles that feed directly into purchasing teams. Completing a supply chain management certificate through an Illinois community college or university, or earning a student membership with the Institute for Supply Management, can strengthen an application considerably.
Where can I find and apply to buyer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to buyer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one.
See All 97 Buyer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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