Purchasing Agent

Join NORC’s Contracts and Grants team as a Purchasing Agent, responsible for maintaining system processes to provide efficient and effective procurement of goods and services. Establish the foundations of your career path with hands‑on learning opportunities in the presence of industry experts and strong mentors for those looking to bolster their experience. Leverage your education in business, accounting, finance, purchasing, procurement, or a related field to develop deep knowledge within the Purchasing department, a subset of the Contracts and Grants team.

Gain unique exposure within our non‑profit social science research organization to make an impact by assisting and supporting the organization’s purchasing needs. Learn from seasoned professionals, including attorneys and social science researchers, and work directly with stakeholders across the organization. Take advantage of this opportunity as a strong initial step within your purchasing career.

Location:

This hybrid role is based in NORC’s downtown Chicago office, with a minimum of six in‑office days per month for collaboration, client development, and team connection.

The NORC Contracts and Grants team provides oversight for all client contracts, and third‑party agreements, keeping internal stakeholders informed and trained on obligations and federal regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures, driving NORC’s federal compliance and reporting activities. Purchasing is responsible for the negotiation and procurement of materials, equipment and supplies from third parties. The team coordinates sourcing activities, including competitive bidding, and develops and maintains supplier relationships in compliance with NORC policies and federal, state and/or local requirements.

• Process, monitor, and expedite purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and other procurement requests
• Reconcile procurement card purchases
• Ensure employees and procurements adhere to NORC’s procurement policies, guidelines, and client requirements
• Develops and maintains supplier relationships, assists requestors in identifying sources, and actively identifies potential new suppliers of goods and services.
• Reviews and revises internal procurement functions and processes to gain efficiency and increase internal customer satisfaction.
• Liaise between vendors and internal departments to ensure effective procurement of goods and services
• Manage tracking and reporting of purchasing process status and metrics
• Update databases, monitor small business usage, and manage department mailbox

• High school diploma is required, with a preference for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or similar discipline
• 3 years of related experience is required
• Knowledge of practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment, and services
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, time management, personal organization, attention to detail, discretion, and negotiating skills
• Comfortable creating and maintaining physical and electronic filing systems
• Ability to work in an accurate and timely manner, prioritizing multiple tasks from different projects
• Capacity to handle sensitive and confidential material in a discreet manner

The pay range for this position is $60,000 - $90,000

This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment
• Dental and vision insurance
• A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program
• Group life…