Senior Category Buyer

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 102,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plans

FSAs

Paid leave

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking a Senior Category Buyer to lead complex procurement initiatives across a broad portfolio. Reporting to the Category Manager, you will shape a three-year strategy, manage competitive solicitations, and ensure successful Board approvals for key purchases.

You will drive value by guiding sourcing plans, negotiating contracts, and monitoring supplier performance, while sharing expertise with colleagues and staff across CPS procurement processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain or related field is required.
• Minimum of five years procurement experience in a large, complex organization.
• Experience with RFX processes and negotiations; Oracle experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Works with Category Manager to define a 3-year strategy for complex categories.
• Develops sourcing plans and advises on contract length and bundling opportunities.
• Leads sourcing to finalize vendor contracts and evaluate responses.
• Manages supplier performance and drives cost savings through the supply chain.
• Mentors other Category Buyers and helps develop professional skills.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Oracle

Microsoft Office

Job description

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

Posting Date

Jul 28, 2026, 3:05:03 PM

Primary Location

Central-42 West Madison Street (Procurement and Contracts)

CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S08

Estimated Annual Salary Range

80,000.00 - 102,500.00

Position Type : Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Exempt

Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

JOB DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Department of Procurement and Contracts provides CPS schools with the best options for purchasing the highest quality goods and services at the best price. The team works with schools, departments, vendors, and business stakeholders to provide goods and services of the highest quality and value for the district. We are dedicated to meeting our goal through competitive pricing while adhering to relevant laws, Board of Education rules, policies, and procedures.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Category Manager, a Senior Category Buyer will be responsible for collaborating with schools and departments on competitive solicitations for desired goods and services, and managing purchasing projects that are presented to the Board of Education for approval as the buyer for a designated portfolio. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Category Manager to define a 3-year strategy for complex categories and is fully responsible for its execution.
• Works with clients to develop the sourcing plan: manages the process and provides advice on procurement type, appropriate contract length, and bundling opportunities to senior management.
• Implements a tactical approach to sourcing in order to obtain the best value for money/lead negotiations for complex RFPs/RFQs.
• Analyzes final responses from potential vendors and provides recommendations based on cost/cash/quality and strategic fit criteria.
• Leads the sourcing process to finalize the vendor contractual agreement.
• Assesses and manages supplier performance for continuous improvement by leading supplier meetings.
• Develops collaborative partnerships with vendors to drive cost saving through operational improvements in the supply chain.
• Takes a leading role in proposing and implementing improvement in CPS procurement processes.
• Develops and facilitates training for staff on CPS systems and procurement processes.
• Serves as a mentor to other Category Buyers to help them develop their professional skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Senior Category Buyer must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, supply chain or other related field is required
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, supply chain or other related field is preferred

Experience Required

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional procurement experience required, preferably in in a large, complex organization, including the following:
• Experience with the solicitation (RFX) process
• Experience with negotiations
• Oracle experienced preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced Microsoft Office (proficiency in Excel required)
• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Action oriented, well organized
• Strong verbal and written communications skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with multiple departments, managers of the organization and external entities (vendors)
• Negotiation and influencing skills

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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