Jobs and Careers

Purchasing Operations Coordinator

Springfield, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 21 May 2026

💰 $95,599/yr($58,363/yr – $95,599/yr)

About the role

Job Requisition ID: 56362
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: 06/04/2026
Agency:Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Salary: $58,363-$91,046 (Spfld) and $61,281-$95,599 (Lisle)
Category: Full Time
County: DuPage; Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Merit Comp Code: Agency Excluded from Collective Bargaining Coverage

Please follow the directions below when applying for this position.

**DO NOT CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON**

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE VISIT THE TRS WEBSITE:

Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest public pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago.

TRS serves over 456,000 members and manages a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio for the exclusive benefit of the membership.

TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois governed by a Board of Trustees. Full-and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees hired after August 17, 2001 participate in the TRS retirement pension plan. Employees also have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a participating reciprocal system under the Illinois Pension Code Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act.

Learn more about careers at TRS: Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Why This Role Matters

The Purchasing Operations Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting agency purchasing and contract workflows by ensuring compliance with established policies and partnering closely with departments across the organization. This role is well suited for a detail‑oriented professional who thrives on coordination, follow‑through, and process integrity.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager, the Purchasing Operations Coordinator supports the administration and execution of agency purchasing functions in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and internal policies. This position serves as a liaison between agency departments and the Purchasing Manager, helping to coordinate purchasing activities and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

This role works closely with TRS departments to understand purchasing needs, provide guidance on required steps and documentation, and coordinate purchasing activities from request through completion. It also provides administrative and operational support to the Purchasing Manager related to solicitations and contracts, including document preparation, routing, and tracking.

The incumbent must remain current on TRS rules and policies, as well as applicable regulations and requirements issued by relevant state agencies.

TRS is a public employee retirement system not subject to the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) that may apply to other state agency procurements. TRS administers procurement and contract matters in accordance with TRS policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

Coordinate and process purchasing activities, including converting approved requisitions into purchase orders, placing orders with vendors, and tracking purchases through completion.
Assist departments prior to purchase requests by helping clarify needs, identifying the appropriate purchasing method, and confirming required documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Provide ongoing support to departments throughout the purchasing process, including answering process questions, guiding users through procurement requirements, and assisting with procurement-related issues as they arise.