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Purchasing Agent

Occupation Information table
Overview: Purchasing agents buy the raw materials, goods, equipments and supplies needed by their organization to carry on business operations. They review bids and proposals from vendors and suppliers, arrange for quality tests, interview and negotiate prices and contracts with the vendors.
Duties: They identify an organization's needs to purchase raw materials, equipment or services in order to meet its goals and objectives. Determine the specifications and delivery requirements.

They contact vendors who can supply the organization's purchasing needs and request bids and proposals. They analyze and evaluate the bids submitted to assure satisfaction of their requirements.

They compare the proposals submitted by vendors and contractors to ascertain which ones will provide the best quality for the cost involved and has favorable reputations for reliability.

They award contracts to vendors and contractors. Monitor and follow up on their performance. They release payments to the vendors as the contract terms are satisfactorily completed.
Degree(s): A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
A.A.S. Accounting 
A.A.S. Management: Marketing Concentration 
A.S. Business Administration (Accounting and Marketing) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is expected have little or no change from 2018 to 2028. For comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period is projected to be 5% to 8%.
Salary Range (National Average): $29,000 to $37,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.
Additional Training/Education: Large stores and distributors accept applicants with either an associate's or bachelor's degree in business administration. Manufacturing organizations often require a bachelor's or master's degree in business or economics. Training in computer applications is essential.
Recommended Skills:
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Bringing people together to discuss and resolve differences.
  • Persuading, encouraging and motivating others to accept your ideas.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.