Career Center

Finance Purchasing Agent (Multiple Positions)

GENERAL DUTIES

This class of positions encompasses responsible purchasing of a variety of materials with varying degree of latitude. For independent initiative and judgment and supervisory work of a major subdivision in a large bureau or purchasing organization. There are three assignment levels within this class of positions. All personnel perform related work.

Assignment Level I

Under general supervision, with limited latitude for independent or unreviewed action or decision in accordance with standard procedures and legal requirements, performs work of limited difficulty and responsibility in one or more of the following areas:

• Is responsible for the purchase of a volume and variety of materials in assigned fields.
• Reviews purchasing requisitions, checking descriptions and specifications to determine their accuracy and adequacy and consults with department and agencies to adjust possible discrepancies.
• Analyzes market conditions in relation to recent, current, and anticipated purchases.
• Prepares proposals for bidding on items to be purchased.
• Develops lists of prospective bidders.
• Reviews bids and quotations to determine most reasonable price in relation to market conditions and responsibility of bidders and makes recommendations based on these determinations.
• Examines samples of items to determine compliance with specifications or standards, suggesting substitute items when desirable.
• Interviews and corresponds with vendors, business representatives and contractors.
• Analyzes trade journals, catalogs, directories and other technical material with respect to market and price conditions.
• Prepares necessary purchasing documents in accordance with procurement requirements.
• May supervise Assistant Purchasing Agents and clerical personnel.
• Keeps records and makes copies.

Assignment Level II

Under general supervision, with considerable latitude for independent or unreviewed action or direction, in accordance with standard procedures and legal requirements, handles more complex problems in one or more of the following:

• Is responsible for the purchasing of materials in assigned fields which involve a large expenditure of money and the more complex purchasing problems that are continual in nature, due to such factors as seasonal variations, number and variety of items, frequency and extent of emergency purchases, complicated and non-standard nature of items purchased, and liabilities and consequences resulting from purchasing errors.
• May incidentally perform duties described under Assignment Level I.

Assignment Level III

Under direction, with wide latitude for independent or unreviewed action or decision, performs supervisory work in one or more of the following, after having performed duties at Assignment Level I and/or II at least two years:

• Supervises and coordinates the purchasing activities of a subdivision consisting of two or more commodity units.
• Makes investigations in relation to purchase and handles special assignments as required.
• Reviews contract and calendar proposals before advertising.
• Approves recommendations for contract awards, contract modifications, buy-against transactions, formal requests for time extension on contracts, etc.
• Supervises various activities in connection with open market transactions.
• Supervises personnel in the titles of Assistant Purchasing Agents and other clerical personnel.
• May incidentally perform duties described under lower Assignment Levels.
• May, during temporary absence of immediate superior, perform the duties of that individual.

CONTRACT TITLE

Purchasing Agent

FLSA

Non-exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

New York City College of Technology (City Tech) of the City University of New York (CUNY) is a comprehensive college in downtown Brooklyn, offering associate and baccalaureate degree in technology and health related degree programs, other career-oriented degrees and liberal arts transfer degrees in its Schools of Arts and Sciences, Technology and Design, and Professional Studies.

The Purchasing Office at City Tech welcomes applications for two (2) Finance Purchasing Agent positions. These positions are in provisional status. Continued employment is contingent upon taking and passing a civil service examination when it is offered by CUNY.

Reporting to the Finance Procurement Specialist, the Purchasing Agent will:

• Conduct the procurement process for materials and services for assigned departments, ensuring alignment with departmental needs and budget constraints.
• Review and process requisitions for accuracy, consulting with departments to resolve discrepancies before creating purchase orders for approval and dispatch.
• Monitor annual service dates for critical renewals (e.g., software and maintenance contracts) to ensure timely submissions.
• Update web pages and online forms related to procurement activities for accuracy.
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries, tracking purchasing activities, and resolving issues promptly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school graduation or its equivalent and four years of full-time, paid experience in purchasing a large volume and/or variety of materials, supplies, or equipment, two years of which may have been in a field closely related to large-scale purchasing such as inspection or specification writing covering a large volume and/or variety of materials, supplies or equipment; OR
2. A baccalaureate degree, from an accredited college, in marketing , materials testing, mathematics, merchandising, purchasing, retailing, economics, or finance and one (1) year of full-time, paid experience in purchasing a large volume of materials, supplies or equipment; OR
3. A combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1 or 2.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are preferred:

• Familiarity with CUNYfirst & CUNYBuy.
• Must be flexible and able to learn new systems & handle a demanding & expanding workload.

COMPENSATION

New Hire: $52,820*

Incumbent: $59,689

*This amount reflects a 13% salary suppression in effect for the first 24 months of employment only.

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled with review of resumes to begin on or after 4/18/2025.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

Location

NYC College of Technology

About CUNY NYC College of Technology

New York City College of Technology is a baccalaureate and associate degree-granting institution committed to providing broad access to high quality technological and professional education for a diverse urban population. City Tech’s distinctive emphasis on applied skills and place-based learning built upon a vibrant general education foundation equips students with both problem-solving skills and an understanding of the social contexts of technology that make its graduates competitive. A multi- disciplinary approach and creative collaboration are hallmarks of the academic programs. As a community City Tech nurtures an atmosphere of inclusion, respect, and open-mindedness in which all members can flourish.

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