Purchasing Specialist

International Demand Planning Analyst

Job Description

The International Demand Planning Analyst supports end-to-end inventory and order management for a midsize distribution firm, with a strong focus on imports, purchase orders, inventory replenishment, vendor communication, shipment tracking, and ERP transactions in a distribution environment. This role ensures the right products are available at the right time by aligning purchase orders with demand trends, managing vendor relationships, and providing clear visibility of inbound international shipments and inventory status to internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review inventory levels and run reports to determine appropriate purchase order release quantities.
• Align purchase order releases with demand trends, customer forecasts, and production or operational needs to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Maintain accurate purchase order data from creation through receipt, ensuring all information remains current and precise.
• Monitor open purchase orders, identify delays or issues, and escalate concerns when necessary to prevent stockouts or disruptions.
• Coordinate with vendors on product availability, lead times, and readiness to ship, ensuring commitments align with business needs.
• Track vendor delivery commitments and follow up regularly to keep orders on schedule and minimize delays.
• Support vendor onboarding by confirming product details and ensuring accurate system setup for new items and suppliers.
• Assist in managing the direct import process by supporting documentation flow, coordinating with freight forwarders, and tracking inbound shipment status.
• Monitor inbound freight, container schedules, and shipment milestones to provide accurate visibility and updates to internal departments.
• Assist with non-stock purchases by confirming vendor details, tracking shipment timelines, and escalating delays or issues to the Purchasing Manager.
• Assist with import documents, shipment details, and required filings related to international and Free Trade Zone (FTZ) activities.
• Enter, maintain, and track purchase orders from creation through receipt in the ERP system.
• Monitor open purchase orders and assist in releasing quantities based on inventory targets and operational requirements.
• Expedite urgent or delayed orders to maintain continuity of supply and support customer service levels.
• Collaborate with vendors and the Purchasing Manager on pricing, ship dates, and quantity changes to ensure accurate and timely updates.
• Support receiving activities by confirming quantities of received items, building shipping receivers, and posting receipts to inventory.
• Maintain accurate shipment and arrival information in Acumatica to support real-time visibility and reporting.
• Help resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records by investigating and correcting data issues.
• Utilize ERP tools, NetStock, Power BI, and advanced Excel functions such as VLOOKUP and pivot tables to analyze demand, inventory, and purchasing data.
• Contribute to inventory planning, inventory control, and replenishment strategies, particularly for international shipments and Free Trade Zone operations.

Essential Skills

• 3–5+ years of experience as a Supply Chain or Procurement Analyst, or in a similar demand planning, inventory, or purchasing role.
• Hands-on experience with inventory management, inventory control, and inventory planning in a distribution or related environment.
• Proven experience with purchase order creation, maintenance, tracking, and administration from creation through receipt.
• Strong vendor management skills, including vendor communication, coordination on lead times, and follow-up on delivery commitments.
• Experience supporting international shipments and inbound logistics, including coordination with freight forwarders.
• Experience working with Free Trade Zone (FTZ) operations or Free Trade Zone compliance.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, specifically experience with Acumatica.
• Experience using NetStock or similar demand planning and inventory optimization tools.
• Proficiency in Power BI for data analysis and reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and other analytical functions.
• Ability to analyze demand trends, customer forecasts, and operational needs to inform purchasing and replenishment decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in managing purchase orders, inventory records, and shipment information.
• Effective communication skills to interact with vendors, internal departments, and logistics partners.
• Ability to identify and escalate issues related to delays, discrepancies, or supply continuity in a timely manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a distribution environment with international shipments.
• Familiarity with demand planning tools and processes, including NetStock and other inventory planning systems.
• Experience with Free Trade Zone documentation, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Exposure to buyer or purchasing functions, including pricing discussions and quantity adjustments.
• Ability to use analytical tools and reports to support replenishment decisions and improve inventory performance.
• Comfort working with multiple systems and data sources to maintain accurate purchase order and inventory information.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple open purchase orders and inbound shipments simultaneously.
• Problem-solving mindset to investigate and resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records.

Work Environment

This role is 100% on-site in Kent, Washington, within a midsize distribution environment focused on international shipments and inventory management. The position offers somewhat flexible shifts, with options such as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The work involves regular use of ERP systems (including Acumatica), NetStock, Power BI, and advanced Excel, as well as coordination with vendors, freight forwarders, and internal departments. The environment supports a collaborative culture where clear communication and accurate data are essential to maintaining smooth inbound logistics and inventory operations. Once converted to a full-time employee, the role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid long-term disability and life insurance, an employee assistance program, voluntary supplemental benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid vacation and sick time, seven paid holidays, an annual incentive plan, and an employee product discount.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kent,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.