Purchasing Specialist

This role supports a midsize distribution firm by managing imports, purchase orders, inventory replenishment, vendor communication, shipment tracking, and ERP transactions in a fast-paced distribution environment. The Purchasing Specialist ensures accurate and timely purchasing activities, maintains continuity of supply, and provides clear visibility of inbound 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 needs to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Maintain accurate purchase order data from creation through receipt, ensuring all information is current and correct.
• Monitor open purchase orders, identify delays or issues, and escalate concerns when necessary to maintain continuity of supply.
• Coordinate with vendors on product availability, lead times, and product readiness to support reliable replenishment.
• Track vendor delivery commitments and follow up regularly to keep orders on schedule.
• Support vendor onboarding by confirming product details and ensuring accurate vendor and item setup in the system.
• Assist in managing the direct import process by supporting documentation flow and coordinating with freight forwarders.
• Track inbound shipment status, including inbound freight, container schedules, and shipment milestones, and provide accurate visibility 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 to support compliant and timely imports.
• 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 needs.
• Expedite urgent or delayed orders to prevent stockouts and maintain service levels.
• Collaborate with vendors and the Purchasing Manager on pricing, ship dates, and quantity changes to optimize cost and availability.
• Coordinate with receiving to verify quantities of received items, build shipping receivers, and post receipts to inventory.
• Maintain accurate shipment and arrival information in Acumatica or other ERP systems.
• Help resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records by investigating and correcting data.
• Leverage ERP and reporting tools to support demand planning, replenishment analysis, and purchasing decisions.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams such as warehouse, logistics, and customer service to share updates on inbound shipments and inventory status.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience supporting import logistics and shipment tracking preferred.
• Experience with inventory control, inventory management, and order management in a distribution or warehouse environment.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as Acumatica, NetSuite, or NetStock, including purchase order entry and maintenance.
• Proficiency in vendor management, including communication on availability, lead times, and delivery commitments.
• Strong skills in purchase order administration from creation through receipt.
• Working knowledge of warehouse operations and inbound receiving processes.
• Experience with international shipments and inbound logistics, including documentation and coordination with freight forwarders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables, to run reports and analyze data.
• Ability to use Power BI or similar tools for reporting and analysis related to purchasing and inventory.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret demand trends, customer forecasts, and production needs for replenishment decisions.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when maintaining PO data, shipment information, and inventory records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with vendors and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple open purchase orders and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

• Experience in a distribution environment handling imports, replenishment, and vendor communication.
• Industry experience in demand planning, logistics, and buyer or purchasing support roles.
• Familiarity with NetStock or similar inventory planning tools.
• Experience working with multiple ERP platforms, including Acumatica and NetSuite.
• Ability to interpret and work with import documents, shipment details, and related filings.
• Comfort using data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI to support decision-making.
• Strong problem-solving skills to resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records.
• Organizational skills to support vendor onboarding and accurate product setup.
• Capability to support non-stock purchasing, including special orders and one-time buys.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite in Kent, Washington, working an 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shift. The role operates in a distribution and warehouse-focused environment, collaborating closely with purchasing, logistics, and warehouse teams. You will work extensively with ERP systems such as Acumatica, NetSuite, and NetStock, as well as tools like Excel and Power BI, to manage purchase orders, inventory, and inbound shipments. The environment emphasizes accuracy, collaboration, and timely communication around inbound freight, container schedules, and receiving activities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Voluntary supplemental benefits
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Seven paid holidays
• Annual incentive plan
• Employee product discount

Pay

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

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA, with a schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.