Purchasing Specialist at Aston Carter

Purchasing Specialist

This role supports a midsize distribution operation by managing purchase orders, inventory replenishment, vendor communication, and import logistics in a fast-paced distribution environment. The Purchasing Specialist coordinates end-to-end purchasing activities, from reviewing inventory levels and releasing purchase orders to tracking international shipments and maintaining accurate data in the ERP system. This position works 100% onsite in Kent, Washington on an 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule.

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, including quantities, dates, and pricing.
• 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 setup in the ERP and related systems.
• 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 to internal departments.
• Assist with non-stock purchases by confirming vendor details, tracking shipment timelines, and escalating delays or issues to the Purchasing Manager when needed.
• 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 minimize stockouts and support uninterrupted operations.
• Collaborate with vendors and the Purchasing Manager on pricing, ship dates, and quantity changes as business needs evolve.
• Support receiving activities by verifying quantities of received items, building shipping receivers, and posting receipts to inventory.
• Maintain accurate shipment and arrival information in Acumatica and other ERP tools.
• Help resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records to ensure data integrity.
• Use data analytics tools such as Excel (including VLOOKUP and pivot tables) and Power BI to analyze purchasing, inventory, and vendor performance data.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments to provide updates on order status, inbound shipments, and inventory availability.

Essential Skills

• Experience in inventory control and inventory management within a distribution or warehouse environment.
• Hands-on experience with purchase order creation, maintenance, and tracking from order through receipt.
• Practical knowledge of vendor management, including communication on availability, lead times, and delivery commitments.
• Experience supporting import logistics and international shipments, including documentation and shipment tracking (3+ years preferred).
• Familiarity with warehouse operations and inbound receiving processes.
• Proficiency with ERP systems for purchasing and inventory transactions, such as Accumatica, NetSuite ERP, or NetStock.
• Ability to run and interpret inventory and purchasing reports to determine purchase order quantities and replenishment needs.
• Strong Excel skills, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables, to support purchasing and inventory analysis.
• Experience using data analytics and reporting tools such as Power BI to support purchasing and inventory decisions.
• Ability to track inbound freight, container schedules, and shipment milestones and communicate status to internal stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining purchase order, shipment, and inventory records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for vendor communication and internal coordination.
• Ability to prioritize and expedite urgent or delayed orders in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience supporting import logistics and shipment tracking in a distribution or similar environment preferred.
• Experience with Accumatica, NetSuite ERP, or NetStock for purchasing and inventory management.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations and inbound receiving processes, including resolving discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records.
• Experience in buying or purchasing roles within a distribution, logistics, or inventory-focused organization.
• Familiarity with international shipments and related documentation and coordination with freight forwarders.
• Ability to use analytical thinking to align purchase orders with demand trends, customer forecasts, and production requirements.
• Comfort working cross-functionally with purchasing, warehouse, logistics, and other internal teams.
• Interest in leveraging data analytics tools such as Power BI to improve purchasing and replenishment decisions.

Work Environment

This is a 100% onsite position based in Kent, Washington, working a regular 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule in a distribution environment closely connected to warehouse and inbound receiving operations. You will work daily with ERP systems such as Acumatica, NetSuite ERP, or NetStock, as well as Excel and Power BI, to manage purchase orders, inventory, and shipments. The role involves frequent interaction with vendors, freight forwarders, and internal departments to coordinate inventory replenishment and inbound logistics. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes 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 $28.00 - $34.00/hr.

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 Jun 30, 2026.