Purchasing Specialist

Job Title:

Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

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, Net Suite ERP, or Net Stock.

+ 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, Net Suite ERP, or Net Stock 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…