Purchasing Specialist

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.

• 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.

• 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…