Demand Planning Analyst

Job Description The International Demand Planning Analyst supports end-to-end inventory and order management for a midsize distribution operation, focusing on imports, purchase orders, inventory replenishment, vendor communication, shipment tracking, and ERP transactions. This role ensures product availability, accurate demand planning, and smooth inbound logistics within a fast-paced distribution environment. 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 requirements to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Maintain accurate purchase order data from creation through receipt, ensuring data integrity across systems.
- Monitor open purchase orders, identify delays or issues, and escalate concerns when necessary to protect continuity of supply.
- Coordinate with vendors on product availability, lead times, and readiness to meet demand and production schedules.
- Track vendor delivery commitments and proactively follow up to keep orders on schedule.
- Support vendor onboarding by confirming product details and ensuring accurate vendor and item setup in systems.
- Assist in managing the direct import process by supporting documentation flow and coordinating with freight forwarders.
- Track inbound shipment status, 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 purchasing leadership.
- Support import activities by managing import documents, shipment details, and required filings related to international shipments and Free Trade Zone operations.
- 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 maintain continuity of supply and prevent stockouts.
- Collaborate with vendors and purchasing leadership on pricing, ship dates, and quantity changes.
- Record quantities of received items, build shipping receivers, and post receipts to inventory accurately.
- Maintain up-to-date shipment and arrival information in Acumatica to support inventory visibility and planning.
- Help resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records to ensure accurate stock levels.
- Leverage demand planning tools and data (including NetStock and Power BI) to support inventory planning and replenishment decisions.
- Use advanced Excel functions such as VLOOKUP and pivot tables to analyze inventory, purchasing, and demand data and provide actionable insights.

Essential Skills

- 35+ years of experience in a Supply Chain or Procurement Analyst role within a distribution or inventory-focused environment.
- Hands-on experience with Free Trade Zone (FTZ) operations and international shipments.
- Proficiency with Acumatica ERP for purchase order entry, tracking, and inventory transactions.
- Experience using NetStock or similar demand planning and inventory planning systems.
- Strong Power BI skills for data analysis and reporting related to inventory, purchasing, and demand planning.
- Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and other analytical functions.
- Demonstrated expertise in inventory control and inventory management in a distribution setting.
- Proven experience in purchase order administration, including creation, maintenance, and tracking from order to receipt.
- Solid vendor management experience, including vendor communication, lead time coordination, and issue escalation.
- Ability to analyze replenishment needs and align purchasing decisions with demand forecasts and operational requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience as a buyer or in purchasing functions supporting distribution or supply chain operations.
- Familiarity with Free Trade Zone documentation and compliance processes.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate findings into practical recommendations.
- Detail-oriented approach to managing purchase orders, import documentation, and inventory records.
- Effective communication skills for collaborating with vendors, freight forwarders, and internal departments.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Comfort working with ERP systems and integrating data across tools such as Acumatica, NetStock, Power BI, and Excel.

Work Environment This is a 100% onsite role based in Kent, Washington, within a midsize distribution facility that manages domestic and international inventory flows. Shifts are on-site and somewhat flexible, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., supporting the operational needs of the distribution environment. You will work daily with technologies such as Acumatica ERP, NetStock demand planning tools, Power BI, and advanced Excel to manage purchase orders, inbound logistics, and inventory planning. The environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with close interaction between purchasing, logistics, and inventory control teams. Once converted to full-time, employees are eligible for 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 employee product discounts.
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 $34.00 - $35.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Kent,WA.

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 [email protected] 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.