Demand Planner

Job Title: International Demand Planner

Job Description

The International Demand Planning Analyst supports end-to-end inventory and order management in a dynamic distribution environment. This role focuses on imports, purchase orders, inventory replenishment, vendor communication, shipment tracking, and ERP transactions to ensure product availability and operational efficiency. You will work closely with vendors, freight forwarders, and internal teams to align supply with demand trends and customer requirements.

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 up to date.

• 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 product readiness to support reliable delivery schedules.

• 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 systems and records.

• 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, 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.

• Assist with import documents, shipment details, and required filing to support compliance and timely processing.

• 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 minimize stockouts.

• Collaborate with vendors and the Purchasing Manager on pricing, ship dates, and quantity changes as needed.

• 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 related systems.

• Help resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records to maintain data integrity.

• Use analytical tools such as Power BI and advanced Excel functions (including VLOOKUP and pivot tables) to analyze inventory, demand, and purchasing data.

• Contribute to demand planning and inventory planning activities using tools such as NetStock and other inventory management systems.

• Support Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and international shipment processes by applying knowledge of FTZ requirements and documentation.

Essential Skills

• 3–5+ years of experience as a Supply Chain or Procurement Analyst, or in a closely related analytical supply chain role.

• Proven experience with inventory control, inventory management, and inventory planning in a distribution or similar environment.

• Hands-on experience with purchase order management, including creation, maintenance, tracking, and reconciliation.

• Strong background in vendor management and vendor communication, including managing lead times, availability, and delivery performance.

• Experience supporting international shipments and inbound logistics, including coordination with freight forwarders.

• Working knowledge of Free Trade Zone (FTZ) operations and requirements.

• Experience using Acumatica ERP or a similar ERP system for purchasing, inventory, and transaction processing.

• Experience with NetStock or similar demand planning and replenishment tools.

• Proficiency with Power BI or similar business intelligence tools for data analysis and reporting.

• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and other advanced functions used for analysis and reporting.

• Ability to analyze demand trends, customer forecasts, and production needs to inform purchasing decisions.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in managing purchase orders, shipment data, and inventory records.

• Ability to identify, escalate, and help resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, packing lists, and inventory records.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with vendors, freight partners, and internal stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple open purchase orders and shipments simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a distribution-focused environment with international shipments.

• Familiarity with Free Trade Zone documentation and filing processes.

• Experience with replenishment planning tools and methodologies.

• background in buyer or purchasing functions, including negotiating ship dates and quantities.

• Experience using NetStock for demand planning and inventory optimization.

• Ability to build and interpret analytical reports to support purchasing and inventory decisions.

• Comfort working with ERP, inventory, and purchasing modules in integrated systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing delays and supply risks.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in supply chain, purchasing, and operations.

• Interest in contributing to continuous improvement in inventory planning, import processes, and demand planning practices.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite in Kent, Washington, within a midsize distribution operation that manages international imports and domestic distribution. The role operates in a fast-paced environment that requires frequent interaction with vendors, freight forwarders, and internal departments such as purchasing, receiving, and operations. Work hours are on a somewhat flexible daytime schedule, with options of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You will work primarily with technologies such as Acumatica ERP, NetStock, Power BI, and advanced Excel to manage purchase orders, inventory data, and shipment tracking. As a full-time employee, you will have access to 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 $30.00 - $34.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kent,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) 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.