VMI Specialist

About Shepherd Electric SupplySince 1892, Shepherd Electric Supply has been the first call when complex, time-critical electrical challenges need to be solved and reliability truly matters. We move materials accurately and on time, so contractors stay on schedule, projects stay on track, and customers never have to wonder if we will come through.Our success comes from people who take pride in doing things the right way — safely, accurately, and with care for teammates and customers alike. If you want to do work that matters at a company that notices, this is the place.Why This Role MattersVMI — Vendor Managed Inventory — is one of the most visible ways Shepherd delivers reliability directly to contractor job sites. The VMI Specialist is where that reliability becomes personal: you are Shepherd’s on-site presence, embedded with the customer, owning the inventory and service that keep their project moving.This role is a dedicated, full-time assignment to a major customer project expected to run approximately three to four years. For the life of that project, you are the face of Shepherd on-site — managing inventory, replenishing material before it runs short, coordinating with the customer’s team, and holding service levels steady from day one through project close-out.When the Specialist runs the site well, the customer never has to think about material — it is simply there, correct, and on time. That consistency, sustained over years, is what turns a single project into a lasting partnership.Work Shift and Hours:Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pmCompensation Details:The expected pay rate for this position is starting between $22.00 - $25.00 per hour depending on experience.Key Outcomes - Organized by what matters, not just what you do.Onsite Inventory ManagementOwn on-site inventory for the assigned project — counts, bin and storage organization, stocking levels, and discrepancy resolution — so the customer always has what the job requiresMaintain accurate inventory records on-site and in the system; investigate and resolve discrepancies the same day they are identified, not after they compoundSet and maintain organized, well-labeled storage so material is easy to find, easy to count, and never lost on-siteMonitor usage patterns and adjust stocking levels proactively as project phases and demand shiftMaterial ReplenishmentAnticipate material needs and trigger replenishment before stock runs short — the customer should never wait on ShepherdPick, verify, and stage replenishment orders accurately; catch errors on-site, not in front of the customerCoordinate replenishment timing with the branch, purchasing, and delivery so material arrives ahead of demand, not behind itManage returns, overages, and damaged material cleanly, keeping records and inventory alignedCustomer Support & Project CoordinationServe as the primary Shepherd point of contact on-site — professional, responsive, and trusted by the customer’s teamCoordinate with the customer’s project leadership on schedules, priorities, upcoming phases, and material forecasts so Shepherd stays ahead of the needResolve day-to-day material and service questions on-site; escalate larger issues early and with a recommended path forwardCommunicate proactively with the VMI Manager, branch teams, and dispatch so the wider team stays aligned to what the project requiresService Levels & Project ContinuityHold agreed service levels steady across the full three-to-four-year project life — through volume spikes, phase changes, and staffing pressureTrack and report on inventory accuracy, fill rate, and replenishment performance so the customer and Shepherd leadership have clear visibilityIdentify recurring issues and drive root-cause fixes rather than repeating the same correctionsDocument site processes so coverage and continuity hold up when you are out — the project should not depend on a single day of your presenceVehicle Readiness & Job Site ExecutionEnsure any VMI vehicle assigned to the project is loaded correctly, maintained, and ready — accurate and efficient every dayRun the jobsite VMI process end to end: staging, delivery to point of use, and put-away, with accuracy verified before hand-offRepresent Shepherd professionally on every job-site interaction — on time, accurate, and courteousComplete daily vehicle and equipment checks and report issues before they disrupt operationsFacility, Safety & Team SupportKeep on-site storage and staging areas organized, clean, and safe at all timesFollow all Shepherd and customer job-site safety requirements without exception; identify and report hazards before they become incidentsFlag issues early — inventory shortfalls, vehicle concerns, order discrepancies — before they reach the customerSupport the broader VMI team and step up for coverage when the operation needs itWhat Success Looks Like - After 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:On-site inventory is accurate, organized, and current — discrepancies are resolved the day they are foundMaterial is replenished ahead of demand — the customer has not been left waiting on stockThe customer’s project team knows you by name and trusts Shepherd’s on-site presenceService levels are being met consistently, and you can show the numbers that prove itSite processes are documented so coverage holds up when you are outThe VMI Manager trusts the project site runs correctly when they are not watchingWho Thrives Here - This role is a strong fit if:You own the outcome, not just the task — you do not leave loose ends unresolved at the end of the dayYou are comfortable being the customer-facing face of Shepherd, day in and day out, on a single long-term projectYou anticipate needs and move before you are asked — replenishment and inventory do not get away from youYou communicate proactively — with the customer, with your manager, with the branch — not after problems surfaceYou stay accurate and organized under pressure, and you hold a standard over the long haulYou want a role where your judgment and reliability directly shape a multi-year customer partnershipQualifications & RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent required2+ years of VMI, warehouse, inventory, or logistics experience; prior customer-facing or job-site experience strongly preferredDemonstrated ownership of inventory accuracy and replenishment in a fast-paced environmentStrong communication skills and professional presence for daily customer interactionFamiliarity with warehouse management systems and standard computer tools (email, Excel)DOT physical certificate required for delivery duties, or ability to obtain prior to first deliveryAbility to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. using proper techniqueValid driver’s license requiredStrong attention to detail and commitment to getting things right the first timeDependable attendance and a team-oriented mindsetWillingness to commit to a multi-year, site-based project assignmentAbility to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirementsThis job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals occupying this position of employment. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skill required of all individuals assigned to this job title. Management reserves the right to modify all or part of this job description at its discretion in order to meet location requirements, staffing levels, and/or any other needs of the business. All of the essential functions of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or equivalent state law, may not have been described. All requests for reasonable accommodation(s) will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.Why should you join Shepherd Electrical Supply?At Shepherd Electric Supply, excellence in service, pricing, and products has been our mission since 1892. As the oldest wholesale electrical distributor in the Baltimore/Washington area, we take pride in our exceptional customer service and extensive inventory.We have a rich history of partnering with industry leaders like Siemens and Eaton, and our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our legacy!Apply now and find out what’s next for you.Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/DisabledNot the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest! #J-18808-Ljbffr