Routing / Dispatcher Associate

About Shepherd Electric Supply

Since 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.

Work Shift and Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 4:00am - 1:00pm
  

Compensation Details:

• The expected pay rate for this position is starting at $22.00 per hour depending on experience.
  

Why This Role Matters

Every delivery Shepherd makes starts with a routing decision. The Routing / Dispatcher Associate is the person who turns a day's worth of orders into a plan - sequencing runs, allocating drivers, communicating timelines, and responding when reality does not match the schedule.

When routing is sharp, customers get accurate ETAs, drivers run efficient routes, and leadership can see what is moving and what is stalled. When it is not, costs climb, customers call with questions, and problems compound fast. This role is the nerve center of Richmond branch delivery execution.

Key Outcomes - Organized by what matters, not just what you do.

Route Planning & Dispatch Execution

• Build daily delivery routes that are accurate, efficient, and customer-priority-aware
  
• Assign drivers and vehicles to runs based on load, geography, and urgency
  
• Dispatch drivers with clear, complete information before cutoff
  
• Adjust routes in real time when delays, substitutions, or urgent add-ons arise
  

Driver Communication & Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for drivers throughout the delivery window
  
• Provide proactive updates when schedules change - drivers should not have to ask
  
• Troubleshoot delivery issues, access problems, or customer concerns in real time
  
• Confirm completions and flag exceptions before the shift closes
  

Customer & Branch Communication

• Communicate accurate delivery ETAs to counter staff and internal teams
  
• Notify customers proactively when delays occur - do not wait for them to call
  
• Coordinate with branch sales and warehouse teams when priority changes midday
  
• Escalate unresolved delivery issues to the Operations Manager before end of shift
  

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate daily manifests, proof-of-delivery records, and route logs
  
• Ensure all vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections are completed and logged
  
• Track fuel and mileage data accurately to support compliance and cost reporting
  
• Flag documentation gaps or recurring driver compliance issues to management
  

Continuous Improvement

• Identify patterns in delivery delays or route inefficiencies and surface them to leadership
  
• Recommend route or scheduling changes that improve reliability or reduce cost
  
• Cross-train on warehouse shipping office functions to increase team flexibility
  

What Success Looks Like - After 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:

• Routes are dispatched on time, with complete information, every day
  
• Drivers receive proactive communication - they are not chasing updates
  
• Customers are notified before they call when a delivery is delayed
  
• Documentation is accurate, up to date, and audit-ready
  
• The Operations Manager trusts that daily delivery execution runs without close supervision
  
• You have surfaced at least one routing or process improvement in your first 90 days
  

Who Thrives Here - This role is a strong fit if:

• You stay calm under pressure and think clearly when plans change midday
  
• You communicate directly and clearly - drivers and customers alike can count on what you say
  
• You pay attention to details others miss, especially when things are moving fast
  
• You take ownership of problems without waiting for someone else to fix them
  
• You would rather prevent a problem than manage the fallout
  
• You are organized, proactive, and dependable when it counts most
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
  
• Prior dispatching, routing, or logistics coordination experience strongly preferred
  
• Familiarity with route optimization tools or transportation management systems a plus
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills - you will be on radio, phone, and messaging tools throughout the day
  
• Proficiency with computers and data entry; comfort learning new systems quickly
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and composure
  
• Valid driver's license preferred
  
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements
  

This 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/Disabled

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