VMI Trainee at Shepherd Electric Supply in Laurel, MD

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.

VMI — Vendor Managed Inventory — is one of the most visible ways Shepherd delivers reliability directly to contractor job sites. When orders are picked accurately, vehicles are loaded correctly, and Specialists have what they need to serve customers in the field, projects stay on track and customers keep calling back.

The VMI Trainee is the foundation of that system. This role is not just about picking and packing — it is the entry point into a structured path toward becoming a VMI Specialist: a customer-facing, site-based role with real ownership and career upside. What you build here — accuracy, reliability, and judgment — is what earns you that next step.

Compensation Details:

• The expected pay rate for this position is starting between $21.00 - $23.00 per hour, depending on experience

Work Shift and Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 3:00pm

How This Role Connects to Our Compass - What It Looks Like in This Role

• We Keep Our Promises - You own what you pick and what you load. If an order is wrong before it leaves, you catch it — not the Specialist on-site. Your accuracy is the team’s reliability.

• We Stay Hungry - You are here to learn, not just to fill a shift. You ask questions, study the process, and push yourself to understand the VMI system from the ground up.

• We Grow Together - Your success is measured by how quickly you grow into a VMI Specialist. You support your teammates, communicate clearly, and raise the team’s capability by being dependable.

• We Own It - You do not wait to be asked twice. Assigned tasks get done right and on time. When something is off — an inventory gap, a vehicle issue, an order discrepancy — you flag it before it compounds.

• We Go Above & Beyond - You anticipate what the team needs before they have to ask. Vehicles are loaded and ready. Staging areas are organized. The Specialists can trust the foundation you set before they leave.

Order Accuracy & Fulfillment

• Pick and pack all VMI orders accurately to support daily operations while the VMI team is in the field

• Verify order details before staging — catch errors here, not at the customer site

• Maintain organized staging areas so vehicles load efficiently and nothing gets missed

Vehicle Readiness & Loading

• Assist with loading all VMI vehicles to ensure accurate, efficient preparation for delivery

• Maintain VMI vehicles in a clean, organized state so they are always ready for operation

• Support daily vehicle checks and report any issues before they disrupt operations

On-Site Learning & Job Site Support

• Accompany VMI Specialists to job sites as needed to assist with the VMI process

• Build hands-on knowledge of job site operations, customer expectations, and inventory management

• Develop the skills and judgment needed to step into a VMI Specialist role

Team Support & Communication

• Flag issues early — inventory shortfalls, vehicle concerns, order discrepancies — before they compound

• Communicate clearly with VMI Specialists, warehouse staff, and leadership

• Step up when the team needs coverage and take ownership of assigned tasks without being asked twice

• VMI orders are picked and packed accurately — errors tied to your work are rare

• Vehicles are consistently loaded correctly and on time

• You have accompanied Specialists on job sites and can describe the VMI process end to end

• Teammates and supervisors trust that your assigned tasks run without close supervision

• You are actively building toward readiness for a VMI Specialist role

• You want to learn a skilled role, not just fill a shift

• You take pride in accuracy and care whether things are done right

• You are dependable, organized, and steady under pressure

• You communicate clearly and speak up when something is off

• You want a defined path forward and are willing to put in the work to earn it

• You bring energy to your work — your presence raises the pace and the team feels it

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Warehouse or logistics experience preferred, attitude and reliability matter more than years

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. using proper technique

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to getting things right the first time

• Valid driver’s license preferred; may be required for vehicle support duties

• Dependable attendance and a team-oriented mindset

• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements

Join Our Legacy: Be part of a company with a proud history of success and innovation. Apply today to become an Outside Sales Representative at Shepherd Electric Supply and contribute to our continued growth and success!

Why should you join Shepherd Electrical Supply?

Apply now and find out what’s next for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

Not 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!