VMI Assistant

Shepherd Electric Supply; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Shepherd Electric Supply in Laurel, MD, is seeking a VMI Assistant to keep vendor managed inventory running smoothly in-house. You’ll pick, inspect, and pack orders, assist with loading vehicles, and provide dependable backup coverage to ensure daily operations stay on track.

This full-time, in-office role emphasizes accuracy, reliability, and clear communication with warehouse staff and VMI specialists. Start at $22–$25 per hour, with growth as the network expands.

Qualifications

• Proven attention to detail in warehouse tasks.
• Reliability and consistent attendance are essential.
• Team-oriented mindset with clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Pick, inspect, and pack VMI orders accurately to support daily operations.
• Verify order details before staging to catch errors early.
• Assist with loading VMI vehicles and keep vehicles clean and ready.
• Provide reliable backup coverage for core VMI tasks to maintain continuity.
• Communicate issues clearly with VMI specialists, warehouse staff, and leadership.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Warehouse or logistics experience preferred

Valid driver’s license preferred

Job description

Why This Role Matters

VMI — Vendor Managed Inventory — is one of the most visible ways Shepherd delivers reliability directly to contractor job sites. When orders are picked accurately, inspected carefully, and packed correctly, the VMI team has what it needs to serve customers in the field, projects stay on track, and customers keep calling back.

Why This Role Matters

VMI — Vendor Managed Inventory — is one of the most visible ways Shepherd delivers reliability directly to contractor job sites. When orders are picked accurately, inspected carefully, and packed correctly, the VMI team has what it needs to serve customers in the field, projects stay on track, and customers keep calling back.

The VMI Assistant keeps that system running day to day. Working directly alongside the VMI team, this role provides backup coverage for core responsibilities and takes ownership of essential operational tasks — picking, inspecting, and packing — so the workflow stays efficient and continuity is never at risk. This is a full-time, in-house support role focused on consistency, redundancy, and dependable service as volume and operational demands continue to grow.

Key Outcomes

Organized by what matters, not just what you do.

Order Accuracy & Fulfillment

• Pick, inspect, and pack VMI orders accurately to support daily operations and keep the workflow moving
• Verify and inspect 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

Backup Coverage & Continuity

• Provide reliable backup coverage for core VMI responsibilities so day-to-day operations continue uninterrupted
• Build working knowledge of VMI processes and inventory management to support the team across multiple functions
• Step into key tasks when the team needs coverage, improving redundancy and protecting service levels

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

What Success Looks Like

After 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:

• VMI orders are picked and packed accurately — errors tied to your work are rare
• Vehicles are consistently loaded correctly and on time
• You provide dependable backup coverage and can step into core VMI tasks without disruption
• Teammates and supervisors trust that your assigned tasks run without close supervision
• The VMI workflow runs more efficiently and consistently because of the coverage you provide

Who Thrives Here

This role is a strong fit if:

• You want to do meaningful work that keeps operations running, 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 value a steady, in-house support role and take pride in being the dependable backbone of a team

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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

Work Shift and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm, in office

Compensation Details:

The expected pay rate for this position is starting at $22.00-$25.00 per hour depending on experience.

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!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled