VMI Trainee

Shepherd Electric Supply; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Shepherd Electric Supply in Laurel, MD, is launching a VMI Trainee program. This entry-point role provides hands-on learning with a clear path toward becoming a VMI Specialist, a customer-facing position with real ownership on job sites.

You will support order fulfillment, loading, and site operations, learning inventory management and teamwork while developing skills to advance within the VMI organization. Monday–Friday shift, competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• 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 lift up to 50 lbs with 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.

Responsibilities

• Pick and pack VMI orders accurately to support daily operations.
• 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.
• Assist with loading all VMI vehicles to ensure accurate, efficient preparation for delivery.
• Accompany VMI Specialists to job sites as needed to assist with the VMI process.

Skills

Attention to detail

Dependable

Team-oriented

Clear communication

Physical stamina

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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’ll come through.

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’ll 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 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, 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 the entry point into a structured path toward becoming a VMI Specialist — a customer-facing, site-based role with real ownership and career upside.

Work Shift And Hours

• Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm

Compensation Details

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

Key Outcomes

Organized by what matters, not just what you do.

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

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 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

Who Thrives Here

• 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

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

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!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled