VMI Trainee

Shepherd Electric Company, LLC.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Shepherd Electric Supply is seeking a VMI Trainee to join our team in Norfolk. This entry point role provides hands-on learning and progression toward a VMI Specialist position, with daily tasks that support accurate order fulfillment and vehicle readiness.

You will accompany VMI Specialists to job sites, manage staging areas, and help ensure timely, accurate deliveries while building knowledge of supplier relationships and inventory control. A strong work ethic and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Warehouse or logistics experience preferred, attitude and reliability matter more than years.
• Valid driver’s license preferred; may be required for vehicle support duties.
• Dependable attendance and a team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs. with proper technique.

Responsibilities

• Pick and pack all VMI orders accurately to support daily operations.
• Verify order details before staging to catch errors early.
• Maintain organized staging areas so vehicles load efficiently.
• Assist with loading all VMI vehicles for delivery readiness.
• Accompany VMI Specialists to job sites to learn the VMI process.
• Communicate clearly with team and leadership; own assigned tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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. 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 - 4:00pmCompensation 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 & FulfillmentPick and pack all VMI orders accurately to support daily operations while the VMI team is in the fieldVerify order details before staging — catch errors here, not at the customer siteMaintain organized staging areas so vehicles load efficiently and nothing gets missedVehicle Readiness & LoadingAssist with loading all VMI vehicles to ensure accurate, efficient preparation for deliveryMaintain VMI vehicles in a clean, organized state so they are always ready for operationSupport daily vehicle checks and report any issues before they disrupt operationsOn-Site Learning & Job Site SupportAccompany VMI Specialists to job sites as needed to assist with the VMI processBuild hands-on knowledge of job site operations, customer expectations, and inventory managementDevelop the skills and judgment needed to step into a VMI Specialist roleTeam Support & CommunicationFlag issues early — inventory shortfalls, vehicle concerns, order discrepancies — before they compoundCommunicate clearly with VMI Specialists, warehouse staff, and leadershipStep up when the team needs coverage and take ownership of assigned tasks without being asked twiceWhat 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 rareVehicles are consistently loaded correctly and on timeYou have accompanied Specialists on job sites and can describe the VMI process end to endTeammates and supervisors trust that your assigned tasks run without close supervisionYou are actively building toward readiness for a VMI Specialist roleWho Thrives Here - This role is a strong fit if:You want to learn a skilled role, not just fill a shiftYou take pride in accuracy and care whether things are done rightYou are dependable, organized, and steady under pressureYou communicate clearly and speak up when something is offYou want a defined path forward and are willing to put in the work to earn itQualifications & RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent requiredWarehouse or logistics experience preferred, attitude and reliability matter more than yearsAbility to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. using proper techniqueStrong attention to detail and commitment to getting things right the first timeValid driver’s license preferred; may be required for vehicle support dutiesDependable attendance and a team-oriented mindsetAbility 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.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/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!