The posting
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.
Why This Role Matters
Shipping is the last checkpoint before a promise is kept or broken. Every order that leaves this facility on time, complete, and correctly documented is a commitment fulfilled to a contractor counting on those materials to stay on schedule. Every error — wrong product, missing documentation, late departure — lands on a job site and on our reputation.
The Shipping Department Manager owns that final checkpoint across a 100,000-square-foot distribution center with a 20-person team. At a facility running multiple shifts, the outbound function cannot afford to be reactive — it has to be disciplined, organized, and accurate from the moment staging begins to the moment the last truck rolls out. You set the standard, build the team, and own the outcomes every day.
Key Outcomes
Organized by what matters, not just what you do.
Outbound Fulfillment & Shipping Accuracy
- Ensure every outbound order leaves clean — right product, right quantity, complete and accurate documentation
- Verify shipping documentation is complete on every outbound shipment before departure — no exceptions
- Prioritize time-critical and priority-flagged orders with urgency and direct communication to affected teams
- Coordinate staging so drivers load efficiently and depart on time, every route, every day
- Ensure will-call orders are staged and ready before customers arrive
Team Leadership & Development
- Select, onboard, and develop a 20-person shipping team — including leads — so the function executes without depending on heroics
- Coach and hold team members accountable through direct, consistent feedback — not just documentation
- Manage timecards, performance evaluations, and day-to-day accountability with consistency and fairness
- Delegate clearly, follow up on completion, and build a crew that holds itself to a standard
- Escalate performance or conduct concerns to the Operations Manager promptly and without delay
- Develop leads so the shipping function has depth and continuity across all shifts
Inventory Integrity & Receiving Support
- Oversee inbound receiving processes as needed — ensuring freight is received accurately and exceptions are documented before product enters inventory
- Manage fulfillment, inventory, and receiving staff coordination to keep inbound and outbound flow moving without bottlenecks
- Treat inventory discrepancies as signals requiring root cause investigation, not isolated incidents to close out
- Flag recurring discrepancy patterns to the Operations Manager for systemic review
Fleet & Delivery Coordination
- Coordinate with dispatch and drivers to ensure on-time, accurate outbound delivery across Southern and Western Maryland, Washington DC suburbs, and Northern Virginia
- Assist with truck maintenance coordination — report needs proactively so vehicles are never a reason for a missed route
- Partner with dispatch and branch operations to resolve delivery exceptions in real time, not after the fact
Equipment, Facility & Safety
- Maintain safe, organized shipping operations — staging areas clear, equipment functional, hazards addressed before they become incidents
- Oversee pre-shift equipment inspections and ensure maintenance needs are reported and resolved proactively
- Operate and ensure team compliance with forklift, pallet jack, and reach truck certification requirements
- Model and enforce safety compliance on every shift — never treat it as a formality
Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Surface inefficiencies, recurring errors, and workflow friction in the shipping function — and act on them, not just report them
- Recommend and test process changes that improve outbound accuracy, speed, or team capacity
- Communicate proactively with sales, counter, purchasing, and branch teams on outbound status and exception resolution
- Be willing to cover other shifts when operational needs require it — the DC runs multiple shifts, Monday through Friday
What Success Looks Like
After 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:
- Outbound orders leave clean — right product, right quantity, right documentation — on every shift
- Drivers depart on time and delivery exceptions are resolved in real time, not after the fact
- The shipping team knows what is expected and executes without being managed by the hour
- Inbound receiving coordination runs without stalls or dropped handoffs
- Equipment is inspected, certified, and operated safely every shift
- The Operations Manager trusts that shipping operations run correctly when they are not watching
- At least one meaningful process improvement has been identified, tested, and implemented in your first 90 days
- Your leads are developing and taking on more ownership over time
Who Thrives Here
This role is a strong fit if:
- You own outcomes, not just activities — a late truck or a wrong shipment is your problem to fix, not explain
- You develop your team by raising their capability, not by covering their gaps
- You communicate directly — with your crew, with dispatch, with sales, and with DC leadership
- You stay organized and accurate under pressure, especially when outbound volume spikes or staffing is short
- You hold people accountable without making it adversarial — you set the standard and enforce it fairly
- You treat outbound accuracy and on-time departure as non-negotiables, not targets
- You want to build a shipping operation that works without you in the room
Qualifications & Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- 5+ years of warehouse management experience, preferably in a shipping, fulfillment, or distribution environment
- Experience managing teams of 15 or more in a fast-paced distribution or wholesale setting
- Familiarity with Southern and Western Maryland, Washington DC suburbs, and Northern Virginia delivery area preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook; familiarity with warehouse management systems
- Forklift, pallet jack, and reach truck certification required or ability to obtain through onsite training
- Strong verbal and written communication skills — comfortable coordinating across sales, dispatch, and branch teams
- Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. regularly and perform the physical requirements of the role
- Valid driver’s license required
- Willingness to cover alternate shifts when operational needs require it
- Electrical product knowledge is a plus
- Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements
Why Join Shepherd Electric Supply
- Competitive salary with opportunity for growth
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- Prescription drug coverage
- Paid vacation and personal time
- 401(k) with employer match
- Stable organization with over 130 years of industry leadership
- A culture where reliability is noticed, ownership is rewarded, and people come first
Work Shift and Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 7:00pm or depending on business needs.
Compensation Details: The expected base salary for this position is starting at $65,000 - $75,000 annually depending on experience.
Additional Information:
- Steel toed boots required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Shepherd Electric Supply is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
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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