Purchasing Agent / BuyerThe Purchasing Agent / Buyer is the commercial backbone of Shepherd's inventory engine. Every product that moves through our branches, every fill rate we achieve or miss, every vendor relationship that holds or frays — it traces back to how well this role executes.This is not a transactional purchasing job. This is the role responsible for managing supplier relationships, optimizing inventory investment, and keeping six branches stocked with the right products at the right cost.
You own the line, not just the order. You anticipate gaps before they become customer problems, negotiate with purpose, and make decisions grounded in data — Turns, GMROI, and lead times are your language.If you know electrical distribution, understand how buying decisions ripple through a company, and want to work where your work is felt by real customers on real jobsites — this role was built for you.Key OutcomesOrganized by what matters, not just what you do.Procurement & Inventory ManagementOwn procurement and inventory management across assigned product lines for all branch locationsMaintain appropriate stock levels that balance service levels against working capital — measured by Turns, GMROI, service levels and fill ratesManage the full distribution lifecycle for stock and nonstock products — from new products introductions through discontinuationMonitor vendor lead times, identify gaps before they become outages, and take corrective action proactivelyFind solutions to inventory issues with cost competitive alternativesCoordinate inbound freight flow with warehouse operations to ensure receiving accuracy and minimal disruptionVendor Relationships & NegotiationDevelop and maintain productive working relationships with manufacturer representatives and vendor contactsNegotiate pricing, payment terms, and program structures that improve Shepherd's competitive positionTrack, manage, and capture line-specific rebate and program dollars — none should be left on the tableEvaluate new product offerings with discipline: not everything belongs in stock, and you gather the information to make the final decisionHold vendors accountable to commitments — on pricing, delivery, returns and program termsData & System IntegrityMaintain accurate product file data in Eclipse, SKU-level detail, and warehouse quantity managementUse Turns, GMROI, and other performance metrics to guide restocking decisions and line reviewsIdentify and correct pricing or cost discrepancies before they affect branch operations or customer invoicingSupport data integrity across the purchasing system — clean data is not someone else's problemCross-Functional CoordinationPartner with sales teams to respond to product inquiries, source specials, and support customer needs in real timeCollaborate with warehouse leadership on inbound flow, receiving accuracy, and inventory discrepancy resolutionCommunicate proactively with branch management and executive leadership when supply or pricing issues affect service levelsParticipate in vendor line reviews and program evaluations with cross-functional inputWhat Success Looks LikeAfter 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:Assigned product lines are stocked appropriately across all branches with no preventable outagesTurns and GMROI metrics are understood, tracked, and trending in the right directionVendor relationships are active and productive — not reactiveRebate programs and line-specific incentives are captured, not left on the tableProduct file data in Eclipse is clean, current, and reliableSales and branch teams trust your lines and come to you first when something is wrongWho Thrives HereThis role is a strong fit if:You own your lines — stock performance, cost accuracy, and vendor relationships are yours, not someone else's problemYou make decisions from data, not instinct alone — and you know which metrics matter in distributionYou communicate early — with vendors, with sales, with management — and you don't let problems ageYou negotiate with discipline and know what terms are important to ShepherdYou treat inventory discrepancies as signals requiring investigation, not exceptions to close outYou want to work where purchasing decisions have a direct and visible impact on customer outcomesQualifications & RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; college degree or equivalent distribution experience preferred2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience in wholesale distribution — electrical distribution experience strongly preferredWorking knowledge of purchasing fundamentals as they apply to trade distribution, including Turns, GMROI, fill rates, service levels and rebate managementFamiliarity with accounting practices and cost/pricing terminologyStrong negotiation, communication, and organizational skillsProficiency with Microsoft Excel and Windows OS environmentsExperience with Epicor Eclipse Distribution Software is a significant plusFamiliarity with volume rebate programs and the benefits of group purchasing programsCommodity buying experience a plusKnowledge of electrical products is a plusAbility to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirementsWork Shift and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, in officeCompensation Details: The expected base salary for this position is starting at $65,000-$90,000 annually 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