Shipping Department Manager

About Shepherd Electric Supply

Since 1892, Shepherd Electric Supply has been the go-to solution for complex, time-critical electrical challenges. We ensure reliable material delivery to contractors, keeping projects on schedule and meeting customer expectations.

Why This Role Matters

The Shipping Department Manager oversees the outbound function in a 100,000-square-foot distribution center with a 20-person team. This role ensures every order leaves on time, accurately, and correctly, impacting project timelines and customer satisfaction.

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 between $65,000 - $75,000 annually depending on experience.

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.
• 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:
  • 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.

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.

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.

Why Shepherd Electric Supply?

Shepherd Electric Supply has been serving the Baltimore/Washington area since 1892, known for excellent customer service and extensive inventory. We partner 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!