Purchasing Agent / Buyer

Shepherd Electric Supply•Baltimore, MD

8d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent / Buyer is responsible for managing supplier relationships, optimizing inventory investment, and ensuring six branches are stocked with the right products at the right cost. This role requires a data-driven approach, focusing on metrics like Turns, GMROI, and lead times. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of electrical distribution and how purchasing decisions impact the entire company. This position is crucial for maintaining inventory levels, achieving service level targets, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience in wholesale distribution — electrical distribution experience strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of purchasing fundamentals as they apply to trade distribution, including Turns, GMROI, fill rates, service levels and rebate management.
Familiarity with accounting practices and cost/pricing terminology.
Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Windows OS environments.
Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

College degree or equivalent distribution experience preferred.
Experience with Epicor Eclipse Distribution Software is a significant plus.
Familiarity with volume rebate programs and the benefits of group purchasing programs.
Commodity buying experience a plus.
Knowledge of electrical products is a plus.

Responsibilities

Own procurement and inventory management across assigned product lines for all branch locations.
Maintain appropriate stock levels that balance service levels against working capital, measured by Turns, GMROI, service levels and fill rates.
Manage the full distribution lifecycle for stock and nonstock products — from new products introductions through discontinuation.
Monitor vendor lead times, identify gaps before they become outages, and take corrective action proactively.
Find solutions to inventory issues with cost competitive alternatives.
Coordinate inbound freight flow with warehouse operations to ensure receiving accuracy and minimal disruption.
Develop and maintain productive working relationships with manufacturer representatives and vendor contacts.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and program structures that improve Shepherd’s competitive position.
Track, manage, and capture line-specific rebate and program dollars.
Evaluate new product offerings with discipline, gathering information to make informed decisions.
Hold vendors accountable to commitments — on pricing, delivery, returns and program terms.
Maintain accurate product file data in Eclipse, SKU-level detail, and warehouse quantity management.
Use Turns, GMROI, and other performance metrics to guide restocking decisions and line reviews.
Identify and correct pricing or cost discrepancies before they affect branch operations or customer invoicing.
Support data integrity across the purchasing system.
Partner with sales teams to respond to product inquiries, source specials, and support customer needs in real time.
Collaborate with warehouse leadership on inbound flow, receiving accuracy, and inventory discrepancy resolution.
Communicate proactively with branch management and executive leadership when supply or pricing issues affect service levels.
Participate in vendor line reviews and program evaluations with cross-functional input.