Why This Role Matters
Lighting projects are not transactional. They involve drawings, specifications, manufacturer coordination, submittal packages, and customers who are counting on someone to hold it all together. The Lighting Sales Assistant is the execution engine behind that promise.
When a quote request comes in, when a submittal package needs to go out, when a manufacturer needs to be chased down for pricing — this role is the one that makes it happen. You are not in the background. You are the reason the Lighting Department can say yes with confidence and deliver on it.
How This Role Connects to Our Compass
We Keep Our Promises: Customers and the sales team count on you to follow through — on bid requests, submittal packages, and vendor timelines. When you say it will be done, it gets done. No dropped handoffs, no missed deadlines, no surprises.
We Stay Hungry: You keep learning — about products, manufacturers, and what customers actually need. You ask questions, stay curious about the industry, and look for ways to do your work faster, more accurately, and with fewer errors.
We Grow Together: You are a connector between the sales team, project management, and manufacturing partners. You build relationships that make the whole department stronger — not just your desk.
We Own It: You manage your work independently and flag issues early. When something is off — a spec discrepancy, a missed bid window, a vendor delay — you say something and help solve it. You do not wait to be asked.
We Go Above & Beyond: You anticipate what the sales team needs before they ask. Submittals go out complete. Bids come back organized. Customers notice the difference between support that is good and support that makes them want to call us again.
Key Outcomes
Organized by what matters, not just what you do.
Quote & Bid Support
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Receive and review quote requests from Lighting Department customers with accuracy and urgency
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Facilitate requirements gathered from drawings, job specifications, and take-offs
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Administer bid requests to manufacturing partners — organized, complete, and followed up on
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Return bids to the sales team on time with the information they need to close
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Submittals & Order Execution
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Create formal submittal packages once a sales order is received — accurate, professional, and complete
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Coordinate with vendors and manufacturers to confirm product details, lead times, and delivery requirements
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Track open submittals and flag delays before they become problems for the customer or project timeline
Vendor & Customer Relationships
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Build and maintain working relationships with manufacturing partners that support smooth project completions
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Communicate clearly with customers on order status, submittal timelines, and exceptions — without being prompted
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Support the sales team in building customer confidence through reliable, responsive back-office execution
Knowledge & Team Contribution
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Participate in product and manufacturer training to deepen your knowledge of lighting categories and application
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Share what you learn with the team — better product knowledge makes everyone more effective
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Perform all other associated tasks as assigned by the Lighting Department Manager
What Success Looks Like
After 90 days, you and your manager should both be able to point to these markers:
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Quote requests are received, reviewed, and routed to manufacturers without delay or dropped handoffs
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Bid responses come back organized and on time — the sales team knows they can count on you
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Submittal packages go out complete and accurate; customers do not have to ask twice
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Vendor relationships are active — you know who to call, and they know who you are
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You are asking good questions about products and applying what you are learning
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The sales team trusts you with their customers because you follow through
Who Thrives Here
This role is a strong fit if:
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You follow through without being chased — once you own a task, it gets done
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You can manage multiple open items at the same time without losing track of any of them
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You communicate proactively — you would rather flag a problem early than let it quietly miss a deadline
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You are genuinely curious about what you sell and how it works
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You build relationships naturally — with vendors, with the sales team, and with customers
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You take pride in the quality of your work, not just the completion of it
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You want to grow — in your knowledge, your role, and your contribution to the department
Qualifications & Requirements
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High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business or a related field preferred
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1–3 years of experience in the electrical industry preferred; lighting or wholesale distribution experience a plus
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; familiarity with Eclipse or similar distribution software preferred
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Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously without loss of accuracy
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills — with vendors, teammates, and customers
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Self-motivated and results-focused; you do not need to be managed to stay on top of your work
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Professional attitude, conduct, and phone demeanor
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Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements
Compensation Details: The expected pay rate for this position is starting between $18.00-$22.00/hour, depending on experience.
Work Shift and Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm, in office
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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