Purchasing Manager

On the heels of achieving 3X growth, Virginia Transformer is hiring to do it again!

We’re strategically building our team for the next 3X growth cycle — a phase that is both intense and incredibly rewarding. We’re highly selective about who joins us, because this journey isn’t for everyone.

If you have the drive, grit, and expertise to perform at a high level — and you want to grow your career 3X alongside the Company’s growth — we’d love to talk.

Apply below and let’s start the conversation.

Who We Are

Virginia Transformer is the largest U.S.-owned producer of power transformers in North America, and we’ve been able to grow the past 50-plus years through an unwavering focus on delivering for our customers. We’re more than 5,800 people strong and are known throughout the industry for being an engineering company that makes premium quality transformers in the shortest lead times.

As a privately held, organically growing company, we thrive on nimbleness, innovation, and tenacity.

Join Our Team

If you love the thrill of securing the U.S. electric grid, enabling all manufacturing in the country, and the energy of a fast-moving train — this is the place for you. We train hard, grow together, and lead with purpose. Every transformer we build is custom, every challenge unique, and every team member essential.

We’re looking for those ready to lead, fueled by commitment, and driven by impact. We are growing so fast that all our available roles are not yet posted, so let us know if you are interested and we will follow-up.

Competitive Salary and Relocation Offered.

Location Roanoke, VA onsite.

Job Title: Commodity Manager – Conductive Materials (Copper & Related Commodities)

Location: Roanoke, VA – Office Park

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Director of Procurement or VP of Supply Chain

Position Type: Full-Time, On-site

Position Overview

Virginia Transformer Corp is seeking a strategic and experienced Commodity Manager to lead sourcing and supplier management for conductive materials, including copper, copper alloys, and other critical electrical-grade raw materials. This role is responsible for vendor selection, contract negotiations, supply chain risk mitigation, and driving cost savings across multiple manufacturing sites.

You will serve as the internal subject matter expert on conductive commodity markets, proactively shaping procurement strategy and partnering with engineering, operations, and finance to ensure a secure, cost-effective, and compliant supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Selection & Management: Lead sourcing and qualification of suppliers for copper and conductive materials. Establish relationships with domestic and international vendors to support quality, capacity, and pricing needs.
• Contract Management: Negotiate and manage commodity contracts, including pricing structures, terms and conditions, volume commitments, and enforcement of supply agreements.
• Commodity Strategy: Develop and execute commodity strategies based on market trends, supply/demand forecasts, risk analysis, and internal demand planning.
• Cost Optimization: Drive productivity and cost-reduction initiatives by leveraging strategic sourcing, alternate materials, or supply chain efficiencies.
• Market Analysis & Forecasting: Monitor global copper and metal market trends (e.g., LME pricing, tariffs, logistics costs) and translate insights into procurement actions.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring alignment with Virginia Transformer’s standards on performance, quality, delivery, and compliance.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify and manage risks in the supply base including availability, geopolitical disruptions, logistics, and pricing volatility.
• Early Supplier Involvement: Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing early in the product design process to align material requirements and optimize cost and manufacturability.
• Specification & Alternative Sourcing: Review material specifications to explore competitive alternatives and manage design-to-cost initiatives.
• Performance Reporting: Track supplier KPIs and procurement performance metrics such as cost savings, contract coverage, delivery, and lead times.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business.
• 6–8 years of experience in sourcing, supply chain, or commodity management in a manufacturing or engineered products environment.
• Strong understanding of copper markets and conductive material supply chains (e.g., rod, wire, bar stock, busbar).
• Proven experience with vendor contract negotiation and commodity strategy development.
• Familiarity with domestic and international electrical raw material suppliers.
• Proficient in analyzing pricing trends, metal indices (LME/COMEX), and procurement forecasting.
• ERP experience required (SAP preferred); proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in transformer or heavy electrical equipment manufacturing.
• Understanding of metal hedging strategies, futures pricing, or strategic stockpiling.
• Experience conducting e-auctions, RFQs, and supplier scorecard management.

Work Location

Roanoke, VA – Office Park (on-site presence required)

• Candidates must be able to reliably commute or relocate prior to the start date.