Purchasing Manager

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.

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

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

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.

• Experience conducting e-auctions, RFQs, and supplier scorecard management.
• Strong understanding of copper markets and conductive material supply chains (e.g., rod, wire, bar stock, busbar).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business.
• Candidates must be able to reliably commute or relocate prior to the start date.
• Experience in transformer or heavy electrical equipment manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Understanding of metal hedging strategies, futures pricing, or strategic stockpiling.
• Proficient in analyzing pricing trends, metal indices (LME/COMEX), and procurement forecasting.
• Proven experience with vendor contract negotiation and commodity strategy development.
• ERP experience required (SAP preferred); proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
• Familiarity with domestic and international electrical raw material suppliers.
• 6–8 years of experience in sourcing, supply chain, or commodity management in a manufacturing or engineered products environment.

Competitive Salary and Relocation Offered.