J-1 Visa Program Manager Jobs
Program Manager roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship, most commonly under the Trainee or Specialist category for those with relevant work experience. A State Department-designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, while the hiring organization serves as your host employer.
Find J-1 Visa Program Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 54+ Program Manager jobs
See all 54+ Program Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout Kerry
At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition. Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company for food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027.
Manufacturing Overview
You will have responsibility to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of operational targets, initiatives and improvements at one of our manufacturing facilities. You will be required to support department managers in delivering factory performance improvements through the facilitation of Site teams using lean tools and techniques. Initially with a very hands-on approach to developing capability and leadership skills, you will develop into a People Manager with potential Shift Management responsibility. You will have specific project tasks related to driving the introduction of aspects of strategic change as the business continues to grow. Your direct line manager will be the Production Manager, but you may also receive instruction from the Operations Manager or other Managers as appropriate. You will have real opportunity to engage right across the business and make a difference early in your career. You will be supported and work alongside one of the most experienced food manufacturing teams in the world.
Key Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda and the successful implementation and maintenance of the Kerry Manufacturing Standard (Site Audit Standard)
- Identify, manage, and execute initiatives to deliver significant improvements in the areas of: Safety, Quality, Delivery / Service, Operating efficiency, People Management, Materials control and efficiency
- Facilitate and support management teams (and other teams) involved in major transformational projects (e.g. re-engineering the major Site business processes)
- Ensure all direct reports are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate in an environment that promotes safety and well-being
- Support site programs to ensure the effective training and deployment of the principles, projects, tools and techniques (as appropriate) and KPIs etc.
- Maintain awareness of best practice and modern improvement techniques
- Ensure familiarity is achieved with Kerry’s preferred method of problem solving (root cause, 8 steps etc.)
- Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit
Qualifications and Skills
What you'll need to be successful
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Food Science Technology, Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical/BioChemical Engineering with an expected graduation date between December 2026 – May 2027
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- A curious mindset
- Willingness to travel
- Relocation for the second rotation is required
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
About Kerry
At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition. Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company for food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027.
Manufacturing Overview
You will have responsibility to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of operational targets, initiatives and improvements at one of our manufacturing facilities. You will be required to support department managers in delivering factory performance improvements through the facilitation of Site teams using lean tools and techniques. Initially with a very hands-on approach to developing capability and leadership skills, you will develop into a People Manager with potential Shift Management responsibility. You will have specific project tasks related to driving the introduction of aspects of strategic change as the business continues to grow. Your direct line manager will be the Production Manager, but you may also receive instruction from the Operations Manager or other Managers as appropriate. You will have real opportunity to engage right across the business and make a difference early in your career. You will be supported and work alongside one of the most experienced food manufacturing teams in the world.
Key Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda and the successful implementation and maintenance of the Kerry Manufacturing Standard (Site Audit Standard)
- Identify, manage, and execute initiatives to deliver significant improvements in the areas of: Safety, Quality, Delivery / Service, Operating efficiency, People Management, Materials control and efficiency
- Facilitate and support management teams (and other teams) involved in major transformational projects (e.g. re-engineering the major Site business processes)
- Ensure all direct reports are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate in an environment that promotes safety and well-being
- Support site programs to ensure the effective training and deployment of the principles, projects, tools and techniques (as appropriate) and KPIs etc.
- Maintain awareness of best practice and modern improvement techniques
- Ensure familiarity is achieved with Kerry’s preferred method of problem solving (root cause, 8 steps etc.)
- Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit
Qualifications and Skills
What you'll need to be successful
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Food Science Technology, Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical/BioChemical Engineering with an expected graduation date between December 2026 – May 2027
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- A curious mindset
- Willingness to travel
- Relocation for the second rotation is required
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
See all 54+ J-1 Visa Program Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Program Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Program Manager
Align your training plan to PM competencies
Your DS-2019 requires a detailed training plan. Map your Program Manager objectives to specific skill areas like stakeholder coordination, budget oversight, and cross-functional delivery so the designated sponsor can certify the program has clear professional development goals.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist category eligibility
The Trainee category fits professionals with a degree plus one year of experience, or five years of field experience. Specialist requires recognized expertise in a narrow discipline. Confirm which category your PM background qualifies for before approaching a designated sponsor for DS-2019 issuance.
Target host employers with structured onboarding programs
Host organizations must co-sign your training plan and accept oversight responsibilities. Program Manager roles at mid-to-large organizations with established project management offices are more likely to have the internal structure to fulfill those host obligations without friction.
Search for J-1-compatible roles using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to find U.S. employers actively hosting international Program Managers. Filtering by role and sponsorship history surfaces host organizations whose hiring patterns align with J-1 visa exchange visitor placements, saving time spent on employers unfamiliar with the host model.
Verify your home-residency requirement before accepting offers
Some J-1 Program Manager placements carry a two-year home-country residency requirement, triggered by government funding or skills-list status. Confirm whether your DS-2019 carries this condition before signing an offer, since it affects your ability to change status or apply for an immigrant visa afterward.
Confirm prevailing wage compliance with your host employer
J-1 Trainees and Specialists must receive wages commensurate with U.S. workers in the same role and location. Check the OFLC Wage Search for Program Manager prevailing wages in your target city so you can verify your offer meets compliance standards before the training plan is finalized.
Program Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Program Manager roles?
Most Program Manager placements use the Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you hold a relevant degree plus at least one year of professional experience outside the U.S., or five years of work experience with no degree. Specialist is available for professionals with recognized expertise in a narrow program management discipline. The Intern category covers current students or those who graduated within 12 months.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Program Manager position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas or IIE issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your exchange visitor status. Your hiring organization is the host employer and co-signs the training plan, but it does not hold sponsorship authority and cannot issue the DS-2019 itself.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 Program Manager?
Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. employers and Program Manager roles that align with J-1 exchange visitor placements. Because the J-1 host model differs from direct employer sponsorship, targeting organizations already familiar with training plan requirements and designated sponsor oversight significantly improves your chances of a successful placement.
Does the two-year home-residency requirement affect Program Manager J-1 holders?
It can. The two-year home-residency requirement applies when your J-1 placement is funded by your home or host government, or when your occupation appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country. If the requirement applies, you must return home for two years before applying for an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or immigrant visa unless you obtain a waiver from USCIS.
What does the training plan need to include for a Program Manager J-1 placement?
The training plan must outline specific skills to be developed, measurable objectives, a weekly activity schedule, and supervision arrangements. For Program Manager roles, this typically covers project lifecycle management, cross-functional team coordination, budget tracking, and stakeholder reporting. The designated sponsor reviews and must approve the plan before issuing the DS-2019, so vague or generic objectives are likely to be rejected.