OPT Acquisition Specialist Jobs
Acquisition Specialist jobs on OPT involve procurement, contract management, and vendor negotiations, fields where your F-1 OPT period gives you 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your role aligns with a qualifying degree in business, supply chain, or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsBy joining Sedgwick, you'll be part of something truly meaningful. It’s what our 33,000 colleagues do every day for people around the world who are facing the unexpected. We invite you to grow your career with us, experience our caring culture, and enjoy work-life balance. Here, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Newsweek Recognizes Sedgwick as America’s Greatest Workplaces National Top Companies
Certified as a Great Place to Work®
Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance
INTRODUCTION
Talent Acquisition Specialist Contract
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To manage staffing activities associated within a designated region; and to partner with Operational management to formulate and execute timely, cost-effective staffing initiatives supporting the regional as well as corporate business objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identifies and cultivates sources for hiring experienced and entry level personnel through:
- Networking and Colleague Referrals,
- Development and utilization of Internet Mining technology and capabilities,
- Development and maintenance of a competitor candidate information database,
- Development and initiation of a candidate relationship “pipeline management” strategy,
- Utilization of current and future staffing technology.
- Manages Recruiting budget for region through cost-effective advertisement and third-party recruiters.
- Develops preferred supplier list of third-party recruiters; works with the National Director of staffing to negotiate discounted contract rates for staffing needs.
- Screens, interviews, and tests job applicants as required; maintains applicant database utilizing electronic recruiting software.
- Provides key staffing metrics for regional hiring; tracks regional colleague retention; and consults with regional management regarding issues affecting turnover.
- Trains and mentors hiring managers as well as Colleague Resource Generalists in the use of the electronic recruiting software; builds skill level of regional users by providing training on system updates and new user training.
- Promotes and assists Colleague Resources Managers in training hiring managers in the use of Behavioral Interviewing Techniques, as well as other candidate assessment tools and processes.
- Supports and provides training for the Colleague Resources Generalists in staffing techniques.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Travels as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Licensing
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred. PHR or SPHR Certification preferred.
Experience
Four (4) years of staffing experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required to include three (3) years as a direct recruiter in a high volume, difficult-to-source industry. Insurance industry recruiting experience is preferred. Experience with recruiting software is preferred.
Skills & Knowledge
- Knowledge of employment laws and practices
- Working knowledge of e-recruiting concepts and systems
- Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills
- PC literate, including Microsoft Office products
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies
WORK ENVIRONMENT
When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.
Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required
Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.
Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, consider applying for it anyway! Sedgwick is building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and recognizes that each person possesses a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
By joining Sedgwick, you'll be part of something truly meaningful. It’s what our 33,000 colleagues do every day for people around the world who are facing the unexpected. We invite you to grow your career with us, experience our caring culture, and enjoy work-life balance. Here, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Newsweek Recognizes Sedgwick as America’s Greatest Workplaces National Top Companies
Certified as a Great Place to Work®
Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance
INTRODUCTION
Talent Acquisition Specialist Contract
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To manage staffing activities associated within a designated region; and to partner with Operational management to formulate and execute timely, cost-effective staffing initiatives supporting the regional as well as corporate business objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identifies and cultivates sources for hiring experienced and entry level personnel through:
- Networking and Colleague Referrals,
- Development and utilization of Internet Mining technology and capabilities,
- Development and maintenance of a competitor candidate information database,
- Development and initiation of a candidate relationship “pipeline management” strategy,
- Utilization of current and future staffing technology.
- Manages Recruiting budget for region through cost-effective advertisement and third-party recruiters.
- Develops preferred supplier list of third-party recruiters; works with the National Director of staffing to negotiate discounted contract rates for staffing needs.
- Screens, interviews, and tests job applicants as required; maintains applicant database utilizing electronic recruiting software.
- Provides key staffing metrics for regional hiring; tracks regional colleague retention; and consults with regional management regarding issues affecting turnover.
- Trains and mentors hiring managers as well as Colleague Resource Generalists in the use of the electronic recruiting software; builds skill level of regional users by providing training on system updates and new user training.
- Promotes and assists Colleague Resources Managers in training hiring managers in the use of Behavioral Interviewing Techniques, as well as other candidate assessment tools and processes.
- Supports and provides training for the Colleague Resources Generalists in staffing techniques.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Travels as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Licensing
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred. PHR or SPHR Certification preferred.
Experience
Four (4) years of staffing experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required to include three (3) years as a direct recruiter in a high volume, difficult-to-source industry. Insurance industry recruiting experience is preferred. Experience with recruiting software is preferred.
Skills & Knowledge
- Knowledge of employment laws and practices
- Working knowledge of e-recruiting concepts and systems
- Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills
- PC literate, including Microsoft Office products
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies
WORK ENVIRONMENT
When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.
Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required
Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.
Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, consider applying for it anyway! Sedgwick is building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and recognizes that each person possesses a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
See all 196+ OPT Acquisition Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Acquisition Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Acquisition Specialist
Target employers with active procurement pipelines
Federal contractors and large corporations with ongoing procurement cycles hire Acquisition Specialists regularly and are more experienced with OPT work authorization. Prioritize employers with established HR processes who have sponsored international employees before.
Align your degree to the role for STEM OPT
If your degree is in supply chain management, operations research, or business analytics, confirm it appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list. A qualifying degree can extend your OPT from 12 months to 36 months total.
Emphasize procurement certifications on your resume
Certifications like the Certified Federal Contracts Manager or CPCM signal specialized knowledge that goes beyond your degree. They reassure employers that you bring immediate value, which helps overcome hesitation about sponsoring an OPT candidate.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline early
Disclose your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility during early conversations. Employers who understand the timeline can plan around it. Surprises late in the hiring process cost you offers more often than honest early disclosure does.
Focus on government contracting firms for faster hiring
Defense and federal contracting firms frequently hire Acquisition Specialists and are familiar with international employees due to cleared workforce diversity. These employers tend to move faster on OPT candidates than those encountering work authorization for the first time.
Prepare to explain the employer's OPT obligations clearly
Many hiring managers do not know that OPT requires no employer petition or USCIS filing on their part. Walking them through the process calmly and accurately removes a major objection and positions you as organized and professional.
Acquisition Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Acquisition Specialist on OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT work authorization allows you to work as an Acquisition Specialist provided the role is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in supply chain management, business administration, operations research, or procurement are typically accepted as qualifying fields for acquisition and contracting roles.
Does an Acquisition Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field such as operations research, management science, or supply chain management, and your Acquisition Specialist role uses those skills directly, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM extension after your initial 12-month OPT period ends.
What do employers need to do to hire me on OPT as an Acquisition Specialist?
For standard OPT, the employer needs to do very little. There is no USCIS petition, no filing fee, and no government approval required from their side. They simply verify your EAD card, complete Form I-9, and for the STEM extension, enroll in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. Most employers find the process straightforward once it is explained clearly.
Where can I find Acquisition Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness. Browsing Acquisition Specialist roles on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers already familiar with OPT work authorization, which significantly reduces the time you spend on applications that go nowhere due to visa concerns.
What happens to my OPT status if my Acquisition Specialist job ends before my EAD expires?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new OPT-qualifying position. During that window you cannot work, but you remain in valid F-1 status. If you secure a new role within the 60 days, your OPT continues. If not, you must change status, depart the U.S., or begin a new academic program.