OPT And Operations Planning Jobs
And Operations Planning jobs on OPT typically fall under business operations or supply chain functions, both of which qualify for standard 12-month OPT and STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, business analytics, or a related STEM field. Employers in this space regularly hire F-1 candidates for demand planning, capacity analysis, and cross-functional coordination roles.
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Amazon is seeking an experienced Labor and Operations Planning Specialist to analyze and optimize labor planning and operations across our food manufacturing facilities. This individual contributor role combines workforce analytics, capacity planning, and operational efficiency expertise to ensure our manufacturing sites are properly staffed to meet production demands while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational excellence. This role includes stretch leadership opportunities including mentoring, influencing cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives.
Key job responsibilities
Labor Planning & Workforce Analytics
- Develop and maintain comprehensive labor plans for multiple food manufacturing facilities based on production forecasts, historical data, and operational requirements
- Analyze workforce capacity needs and create staffing strategies that balance production demands with cost optimization
- Create labor forecasting models using production volume data, associate performance rates, attendance patterns, and attrition trends
- Support the rhythm of labor planning, ordering, and hiring lifecycle to ensure adequate staffing across all facilities
- Coordinate with Workforce Staffing (WFS) teams to provide data-driven hiring recommendations and minimize gaps in labor hours
- Develop and maintain labor planning assumptions including rates, attendance, attrition, and productivity metrics
Operations Planning & Analysis
- Analyze manufacturing operations data to identify opportunities for labor efficiency improvements and cost reduction
- Create and maintain labor planning tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to track key performance indicators
- Conduct capacity planning analysis to ensure facilities can meet production volume requirements
- Develop labor allocation strategies across different production lines, shifts, and departments
- Monitor and report on labor utilization, overtime trends, and productivity metrics
- Translate labor plans into actionable recommendations for operations teams regarding shift schedules and staffing assignments
Data-Driven Decision Making
- Build and maintain workforce analytics platforms to monitor labor efficiency, cost per unit, and productivity trends
- Develop forecasting models that predict labor needs based on production schedules, seasonal demand, and business growth
- Analyze historical labor data to identify patterns and optimize future planning decisions
- Create reports and presentations on labor planning performance and recommendations for leadership
- Utilize data analysis tools to provide insights that drive operational improvements
- Regularly review performance metrics and proactively identify areas for improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
- Partner with operations leadership, human resources, finance, learning teams, and supply chain to align labor plans with business objectives
- Participate in labor planning meetings with site leadership to review assumptions, capacity needs, and staffing strategies
- Collaborate with HR teams on attendance management, conversion strategies, and roster accuracy
- Work with finance teams to ensure cost-effective labor decisions and budget alignment
- Coordinate with learning and development teams to ensure adequate training capacity for new hires
- Build consensus across stakeholders on labor planning priorities and trade-offs
- Influence team-level and cross-functional decisions through data-driven recommendations and subject matter expertise
Process Improvement & Standardization
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance labor planning accuracy and efficiency
- Develop standardized labor planning processes and best practices across multiple facilities
- Create mechanisms to proactively identify and address labor planning blockers
- Implement tools and systems that automate labor planning tasks and reduce manual work
- Document labor planning procedures and train site teams on planning tools and methodologies
- Lead initiatives to improve data quality and integrity in labor planning systems
- Champion process improvements that have organization-wide impact
Labor Lever Analysis
- Analyze capacity gaps and recommend labor levers (mandatory overtime, voluntary extra time, incentivized shifts) to address production needs
- Develop strategies for flexible staffing that can respond to volume fluctuations
- Monitor labor lever utilization and cost-effectiveness across facilities
- Create frameworks for when and how to deploy different labor adjustment strategies
- Ensure labor lever decisions comply with company policies and labor regulations
Leadership & Mentorship (Stretch Responsibilities)
- Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to junior team members and peers on labor planning methodologies and best practices
- Lead knowledge-sharing sessions and training initiatives to build labor planning capabilities across the organization
- Guide and coach team members on complex labor planning scenarios and analytical approaches
- Act as a thought leader in workforce planning, sharing insights and innovations with broader teams
- Take ownership of cross-functional initiatives that require influencing stakeholders without direct authority
- Represent labor planning expertise in strategic discussions with senior leadership
- Identify and develop talent within the organization by providing constructive feedback and growth opportunities
A day in the life
- Position may require up to 25% travel to manufacturing facilities
- Flexibility to work across time zones to support multiple facility locations
- Ability to work on manufacturing floor to understand operations and validate planning assumptions
- Occasional evening or weekend work during peak planning cycles or production ramps
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree, or Master's degree in supply chain management, operations, engineering, analytics or related field
- Experience guiding, training and mentoring others
- 4+ years of experience in labor planning, workforce planning, operations planning, or capacity planning
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, food production, or high-volume operations environments
- Demonstrated experience analyzing workforce data and creating labor forecasting models
- Strong proficiency with data analysis tools including Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, macros, VBA)
- Experience with workforce management systems, labor planning tools, or scheduling software
- Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple facilities or locations simultaneously
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data and translate into actionable insights
- Experience presenting to and influencing leadership on labor planning recommendations
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, or related field
- Experience specifically in food manufacturing or CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) environments
- Knowledge of labor planning tools such as ALPS, SSPOT, LAS, or similar workforce management platforms
- Experience with business intelligence tools (Tableau, QuickSight, Power BI) and SQL
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience with labor forecasting algorithms and predictive analytics
- Knowledge of labor laws, overtime regulations, and compliance requirements
- Experience working with staffing agencies and third-party labor providers
- Understanding of production planning systems (ERP, MES) and how they integrate with labor planning
- Six Sigma or Lean certification
- Experience with change management and implementing new planning processes
- Track record of delivering measurable cost savings through labor optimization
- Experience with statistical analysis and modeling techniques
- Demonstrated experience mentoring or coaching team members
- Experience leading cross-functional projects or initiatives
- Proven ability to influence decisions at senior management levels
LOCATION
USA, TX, Austin - 85,800.00 - 128,600.00 USD annually
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
DESCRIPTION
Amazon is seeking an experienced Labor and Operations Planning Specialist to analyze and optimize labor planning and operations across our food manufacturing facilities. This individual contributor role combines workforce analytics, capacity planning, and operational efficiency expertise to ensure our manufacturing sites are properly staffed to meet production demands while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational excellence. This role includes stretch leadership opportunities including mentoring, influencing cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives.
Key job responsibilities
Labor Planning & Workforce Analytics
- Develop and maintain comprehensive labor plans for multiple food manufacturing facilities based on production forecasts, historical data, and operational requirements
- Analyze workforce capacity needs and create staffing strategies that balance production demands with cost optimization
- Create labor forecasting models using production volume data, associate performance rates, attendance patterns, and attrition trends
- Support the rhythm of labor planning, ordering, and hiring lifecycle to ensure adequate staffing across all facilities
- Coordinate with Workforce Staffing (WFS) teams to provide data-driven hiring recommendations and minimize gaps in labor hours
- Develop and maintain labor planning assumptions including rates, attendance, attrition, and productivity metrics
Operations Planning & Analysis
- Analyze manufacturing operations data to identify opportunities for labor efficiency improvements and cost reduction
- Create and maintain labor planning tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to track key performance indicators
- Conduct capacity planning analysis to ensure facilities can meet production volume requirements
- Develop labor allocation strategies across different production lines, shifts, and departments
- Monitor and report on labor utilization, overtime trends, and productivity metrics
- Translate labor plans into actionable recommendations for operations teams regarding shift schedules and staffing assignments
Data-Driven Decision Making
- Build and maintain workforce analytics platforms to monitor labor efficiency, cost per unit, and productivity trends
- Develop forecasting models that predict labor needs based on production schedules, seasonal demand, and business growth
- Analyze historical labor data to identify patterns and optimize future planning decisions
- Create reports and presentations on labor planning performance and recommendations for leadership
- Utilize data analysis tools to provide insights that drive operational improvements
- Regularly review performance metrics and proactively identify areas for improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
- Partner with operations leadership, human resources, finance, learning teams, and supply chain to align labor plans with business objectives
- Participate in labor planning meetings with site leadership to review assumptions, capacity needs, and staffing strategies
- Collaborate with HR teams on attendance management, conversion strategies, and roster accuracy
- Work with finance teams to ensure cost-effective labor decisions and budget alignment
- Coordinate with learning and development teams to ensure adequate training capacity for new hires
- Build consensus across stakeholders on labor planning priorities and trade-offs
- Influence team-level and cross-functional decisions through data-driven recommendations and subject matter expertise
Process Improvement & Standardization
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance labor planning accuracy and efficiency
- Develop standardized labor planning processes and best practices across multiple facilities
- Create mechanisms to proactively identify and address labor planning blockers
- Implement tools and systems that automate labor planning tasks and reduce manual work
- Document labor planning procedures and train site teams on planning tools and methodologies
- Lead initiatives to improve data quality and integrity in labor planning systems
- Champion process improvements that have organization-wide impact
Labor Lever Analysis
- Analyze capacity gaps and recommend labor levers (mandatory overtime, voluntary extra time, incentivized shifts) to address production needs
- Develop strategies for flexible staffing that can respond to volume fluctuations
- Monitor labor lever utilization and cost-effectiveness across facilities
- Create frameworks for when and how to deploy different labor adjustment strategies
- Ensure labor lever decisions comply with company policies and labor regulations
Leadership & Mentorship (Stretch Responsibilities)
- Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to junior team members and peers on labor planning methodologies and best practices
- Lead knowledge-sharing sessions and training initiatives to build labor planning capabilities across the organization
- Guide and coach team members on complex labor planning scenarios and analytical approaches
- Act as a thought leader in workforce planning, sharing insights and innovations with broader teams
- Take ownership of cross-functional initiatives that require influencing stakeholders without direct authority
- Represent labor planning expertise in strategic discussions with senior leadership
- Identify and develop talent within the organization by providing constructive feedback and growth opportunities
A day in the life
- Position may require up to 25% travel to manufacturing facilities
- Flexibility to work across time zones to support multiple facility locations
- Ability to work on manufacturing floor to understand operations and validate planning assumptions
- Occasional evening or weekend work during peak planning cycles or production ramps
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree, or Master's degree in supply chain management, operations, engineering, analytics or related field
- Experience guiding, training and mentoring others
- 4+ years of experience in labor planning, workforce planning, operations planning, or capacity planning
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, food production, or high-volume operations environments
- Demonstrated experience analyzing workforce data and creating labor forecasting models
- Strong proficiency with data analysis tools including Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, macros, VBA)
- Experience with workforce management systems, labor planning tools, or scheduling software
- Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple facilities or locations simultaneously
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data and translate into actionable insights
- Experience presenting to and influencing leadership on labor planning recommendations
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, or related field
- Experience specifically in food manufacturing or CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) environments
- Knowledge of labor planning tools such as ALPS, SSPOT, LAS, or similar workforce management platforms
- Experience with business intelligence tools (Tableau, QuickSight, Power BI) and SQL
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience with labor forecasting algorithms and predictive analytics
- Knowledge of labor laws, overtime regulations, and compliance requirements
- Experience working with staffing agencies and third-party labor providers
- Understanding of production planning systems (ERP, MES) and how they integrate with labor planning
- Six Sigma or Lean certification
- Experience with change management and implementing new planning processes
- Track record of delivering measurable cost savings through labor optimization
- Experience with statistical analysis and modeling techniques
- Demonstrated experience mentoring or coaching team members
- Experience leading cross-functional projects or initiatives
- Proven ability to influence decisions at senior management levels
LOCATION
USA, TX, Austin - 85,800.00 - 128,600.00 USD annually
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
See all 33+ OPT And Operations Planning Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in And Operations Planning
Confirm your degree supports STEM OPT
Operations planning roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in industrial engineering, supply chain, or business analytics. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles requiring longer authorization.
Target companies with established OPT hiring processes
Large manufacturers, logistics firms, and tech companies with dedicated HR teams are far more likely to have processed OPT candidates before. Smaller companies may be willing but lack the administrative infrastructure to move quickly.
Address your OPT timeline early and directly
Operations planning hiring cycles can run eight to twelve weeks. If your OPT start date or expiration creates a timing conflict, raise it in the first recruiter screen so both sides can plan rather than stall late in the process.
Highlight systems and tools experience prominently
Employers hiring for operations planning prioritize candidates with hands-on experience in SAP, Oracle, or Excel-based planning models. Quantify your impact with metrics like forecast accuracy improvements or inventory reduction percentages to stand out.
Understand the cap-gap rule if H-1B is the next step
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30. Knowing this removes a common objection employers raise about OPT timing gaps.
Use Migrate Mate to focus your search on sponsoring employers
Browsing general job boards wastes time on roles that will not consider OPT candidates. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers open to sponsoring international workers, which is especially useful in competitive operations planning hiring markets.
And Operations Planning OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do operations planning jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code, such as industrial engineering, supply chain management, or business analytics, you can apply for the 24-month extension regardless of your exact job title. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO and ensure the role is directly related to your field of study.
How do I find operations planning employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Most general job postings do not specify whether a company will consider OPT, which makes filtering difficult. Migrate Mate is built specifically for this problem, showing you operations planning roles at employers who have sponsored international workers before. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa limitations late in the process.
Can I work in operations planning while my STEM OPT extension application is pending?
Yes, as long as you filed the STEM OPT extension application before your initial OPT expired, you are covered by an automatic 180-day cap-gap while USCIS processes it. You must remain employed at an E-Verify employer during this period. Do not stop working or change employers without first consulting your DSO.
What does an operations planning employer need to do to support my OPT?
For standard OPT, the employer does not file anything with USCIS. Your DSO updates your SEVIS record and issues a new I-20. For STEM OPT, the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan with you. The administrative burden on the employer is relatively low compared to H-1B sponsorship, which makes OPT an easier ask.
Is operations planning considered a specialty occupation for future H-1B sponsorship?
It can be, depending on how the role is defined. Positions requiring a specific bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, or business analytics generally qualify as specialty occupations. Roles framed as general management or coordinator-level work with no specific degree requirement are more likely to face an H-1B challenge. The job description language your employer uses when filing matters considerably.