Brand Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Brand Manager roles on OPT require employers to sponsor or support your work authorization before or at the end of your OPT period. Most positions sit inside CPG, tech, or agency environments where 60-day cap-gap planning and H-1B sponsorship timelines are a real part of the hiring conversation.
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About us
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands. We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Planters, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others. No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious!
Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration
We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone. You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.
Position Summary
Marketing is at the core of our world and at the heart of where we make our decisions. Marketers understand the consumer… really understand the consumer. They ask questions. Find answers. They take the extra step to work towards a vision for future success, while driving revenue and profit. As a Brand Manager you will be at the center for some of the biggest decisions we make. Brand Managers are leaders in our brands and businesses: You turn ideas into actions. Your responsibilities will span across strategy, advertising, media, and agency management as you evolve and accelerate our Communications for the entire beverage mixes portfolio. This position is best suited for someone who is creative, has a bias for action, a love for social media, and excellent communication skills. You should be comfortable working both horizontally and vertically across an organization to keep multiple projects and priorities moving forward to achieve goals.
Key Components of the Role
- Own breakthrough communications that will build brand equity and drive long-term growth for the beverage mixes portfolio, focusing on Crystal Light and Kool Aid.
- Lead end to end creative strategy
- Own creative brief for external collaborators, including the business problem to be solved
- Identify best big idea for development
- Lead agency discussion, owner of feedback to lead agency
- Think strategically and holistically across full marketing mix, with specific focus and passion on emerging platforms
- Approve research framework for creative development
- Influence, and collaborate with, category marketing, central marketing, consumer insights, sales, finance, and agency partners to take creative ideas & activations from concept to reality
- Lead discussions during presentations with business unit and marketing senior leadership
- Lead full cross-agency team (creative, social, media, PR) to bring ideas to life and extend campaign across relevant channels
- Advocate for a deep comprehension of the consumer and use consumer insights to drive brand and campaign strategy
- Assess data analysis to inform strategies and assess in-market results to drive business objectives
- Responsible for delivering creative work and activations on time and on budget
Qualifications
- Creative innovator with the courage to stand up for ideas and is passionate about the power of brand, design & consumer experience to impact strategic direction of business
- Proven track record of drive for results and leadership
- Operates with agility with solid problem solving and simplification skills
- Strong communication, influence and relationship building skills in a cross-functional team environment
- Proven collaborator who brings teams together to solve problems
- Prior proven experience in marketing for a CPG company or experience supporting on the agency side (advertising, consulting, media)
- Models resiliency in a dynamic, fast paced work environment that requires flexibility to manage multiple simultaneous projects
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range: $120,800.00 - $151,000.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
- Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
- Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.
Job Description
About us
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands. We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Planters, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others. No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious!
Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration
We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone. You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.
Position Summary
Marketing is at the core of our world and at the heart of where we make our decisions. Marketers understand the consumer… really understand the consumer. They ask questions. Find answers. They take the extra step to work towards a vision for future success, while driving revenue and profit. As a Brand Manager you will be at the center for some of the biggest decisions we make. Brand Managers are leaders in our brands and businesses: You turn ideas into actions. Your responsibilities will span across strategy, advertising, media, and agency management as you evolve and accelerate our Communications for the entire beverage mixes portfolio. This position is best suited for someone who is creative, has a bias for action, a love for social media, and excellent communication skills. You should be comfortable working both horizontally and vertically across an organization to keep multiple projects and priorities moving forward to achieve goals.
Key Components of the Role
- Own breakthrough communications that will build brand equity and drive long-term growth for the beverage mixes portfolio, focusing on Crystal Light and Kool Aid.
- Lead end to end creative strategy
- Own creative brief for external collaborators, including the business problem to be solved
- Identify best big idea for development
- Lead agency discussion, owner of feedback to lead agency
- Think strategically and holistically across full marketing mix, with specific focus and passion on emerging platforms
- Approve research framework for creative development
- Influence, and collaborate with, category marketing, central marketing, consumer insights, sales, finance, and agency partners to take creative ideas & activations from concept to reality
- Lead discussions during presentations with business unit and marketing senior leadership
- Lead full cross-agency team (creative, social, media, PR) to bring ideas to life and extend campaign across relevant channels
- Advocate for a deep comprehension of the consumer and use consumer insights to drive brand and campaign strategy
- Assess data analysis to inform strategies and assess in-market results to drive business objectives
- Responsible for delivering creative work and activations on time and on budget
Qualifications
- Creative innovator with the courage to stand up for ideas and is passionate about the power of brand, design & consumer experience to impact strategic direction of business
- Proven track record of drive for results and leadership
- Operates with agility with solid problem solving and simplification skills
- Strong communication, influence and relationship building skills in a cross-functional team environment
- Proven collaborator who brings teams together to solve problems
- Prior proven experience in marketing for a CPG company or experience supporting on the agency side (advertising, consulting, media)
- Models resiliency in a dynamic, fast paced work environment that requires flexibility to manage multiple simultaneous projects
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range: $120,800.00 - $151,000.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
- Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
- Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Brand Manager
Target industries with strong H-1B sponsorship track records
Consumer goods companies, tech firms, and large agencies file H-1B petitions for Brand Managers regularly. Prioritize employers with documented sponsorship history rather than assuming any marketing role will lead to visa support.
Frame your OPT timeline upfront in applications
Brand Manager hiring cycles can run three to six months. If your OPT expires within a year, mention your authorization window early so employers can assess sponsorship feasibility before investing heavily in your candidacy.
Lead with business impact, not visa need
Hiring managers respond to revenue growth, campaign ROI, and brand equity metrics. Build your resume around measurable outcomes first. Sponsorship is a process question; your value proposition is what gets you the interview.
Identify roles where a specialty occupation case is straightforward
Brand Manager positions requiring a degree in marketing, business, or communications support a cleaner H-1B specialty occupation argument. Roles with vague degree requirements can complicate future sponsorship, so read job descriptions carefully before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Brand Manager on OPT?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in a role directly related to your field of study, so a Brand Manager position supported by a degree in marketing, communications, or business qualifies. Your employment must begin within 90 days of your OPT start date, and the role needs to align with your declared major.
Do Brand Manager roles typically come with H-1B sponsorship?
Sponsorship availability varies significantly by employer size and industry. Large CPG companies and established tech firms sponsor Brand Managers for H-1B visas with some regularity. Smaller agencies and startups are less consistent. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers who have sponsored OPT workers before, which removes much of the guesswork from your job search.
Does a Brand Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but the job description matters. A Brand Manager role that explicitly requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field supports a specialty occupation argument. Roles where any bachelor's degree is accepted, regardless of field, can be harder to petition. Reading the degree requirement language in each job posting before applying is worth doing early.
What happens to my Brand Manager job if I don't get selected in the H-1B lottery?
If you're not selected, your OPT authorization ends on its expiration date and you'd need to stop working. Some employers explore alternatives like the O-1A visa for workers with demonstrated marketing achievements, or roles at cap-exempt institutions. Having this conversation with your employer before lottery results arrive in April gives you more options and less panic.
Can I do a Brand Manager internship on OPT before converting to a full-time role?
Yes, internships and contract positions count toward your OPT as long as the work is related to your field of study and you work at least 20 hours per week. Some students use an internship to demonstrate value to an employer before negotiating a full-time offer with H-1B sponsorship. Just be aware that the total OPT period, including any prior CPT, is capped at 12 months for non-STEM students.
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