OPT Category Manager Jobs
Category Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in supply chain, business analytics, or marketing. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, and employers in retail, e-commerce, and CPG regularly hire OPT candidates with STEM OPT extensions available for quantitative-focused positions.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
The Junior Category Manager provides support to the Category and Merchandise Manager Team, store operations, and vendor partners in everyday functions of their categories. They are responsible for conducting analysis of category performance, industry trends & insights, while executing promotional planning, and day to day vendor management. This position is also responsible for executing strategy initiatives supporting the Merchandise Department.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Proven ability to generate, analyze, and draw conclusions on substantial amounts of data to support efficient management of the category and drive critical business decisions.
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Assist Category Managers in the management of day-to-day local vendor contact for all issues related to item set up, pricing, costs, product logistics, in-stocks etc.
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Responsible for the planning, tracking, and execution of vendor/operations sales incentives and/or contests.
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Understand, analyze, and provide support and recommendations to the Category Managers for all aspects associated with the local planogram assortment, planning, and process.
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Collaborate on promotional and pricing management and execute associated local activities.
-
In store merchandising opportunities to support operational team with occasional overnight travel required.
-
All other duties as assigned to achieve operational excellence in the business unit.
-
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reading professional publications, establishing personal networks; or participating in professional societies.
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Contributes to team effort by accomplishing determined Financial and Key Result Area targets pursuant to Company Plan guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree in finance, management, business economics, or related field preferred. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the requirements may be substituted.
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One to Three years of work experience preferred.
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Retail experience preferred, but not necessary.
-
Radical curiosity of retail and the constantly changing marketplace.
-
Must be detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
-
Strong presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
-
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) required.
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May require up to 20% travel.
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Valid Driver’s License supported by a clean driving record.
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Annually salary $65,000 to $75,000.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Complete physical activity inventory of the position includes:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Operate computer keyboard and mouse for data entry.
- View computer monitor.
- Hear and speak via telephone.
- Reach forward and/or overhead.
- Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions inventory of the position includes:
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at a normal range.
- The lighting will include natural light from the outside and fluorescent lighting throughout the work areas.
- Work with minimum direction and periodic supervision.
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS REFLECT THE GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS / DUTIES AND /OR RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY TO IDENTIFY THE JOB AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY INTENDED TO SET FORTH ALL OF THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.
NOTE: This Job Description may change periodically as required by business necessity, with or without advance notice to employees.
Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
JOB SUMMARY
The Junior Category Manager provides support to the Category and Merchandise Manager Team, store operations, and vendor partners in everyday functions of their categories. They are responsible for conducting analysis of category performance, industry trends & insights, while executing promotional planning, and day to day vendor management. This position is also responsible for executing strategy initiatives supporting the Merchandise Department.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
-
Proven ability to generate, analyze, and draw conclusions on substantial amounts of data to support efficient management of the category and drive critical business decisions.
-
Assist Category Managers in the management of day-to-day local vendor contact for all issues related to item set up, pricing, costs, product logistics, in-stocks etc.
-
Responsible for the planning, tracking, and execution of vendor/operations sales incentives and/or contests.
-
Understand, analyze, and provide support and recommendations to the Category Managers for all aspects associated with the local planogram assortment, planning, and process.
-
Collaborate on promotional and pricing management and execute associated local activities.
-
In store merchandising opportunities to support operational team with occasional overnight travel required.
-
All other duties as assigned to achieve operational excellence in the business unit.
-
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reading professional publications, establishing personal networks; or participating in professional societies.
-
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing determined Financial and Key Result Area targets pursuant to Company Plan guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bachelor’s degree in finance, management, business economics, or related field preferred. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the requirements may be substituted.
-
One to Three years of work experience preferred.
-
Retail experience preferred, but not necessary.
-
Radical curiosity of retail and the constantly changing marketplace.
-
Must be detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
-
Strong presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
-
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) required.
-
May require up to 20% travel.
-
Valid Driver’s License supported by a clean driving record.
-
Annually salary $65,000 to $75,000.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Complete physical activity inventory of the position includes:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Operate computer keyboard and mouse for data entry.
- View computer monitor.
- Hear and speak via telephone.
- Reach forward and/or overhead.
- Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions inventory of the position includes:
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at a normal range.
- The lighting will include natural light from the outside and fluorescent lighting throughout the work areas.
- Work with minimum direction and periodic supervision.
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS REFLECT THE GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS / DUTIES AND /OR RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY TO IDENTIFY THE JOB AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY INTENDED TO SET FORTH ALL OF THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.
NOTE: This Job Description may change periodically as required by business necessity, with or without advance notice to employees.
Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
See all 140+ OPT Category Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Category Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Category Manager
Target employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Large retailers, e-commerce companies, and CPG firms like Target, Amazon, and Procter and Gamble have consistent H-1B visa filing records for category management roles. Prioritize these over smaller buyers where sponsorship infrastructure is less established.
Frame your analytics skills front and center
Category Managers who demonstrate proficiency in demand forecasting, pricing analysis, or SQL-based reporting are easier to sponsor under specialty occupation criteria. Quantitative skills also improve your odds of qualifying for a STEM OPT extension.
Clarify your OPT timeline early in interviews
Tell hiring managers your OPT end date and whether you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Knowing your full authorization window lets employers plan H-1B sponsorship around the next lottery cycle without feeling rushed.
Pursue roles with a defined degree requirement
Category Manager positions that explicitly require a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field are far easier to sponsor. Avoid listings where any degree satisfies the requirement, as those may not qualify as specialty occupations.
Get your EAD card and I-20 paperwork current before applying
Employers will verify your work authorization before extending an offer. Having a current EAD, valid I-20 with OPT authorization, and a clear start date removes friction and signals you are ready to begin without administrative delays.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly category management roles
Migrate Mate filters job listings by visa sponsorship willingness, so you can focus on employers already open to OPT candidates. Browsing by industry lets you target retail, grocery, or e-commerce firms with active category management hiring.
Category Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Category Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Category Manager positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as supply chain management, business administration, or marketing. Roles that rely heavily on data analysis or merchandising strategy are easier to support. Generic management titles where any degree suffices are harder to sponsor, so the job description wording matters significantly.
Can F-1 OPT students work as Category Managers without employer sponsorship initially?
Yes. Your F-1 OPT EAD card authorizes you to work for any U.S. employer in a role related to your degree, including Category Manager positions, without the employer filing any immigration petition. Sponsorship only becomes necessary when your OPT period ends and you need to transition to a longer-term visa such as the H-1B.
Do Category Manager jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field such as statistics, operations research, or information systems, and your Category Manager role involves substantial quantitative work, your DSO may authorize the extension. A general business or marketing degree typically does not qualify, even if the role is analytical.
Where can I find Category Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsoring employers, so you can browse Category Manager listings filtered by sponsorship openness. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company does not support work visa holders.
What industries hire Category Managers and regularly sponsor work visas?
Retail chains, grocery companies, e-commerce platforms, and consumer packaged goods manufacturers are the most active hirers of Category Managers and have established legal teams for H-1B sponsorship. Healthcare distributors and wholesale companies also hire for this role. Smaller specialty retailers may offer the title but lack the infrastructure to sponsor visa transitions reliably.