OPT Inventory Specialist Jobs
Inventory Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in supply chain, logistics, or operations management. Most positions qualify under standard OPT work authorization, and some employers in manufacturing, retail, and distribution actively hire OPT candidates. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...
Position Summary:
The Regional Inventory Specialist continually strengthens internal relationships, builds trust by serving as a Supply Chain Expert and acts as the direct liaison between GFS Supply Chain and the divisional leadership for all segments. Creates, and implements, and provides accountability to the Supply Chain plans that affect the distribution and inventory of products to further enhance product flow from supplier to customer units. Creates best practices, systems, and established processes to coordinate, manage and support activities related to inventory, spoilage, liquidation and overall slot management for assigned division.
What you will do:
- Manages & leads conversations regarding divisional inventory needs to supply chain by communicating demand changes at the customer level.
- Coordinates market intelligence for stakeholders for demand planning needs to drive continuous improvement with customer in-stock performance, days on hand, and product loss.
- Fosters the internal/external customer relationship by educating and influencing customers on the importance of supply chain planning.
- Supports internal and external customers with all analytics, strategy recommendations and communications related to inventory management.
- Serves as an information source, provides item-level recommendations and coordinates appropriate activity with Slot/inventory owners, Category Management Teams, Supply Chain, Warehouse and other departments, as it relates to inventory, liquidation and slot management.
- Identifies and resolves supply chain issues utilizing available resources.
- Serves as the communication point between Supply Chain and assigned divisional sales/marketing teams in regards to all information and activities that influence stock levels. Provides pertinent information to facilitate cross-functional communication among GFS departments (Divisions, Sales, Receiving, Supply Chain, Internal Freight Team and Regional Merchandising Teams).
- Drives promotional activity around at-risk/discontinued inventory. (To include discount flyers, customer opportunities, vendor returns etc).
- Reviews and follows up on PO receipts and late POs to ensure adequate inventory levels for high need divisional items.
- Collaborates with other Divisional Inventory Specialists, Division Sales and Marketing and Supply Chain to evaluate network solutions related to liquidation, out of stocks and overall service profile to our Customers.
- Assists Supply Chain and Sales with successful inventory assumption for Divisional Customers as needed.
- Participates on cross-functional service level action calls with Senior Leadership at the Division level, Operations, and Supply Chain leadership to improve service level to our Divisional Customers.
- Facilitates activity to clear out slow moving discontinued inventory. Reporting on this activity is provided to the General Manager on a quarterly basis.
- Leverages experience and industry knowledge to gather and provide market intelligence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
When you will work:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
- Hybrid Work Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day from home.
What you'll bring to the table:
- Bachelor Degree in Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales, Business or a related field is preferred.
- A minimum of three years of experience in marketing, sales, buying/purchasing, inventory management or a related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A proven capability to perform the essential functions of the job, including an equivalent, relevant combination of education, training and experience will be considered in lieu of the specified education and experience requirements.
- Lead conversations, ability to work in teams, interact with others across departments/roles, develop relationships, etc.
- Self directed with the ability to deal with distraction, decision making, repetition, prioritization, fluctuations in workload, ambiguity, etc.
- Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiply, divide and percentages).
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and execute efficient work processes.
- Knowledge of principles and methods for Demand, Replenishment, supplier relations, moving goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Ability to problem solve and develop solutions to a variety of complex problems by comparing, classifying, innovating, analyzing, coordinating, copying, etc. May refer to established precedents and policies.
- Knowledge of Google Applications, Microsoft Excel and internet software applications.
- Basic office equipment, laptop, PC, copier, videoconferencing.
- Knowledge of supply chain software and business analytic reporting tools preferred.
BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...
Position Summary:
The Regional Inventory Specialist continually strengthens internal relationships, builds trust by serving as a Supply Chain Expert and acts as the direct liaison between GFS Supply Chain and the divisional leadership for all segments. Creates, and implements, and provides accountability to the Supply Chain plans that affect the distribution and inventory of products to further enhance product flow from supplier to customer units. Creates best practices, systems, and established processes to coordinate, manage and support activities related to inventory, spoilage, liquidation and overall slot management for assigned division.
What you will do:
- Manages & leads conversations regarding divisional inventory needs to supply chain by communicating demand changes at the customer level.
- Coordinates market intelligence for stakeholders for demand planning needs to drive continuous improvement with customer in-stock performance, days on hand, and product loss.
- Fosters the internal/external customer relationship by educating and influencing customers on the importance of supply chain planning.
- Supports internal and external customers with all analytics, strategy recommendations and communications related to inventory management.
- Serves as an information source, provides item-level recommendations and coordinates appropriate activity with Slot/inventory owners, Category Management Teams, Supply Chain, Warehouse and other departments, as it relates to inventory, liquidation and slot management.
- Identifies and resolves supply chain issues utilizing available resources.
- Serves as the communication point between Supply Chain and assigned divisional sales/marketing teams in regards to all information and activities that influence stock levels. Provides pertinent information to facilitate cross-functional communication among GFS departments (Divisions, Sales, Receiving, Supply Chain, Internal Freight Team and Regional Merchandising Teams).
- Drives promotional activity around at-risk/discontinued inventory. (To include discount flyers, customer opportunities, vendor returns etc).
- Reviews and follows up on PO receipts and late POs to ensure adequate inventory levels for high need divisional items.
- Collaborates with other Divisional Inventory Specialists, Division Sales and Marketing and Supply Chain to evaluate network solutions related to liquidation, out of stocks and overall service profile to our Customers.
- Assists Supply Chain and Sales with successful inventory assumption for Divisional Customers as needed.
- Participates on cross-functional service level action calls with Senior Leadership at the Division level, Operations, and Supply Chain leadership to improve service level to our Divisional Customers.
- Facilitates activity to clear out slow moving discontinued inventory. Reporting on this activity is provided to the General Manager on a quarterly basis.
- Leverages experience and industry knowledge to gather and provide market intelligence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
When you will work:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
- Hybrid Work Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day from home.
What you'll bring to the table:
- Bachelor Degree in Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales, Business or a related field is preferred.
- A minimum of three years of experience in marketing, sales, buying/purchasing, inventory management or a related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A proven capability to perform the essential functions of the job, including an equivalent, relevant combination of education, training and experience will be considered in lieu of the specified education and experience requirements.
- Lead conversations, ability to work in teams, interact with others across departments/roles, develop relationships, etc.
- Self directed with the ability to deal with distraction, decision making, repetition, prioritization, fluctuations in workload, ambiguity, etc.
- Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiply, divide and percentages).
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and execute efficient work processes.
- Knowledge of principles and methods for Demand, Replenishment, supplier relations, moving goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Ability to problem solve and develop solutions to a variety of complex problems by comparing, classifying, innovating, analyzing, coordinating, copying, etc. May refer to established precedents and policies.
- Knowledge of Google Applications, Microsoft Excel and internet software applications.
- Basic office equipment, laptop, PC, copier, videoconferencing.
- Knowledge of supply chain software and business analytic reporting tools preferred.
BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.
See all 204+ OPT Inventory Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Inventory Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Inventory Specialist
Target employers with established OPT hiring histories
Large retailers, third-party logistics firms, and manufacturers are the most consistent OPT hirers for inventory roles. Companies with dedicated HR teams are better equipped to handle the paperwork requirements that come with hiring F-1 students on OPT.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this significantly extends your authorization window.
Lead with your authorization status in applications
State clearly that you are authorized to work on OPT and include your OPT end date. Employers unfamiliar with F-1 work authorization often assume complexity. A brief, confident explanation reduces hesitation and keeps your application moving forward.
Highlight ERP and inventory management software skills
Proficiency in SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems sets you apart immediately. Employers posting inventory roles consistently cite these as required skills, and demonstrating hands-on experience shortens the conversation about whether you can perform the job from day one.
Connect degree coursework directly to the role requirements
Inventory Specialist postings often list demand forecasting, cycle counting, and warehouse operations as core duties. Map your coursework or internship projects directly to those responsibilities in your resume to show a concrete, degree-backed qualification for the position.
Apply early and track your OPT end date carefully
Onboarding timelines at logistics and retail employers can run four to six weeks. If your OPT end date is approaching, prioritize applications immediately. A late start can leave you authorized on paper but unable to begin work before your status lapses.
Inventory Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Inventory Specialists?
Yes. Inventory Specialist roles qualify under F-1 OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field, typically supply chain, logistics, business, or industrial engineering. Your employer does not need to sponsor a visa during your OPT period, but you are responsible for ensuring the role aligns with your authorized field of study.
Do Inventory Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, or operations research, and the employer is E-Verify registered, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
What do employers typically look for when hiring OPT students for inventory roles?
Most employers prioritize experience with inventory management systems like SAP or Oracle, attention to detail in cycle counting and reconciliation, and familiarity with warehouse operations. A degree in supply chain, business, or engineering helps establish the connection between your academic background and the role. OPT students who can articulate that connection clearly move through hiring faster.
Where can I find Inventory Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches, so you can browse Inventory Specialist listings from employers who have confirmed openings for international students. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization issues late in the process.
How should I handle the question about work authorization when applying for inventory roles?
Be direct. State that you are authorized to work in the U.S. on F-1 OPT, include your authorization end date, and note whether you are eligible for a STEM extension if applicable. Employers in logistics and operations are generally practical. Clear, upfront answers prevent misunderstandings and demonstrate the straightforwardness the role itself requires.