Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Manufacturing Operations Manager roles frequently qualify for OPT work authorization because they require a specialized degree in industrial engineering, supply chain management, or a related field. With a 12-month OPT window and STEM extension eligibility for qualifying degrees, this role gives you meaningful runway to build your U.S. career in operations leadership.
See All Manufacturing Operations Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 963+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 963+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing Operations Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Digital is helping Pfizer Global Supply win the digital race in pharma and create breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Digital provides innovative digital solutions that unleash the power of our people by allowing them to focus their time and attention on value-add tasks. Our solutions accelerate key PGS initiatives and help PGS sites realize benefits of continuous improvement more rapidly. The Manufacturing Technology and Solutions team enables a world-class manufacturing and supply chain organization by increasing visibility and efficiency across diverse systems and processes, and delivering predictive analytics and insights. The team supports Pfizer’s Core Manufacturing & Engineering Solutions, while enabling a secure, seamless flow of contextualized data from the device & control levels, all the way to the top of the Enterprise. Our goal is to create persona driven, connected experiences across our shop floors to predict and optimize operations, while providing intelligence, and real-time insights to operators. Key functional areas: * Strategy & Operation Excellence * Global Supply Engineering & Sustainment * Manufacturing Operations Solutions * E2E Network Solutions
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will:
The Manufacturing Operations Solutions Strategy Lead supports the deployment of MES across PGS Manufacturing sites by coordinating and executing value-based scoping of sites, supporting the development of the long-term MES deployment roadmap. The Manager will coordinate pre-deployment activities, ensuring alignment with global Digital standards and templates. This role supports the definition and execution of MES deployment acceleration initiatives, contributing to long term strategic goals of lowering cost per EBR implementation and speed to value. The manager will collaborate closely with site teams and cross-functional partners to enable a successful deployment.
- Support Value-Focused MES Deployment Planning: Partner with senior team members to scope high-value business areas and contribute to defining deployment strategies that support digital and PGS priorities.
- Develop Site-Level Roadmaps Aligned to Global Priorities: Translate the global MES vision into tailored site-specific roadmaps, ensuring alignment with long-term manufacturing and digital transformation objectives.
- Coordinate Pre-Deployment Readiness for Activities: Drive all pre-deployment preparation activities — including stakeholder alignment, gap analysis, integration scoping, and process mapping, ensuring the site is fully prepared for MES execution.
- Facilitate Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted partnerships with site operations, quality, engineering, and automation teams to ensure shared ownership of the MES strategy, scope, and launch approach.
- Manage Handover to Deployment Teams: Facilitate a structured transition of the site to the MES deployment team, ensuring a clear scope, defined success criteria, and readiness across people, processes, and systems.
- Track Progress against Milestones: Monitor and communicate progress against roadmap deliverables and escalate risks or blockers as needed.
- Embed Deployment Accelerators: Contribute to and implement repeatable launch accelerators – such as playbooks, reusable templates, standard MES functionality and integration channels, new deployment models and AI to drive greater standardization and contribute to program acceleration goals.
- Manage Site-Level Budget Inputs: Support financial planning for site launch and readiness by estimating deployment costs, resource planning and flagging potential variances to senior team members.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Engineering or Technology based subjects(s)
- Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR an associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant domain experience in manufacturing and/or quality operations.
- Experience in all stages of solution and application lifecycle from value analysis, business case development, and solution deployment through to value realization and system retirement is a significant advantage.
- Ability to work across multiple concurrent activities and successfully adapt to changing priorities as required.
- An understanding of system cGMP requirements and demonstrable knowledge of computer system design and maintenance lifecycle in cGMP environments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-3 years of experience in a Global Solution environment focused on the build and deployment of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Experience working with Rockwell Pharmasuite or Siemens OpCenter Execution Pharma.
- Experience with Agile Software Delivery as a Product Owner.
- Hands-on experience in a manufacturing facility.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to manage many parallel objectives and changing priorities.
- Understanding complex interrelationships between system components and design/implementation decisions.
Non-standard Work Schedule, Travel Or Environment Requirements
Ability to travel up to 25%
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $99,200.00 to $165,400.00.* In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.
- The annual base salary for this position in Tampa, FL ranges from $89,400.00 to $149,000.00. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States. Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
INTRODUCTION
Digital is helping Pfizer Global Supply win the digital race in pharma and create breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Digital provides innovative digital solutions that unleash the power of our people by allowing them to focus their time and attention on value-add tasks. Our solutions accelerate key PGS initiatives and help PGS sites realize benefits of continuous improvement more rapidly. The Manufacturing Technology and Solutions team enables a world-class manufacturing and supply chain organization by increasing visibility and efficiency across diverse systems and processes, and delivering predictive analytics and insights. The team supports Pfizer’s Core Manufacturing & Engineering Solutions, while enabling a secure, seamless flow of contextualized data from the device & control levels, all the way to the top of the Enterprise. Our goal is to create persona driven, connected experiences across our shop floors to predict and optimize operations, while providing intelligence, and real-time insights to operators. Key functional areas: * Strategy & Operation Excellence * Global Supply Engineering & Sustainment * Manufacturing Operations Solutions * E2E Network Solutions
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will:
The Manufacturing Operations Solutions Strategy Lead supports the deployment of MES across PGS Manufacturing sites by coordinating and executing value-based scoping of sites, supporting the development of the long-term MES deployment roadmap. The Manager will coordinate pre-deployment activities, ensuring alignment with global Digital standards and templates. This role supports the definition and execution of MES deployment acceleration initiatives, contributing to long term strategic goals of lowering cost per EBR implementation and speed to value. The manager will collaborate closely with site teams and cross-functional partners to enable a successful deployment.
- Support Value-Focused MES Deployment Planning: Partner with senior team members to scope high-value business areas and contribute to defining deployment strategies that support digital and PGS priorities.
- Develop Site-Level Roadmaps Aligned to Global Priorities: Translate the global MES vision into tailored site-specific roadmaps, ensuring alignment with long-term manufacturing and digital transformation objectives.
- Coordinate Pre-Deployment Readiness for Activities: Drive all pre-deployment preparation activities — including stakeholder alignment, gap analysis, integration scoping, and process mapping, ensuring the site is fully prepared for MES execution.
- Facilitate Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted partnerships with site operations, quality, engineering, and automation teams to ensure shared ownership of the MES strategy, scope, and launch approach.
- Manage Handover to Deployment Teams: Facilitate a structured transition of the site to the MES deployment team, ensuring a clear scope, defined success criteria, and readiness across people, processes, and systems.
- Track Progress against Milestones: Monitor and communicate progress against roadmap deliverables and escalate risks or blockers as needed.
- Embed Deployment Accelerators: Contribute to and implement repeatable launch accelerators – such as playbooks, reusable templates, standard MES functionality and integration channels, new deployment models and AI to drive greater standardization and contribute to program acceleration goals.
- Manage Site-Level Budget Inputs: Support financial planning for site launch and readiness by estimating deployment costs, resource planning and flagging potential variances to senior team members.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Engineering or Technology based subjects(s)
- Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR an associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant domain experience in manufacturing and/or quality operations.
- Experience in all stages of solution and application lifecycle from value analysis, business case development, and solution deployment through to value realization and system retirement is a significant advantage.
- Ability to work across multiple concurrent activities and successfully adapt to changing priorities as required.
- An understanding of system cGMP requirements and demonstrable knowledge of computer system design and maintenance lifecycle in cGMP environments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-3 years of experience in a Global Solution environment focused on the build and deployment of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Experience working with Rockwell Pharmasuite or Siemens OpCenter Execution Pharma.
- Experience with Agile Software Delivery as a Product Owner.
- Hands-on experience in a manufacturing facility.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to manage many parallel objectives and changing priorities.
- Understanding complex interrelationships between system components and design/implementation decisions.
Non-standard Work Schedule, Travel Or Environment Requirements
Ability to travel up to 25%
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $99,200.00 to $165,400.00.* In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.
- The annual base salary for this position in Tampa, FL ranges from $89,400.00 to $149,000.00. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States. Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Operations Manager
Target manufacturers with established HR infrastructure
Large manufacturers like automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods companies have dedicated HR teams experienced with OPT authorization. Smaller shops often lack the processes to handle work authorization documentation, making them riskier placements for your OPT timeline.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirming your degree's CIP code with your DSO before interviews lets you present employers with a realistic three-year authorization window, not just 12 months.
Quantify your process improvement results
Operations managers are hired for measurable outcomes. Frame your experience around metrics like throughput increases, defect rate reductions, or cost savings from lean initiatives. Concrete numbers make your candidacy stronger and shift the employer's focus from visa logistics to your value.
Understand the E-Verify requirement before accepting offers
OPT STEM extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask HR whether the company is enrolled before you reach the offer stage. Discovering a mismatch after accepting an offer can delay your start date and compress your usable authorization window significantly.
Lean into internship and co-op operations experience
Manufacturing employers weigh hands-on floor experience heavily for operations roles. Any prior CPT or OPT internship in a production environment, even in a junior capacity, signals practical readiness. Highlight specific equipment, ERP systems, or methodologies like Six Sigma or Kaizen you worked with directly.
Get your training plan documentation ready before interviews
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan signed by a supervisor. Proactively preparing a draft plan aligned to operations management competencies signals professionalism. It also reassures employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT that the compliance burden is straightforward and well-defined.
Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Manufacturing Operations Manager JobsSee all 963+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing Operations Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Manufacturing Operations Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, or supply chain management that appears on the STEM designated degree program list, you likely qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility, since the degree determines qualification, not the role itself.
Do manufacturing companies typically sponsor OPT students for this role?
Sponsorship willingness varies significantly by company size and industry segment. Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, and medical devices regularly hire OPT students because they have established immigration processes and strong demand for operations talent. Smaller contract manufacturers and job shops are less predictable. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you can identify receptive employers without cold-applying to companies that will decline upfront.
Can I work as a Manufacturing Operations Manager on OPT if my degree is in business administration?
A general business administration degree can support OPT authorization for this role if your university's DSO agrees the position is directly related to your field of study. However, a general business degree does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension, which limits you to 12 months of authorization. Employers hiring for a longer-term fit may prefer candidates with engineering or supply chain degrees that open the STEM extension pathway.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I get laid off from a manufacturing operations role?
OPT students have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during the standard 12-month period, which extends to 150 days if you're on a STEM extension. If you lose your position, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin your job search right away. Manufacturing operations is a competitive field, and staying within your allowance window is critical to maintaining valid status while you secure your next role.
What does the STEM OPT training plan look like for a Manufacturing Operations Manager?
The training plan, completed on Form I-983, must describe how the role relates to your STEM degree and outline the learning goals and supervision structure. For an operations manager, this typically covers competencies like production planning, quality systems, lean methodology, and cross-functional team leadership. Your employer's HR or legal team usually leads the filing, but you should be familiar with the requirements so you can guide conversations with employers who haven't handled STEM OPT before.
See which Manufacturing Operations Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs