OPT Production Control Manager Jobs
Production Control Manager jobs on OPT require coordinating manufacturing schedules, inventory, and supplier workflows under tight deadlines. Your F-1 OPT work authorization covers full-time roles in this field, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree is in industrial engineering, supply chain, or a related discipline.
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SEWS — Lexington, Kentucky Office. Although located at SEWS – Lexington Office, this is a Hybrid position, which combines both in office and off-site work. Associates are required to work at least four days in the office each week, but also have the flexibility to work off-site.
JOB TITLE: Production Control Planner I
Responsibilities
- Perform production planning responsibilities as part of the Production Control (PC) Planning team.
- This role is responsible for weekly and monthly customer demand forecasting, new model (trial) issuance, inventory control, and container management to ensure efficient production and supply chain operations.
- Assist with demand upload activities while evaluating and improving existing workflows to increase planning efficiency and accuracy.
- Maintain and update our internal systems (entering new design levels/parts/customers into EDI) as well as manage entry of GPP DCN’s (design level changes).
- Oversee container scheduling, tracking and availability to support uninterrupted delivery of customer shipments.
- Occasional evening/night meetings with overseas manufacturing facilities to discuss production/forecasting issues, project updates and other business matters may be required.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support production planning and business objectives.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Associate's degree or Technical Certificate along with 1-3 years’ experience in Production Planning, Inventory Control or related experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and manufacturing processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Microsoft Excel Skills preferred.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing production demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working in a Japanese company (in Japan or the US) preferred.
- The ability to communicate in multiple languages such as Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese is considered an asset but is not required.
About Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc.
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. (SEWS) is part of the Sumitomo family of companies, a 400 year old brand with a reputation for quality and reliability. With the support of facilities throughout North America, SEWS has been delivering innovative solutions to automakers for over 30 years, and is a leading supplier of electrical distribution systems, components and electronics. SEWS is committed to technical development worldwide and with a global network of resources, is able to deliver a truly competitive advantage to each of our customers. Our associates are what drive Sumitomo’s continued growth, which is why we proudly offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401(k) with match, tuition benefits, paid holidays and vacation.
Interested Candidates Should Submit Cover Letter and Salary History When Applying.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
Description
SEWS — Lexington, Kentucky Office. Although located at SEWS – Lexington Office, this is a Hybrid position, which combines both in office and off-site work. Associates are required to work at least four days in the office each week, but also have the flexibility to work off-site.
JOB TITLE: Production Control Planner I
Responsibilities
- Perform production planning responsibilities as part of the Production Control (PC) Planning team.
- This role is responsible for weekly and monthly customer demand forecasting, new model (trial) issuance, inventory control, and container management to ensure efficient production and supply chain operations.
- Assist with demand upload activities while evaluating and improving existing workflows to increase planning efficiency and accuracy.
- Maintain and update our internal systems (entering new design levels/parts/customers into EDI) as well as manage entry of GPP DCN’s (design level changes).
- Oversee container scheduling, tracking and availability to support uninterrupted delivery of customer shipments.
- Occasional evening/night meetings with overseas manufacturing facilities to discuss production/forecasting issues, project updates and other business matters may be required.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support production planning and business objectives.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Associate's degree or Technical Certificate along with 1-3 years’ experience in Production Planning, Inventory Control or related experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and manufacturing processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Microsoft Excel Skills preferred.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing production demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working in a Japanese company (in Japan or the US) preferred.
- The ability to communicate in multiple languages such as Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese is considered an asset but is not required.
About Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc.
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. (SEWS) is part of the Sumitomo family of companies, a 400 year old brand with a reputation for quality and reliability. With the support of facilities throughout North America, SEWS has been delivering innovative solutions to automakers for over 30 years, and is a leading supplier of electrical distribution systems, components and electronics. SEWS is committed to technical development worldwide and with a global network of resources, is able to deliver a truly competitive advantage to each of our customers. Our associates are what drive Sumitomo’s continued growth, which is why we proudly offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401(k) with match, tuition benefits, paid holidays and vacation.
Interested Candidates Should Submit Cover Letter and Salary History When Applying.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Production Control Manager
Target manufacturers with established OPT hiring programs
Large manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, and electronics regularly hire OPT students into production control roles. Companies with existing international talent pipelines understand work authorization requirements and are far more likely to consider F-1 candidates without friction.
Highlight your ERP system experience prominently
Production control hiring managers screen for SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP proficiency before reviewing anything else. List every system you've used, including coursework or internship exposure. Specific platform experience signals you can contribute without a lengthy ramp-up period.
Quantify your impact on production efficiency
Employers evaluating OPT candidates want evidence you've improved throughput, reduced downtime, or cut inventory costs. Use specific percentages or metrics from internships, co-ops, or academic projects. Concrete numbers make your application stand out against domestic candidates with similar backgrounds.
Apply before your OPT clock runs out
Production control hiring cycles often run six to eight weeks from application to offer. Subtract that buffer from your OPT end date and set a firm application deadline now. Starting too late forces rushed decisions and limits your negotiating position on start dates.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early in conversations
If your degree qualifies for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, mention it once employers express interest. Industrial engineering, operations research, and supply chain management degrees typically qualify. This significantly extends your work authorization window and improves your sponsorship candidacy.
Pursue roles with H-1B sponsorship track records
Some employers sponsor H-1B visas routinely for production control managers while others never do. Researching a company's sponsorship history before applying saves wasted effort. Focus your energy on employers who have a demonstrated pattern of sponsoring production and operations roles.
Production Control Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Production Control Manager on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Production Control Manager roles fall within operations, supply chain, and industrial engineering fields, which align with OPT's requirement that your employment relate to your degree. If your degree is in industrial engineering, supply chain management, or a related STEM field, you may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
Does a Production Control Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. If your degree is in an approved STEM field like industrial engineering, operations research, or manufacturing engineering, and your employer agrees to the required training plan and E-Verify enrollment, the role can qualify. Your DSO must confirm your degree's STEM designation on SEVP's approved program list before you apply for the extension.
How do I find Production Control Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists production and operations management roles from employers open to hiring F-1 OPT candidates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to cold-applying and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process. Most OPT students waste weeks applying to companies that quietly screen out work authorization requirements, so starting with a targeted source matters.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from a Production Control Manager job?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period. If you're laid off, that clock starts immediately, so beginning your job search right away is important. STEM OPT extensions carry a stricter 150-day combined limit across the full extension period. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly, since delays in reporting can create compliance problems with your F-1 status.
Will employers in manufacturing actually sponsor H-1B visas for Production Control Managers?
Many mid-to-large manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods do sponsor H-1B visas for production and operations roles, particularly when the candidate has specialized ERP experience or a technical engineering degree. Smaller contract manufacturers rarely have the legal infrastructure to sponsor. Researching a company's H-1B filing history before applying is the most reliable way to gauge their willingness.