OPT Production Specialist Jobs
Production Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students in manufacturing, operations, and supply chain. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT extension eligibility when tied to an engineering or technical degree, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build hands-on industry experience.
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Get Access To All JobsProduction Specialist - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL
Company: GROWMARK, Inc.
City: Bloomington
State: IL
Salary: $60,100.00 - $82,662.50
SALARY RANGE: $60,100.00 - $82,662.50
GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT
Assist Production & Purchasing Manager and Lead in facilitating production and purchasing, coordinating internal/external workflows, researching and evaluating preferred vendors. Serves as a project liaison among the Enterprise Marketing team to ensure continuous communication occurs for production activities.
Assures that GROWMARK & FS marketing direction is creative, focused, branded, effective, and coordinated across all divisions.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Assist internal co-workers and external customers to determine requirements for products and services and identify preferred vendors to meet those requirements. Research information, enter online orders with vendors, track shipments, maintain open lines of communication between vendors and customers.
Follows production/purchasing departmental procedure and production standards. Implement operational efficiencies, decreasing turnaround times, and streamline work processes including identification and execution of self-service tools/platforms which better meet customer needs.
Assists in leading production process within Enterprise Marketing to assure production process is followed and completed for the utmost in customer service. Assists in providing feedback to production team including co-workers to ensure work is completed on-brand and on-time.
Assist in providing ongoing communication from preferred vendor selection and accurate quotes related to printing, duplication, display, decals, signage etc. jobs with outside printing services and vendors. Assist in negotiating contracts/quotes with vendors, quote creation with purchase orders if needed, monitoring and communicating the status of order including tracking of shipments to payment.
Resolve customer complaints and inquiries. Contacts vendors regarding problems or questions with orders, Work with vendor and customer to identify and implement the appropriate corrective action.
Collaborates with marketing strategists and content analysts across the enterprise marketing team to ensure all enterprise marketing content supports the overall strategy related to goals, voice and brand.
Assists in supporting and execution of additional enterprise marketing teams duties including but not limited to overall brand administration and product divisions in regularly reviewing, updating and production of guides, manuals and other supporting material/collateral when necessary.
Provides support and assists in end-to-end planning and execution of enterprise marketing initiatives in coordination with GROWMARK event planning and corporate sponsor(s) {division and/or executive areas} at select events ensuring the experience is creative, focused, and effective.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
Responsible to stay actively engaged and build overall personal awareness on current and emerging trends, best practices and other relevant information related to enterprise marketing with an emphasis on digital.
In collaboration with leadership, proactively researches both industry and competitors marketing approach both at enterprise and regional level for awareness and overall effectiveness.
Stays current with design trends and is committed to consistently finding fresh creative solutions.
Proficient in digital asset management systems such as Bynder, and workflow management systems such as Monday.
Confidently and concisely build recommendations and present to all levels of leadership. Ability to effectively communicate both technical and non-technical information internally and externally teams.
Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team. Anticipates bottlenecks, clarifies project priorities, identify risks and escalates issues that cannot be internally resolved.
Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or the equivalent thereof, and 2+ years or more of marketing related work experience to demonstrate strategic marketing knowledge, critical thinking, project management, and presentation skills.
Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
Exceptional attention to detail, superb prioritization and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently and overnight when necessary.
May required to lift and move 21-50 lbs.
May be required to work beyond what are considered normal business hours.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport. Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.
At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.
We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.
Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.
Our benefits package is designed to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to paid time off, a fully funded pension, and more.
We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future with comprehensive retirement plans for long-term financial stability.
Offerings include, but are not limited to:
- Pension
- 401(k) & Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- HSA & Employer Contributions
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Identity Protection
Nearest Major Market: Bloomington IL
Nearest Secondary Market: Normal
Job Segment: Outside Sales, Project Manager, Facilities, Scientific, Sales, Customer Service, Technology, Operations, Engineering
Production Specialist - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL
Company: GROWMARK, Inc.
City: Bloomington
State: IL
Salary: $60,100.00 - $82,662.50
SALARY RANGE: $60,100.00 - $82,662.50
GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT
Assist Production & Purchasing Manager and Lead in facilitating production and purchasing, coordinating internal/external workflows, researching and evaluating preferred vendors. Serves as a project liaison among the Enterprise Marketing team to ensure continuous communication occurs for production activities.
Assures that GROWMARK & FS marketing direction is creative, focused, branded, effective, and coordinated across all divisions.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Assist internal co-workers and external customers to determine requirements for products and services and identify preferred vendors to meet those requirements. Research information, enter online orders with vendors, track shipments, maintain open lines of communication between vendors and customers.
Follows production/purchasing departmental procedure and production standards. Implement operational efficiencies, decreasing turnaround times, and streamline work processes including identification and execution of self-service tools/platforms which better meet customer needs.
Assists in leading production process within Enterprise Marketing to assure production process is followed and completed for the utmost in customer service. Assists in providing feedback to production team including co-workers to ensure work is completed on-brand and on-time.
Assist in providing ongoing communication from preferred vendor selection and accurate quotes related to printing, duplication, display, decals, signage etc. jobs with outside printing services and vendors. Assist in negotiating contracts/quotes with vendors, quote creation with purchase orders if needed, monitoring and communicating the status of order including tracking of shipments to payment.
Resolve customer complaints and inquiries. Contacts vendors regarding problems or questions with orders, Work with vendor and customer to identify and implement the appropriate corrective action.
Collaborates with marketing strategists and content analysts across the enterprise marketing team to ensure all enterprise marketing content supports the overall strategy related to goals, voice and brand.
Assists in supporting and execution of additional enterprise marketing teams duties including but not limited to overall brand administration and product divisions in regularly reviewing, updating and production of guides, manuals and other supporting material/collateral when necessary.
Provides support and assists in end-to-end planning and execution of enterprise marketing initiatives in coordination with GROWMARK event planning and corporate sponsor(s) {division and/or executive areas} at select events ensuring the experience is creative, focused, and effective.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
Responsible to stay actively engaged and build overall personal awareness on current and emerging trends, best practices and other relevant information related to enterprise marketing with an emphasis on digital.
In collaboration with leadership, proactively researches both industry and competitors marketing approach both at enterprise and regional level for awareness and overall effectiveness.
Stays current with design trends and is committed to consistently finding fresh creative solutions.
Proficient in digital asset management systems such as Bynder, and workflow management systems such as Monday.
Confidently and concisely build recommendations and present to all levels of leadership. Ability to effectively communicate both technical and non-technical information internally and externally teams.
Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team. Anticipates bottlenecks, clarifies project priorities, identify risks and escalates issues that cannot be internally resolved.
Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or the equivalent thereof, and 2+ years or more of marketing related work experience to demonstrate strategic marketing knowledge, critical thinking, project management, and presentation skills.
Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
Exceptional attention to detail, superb prioritization and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently and overnight when necessary.
May required to lift and move 21-50 lbs.
May be required to work beyond what are considered normal business hours.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport. Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.
At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.
We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.
Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.
Our benefits package is designed to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to paid time off, a fully funded pension, and more.
We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future with comprehensive retirement plans for long-term financial stability.
Offerings include, but are not limited to:
- Pension
- 401(k) & Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- HSA & Employer Contributions
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Identity Protection
Nearest Major Market: Bloomington IL
Nearest Secondary Market: Normal
Job Segment: Outside Sales, Project Manager, Facilities, Scientific, Sales, Customer Service, Technology, Operations, Engineering
See all 40+ OPT Production Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Production Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Production Specialist
Target manufacturers with established OPT hiring processes
Large manufacturers and defense contractors regularly hire OPT students for production roles. Companies with existing international workforces are more familiar with I-983 STEM OPT reporting requirements, making the onboarding process smoother for both you and your employer.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
Production Specialist roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, industrial technology, or a related field. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before interviews so you can answer employer questions about your authorization period confidently.
Highlight technical certifications alongside your degree
Employers reviewing OPT candidates often weigh certifications heavily. Lean Six Sigma, OSHA 10, or forklift certification signals hands-on readiness and reduces perceived risk for hiring managers unfamiliar with sponsoring international students in production environments.
Address the I-983 training plan requirement early
STEM OPT requires your employer to sign an I-983 training plan linking your role to your degree. Bring this up proactively in final-stage conversations. Most HR teams at larger manufacturers have seen it before, but smaller shops may need a brief explanation.
Prioritize roles with direct ties to your technical degree
USCIS requires a clear connection between your OPT job and your field of study. For production roles, emphasize responsibilities involving process optimization, quality control, or technical systems that map directly to your engineering or applied science coursework during interviews.
Use your OPT timeline as a negotiating asset
STEM OPT gives employers up to three years before any H-1B visa sponsorship decision is needed. Frame this as low-pressure hiring, not a short-term commitment. Many production managers respond well when they understand the full authorization window available before longer-term visa decisions arise.
Production Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Production Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your degree field. If you graduated with a degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related STEM field, most Production Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month extension. The key is demonstrating that your day-to-day responsibilities, such as process improvement or quality systems work, directly relate to your area of study. Your DSO must approve the extension before your initial OPT period expires.
What does the I-983 training plan requirement mean for production roles?
The I-983 is a formal document your employer must sign under STEM OPT that outlines how your production role connects to your degree. For Production Specialist positions, this typically covers learning goals around manufacturing processes, quality control methods, or operational efficiency. It also requires your employer to report your employment status to your school every six months. Most large manufacturers are familiar with this requirement, though smaller employers may need guidance.
How do I find Production Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters production and operations roles by sponsorship willingness, so you are not wasting applications on employers who have never hired international students. Standard job boards do not surface OPT-relevant filters, making it difficult to identify which production employers are genuinely open to work authorization situations like yours.
Can I work for a staffing agency as a Production Specialist on OPT?
Technically yes, but with important caveats. On standard OPT, third-party placements are allowed if the work is directly related to your degree and you are not self-employed. On STEM OPT, staffing agency arrangements face stricter scrutiny because USCIS requires the I-983 training plan to be signed by the employer who actually supervises your day-to-day work, which may not be the staffing agency itself. Confirm the arrangement with your DSO before accepting.
What should I say when a production employer asks about my work authorization timeline?
Be direct and specific. Explain that you are authorized to work immediately on OPT and, if you qualify for the STEM extension, that your work authorization can extend up to three years total without any H-1B petition required during that window. Mention that the only employer obligation during STEM OPT is signing the I-983 training plan and submitting brief status updates to your university. Framing it around the low administrative burden often reassures production managers who are unfamiliar with the process.