OPT Purchasing Assistant Jobs
Purchasing Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in supply chain, business, or operations. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent when paired with a relevant degree, and employers in manufacturing, retail, and logistics regularly hire candidates on OPT work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Nordson PPS, a global leader in Polymer Processing Systems, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.
Summary of the role
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.
As Senior Purchasing Specialist, you will source materials, components, equipment, and services to support manufacturing and customer needs. You will evaluate supplier performance and capabilities, resolve purchasing issues, and partner across teams to improve quality, delivery, cost, and inventory performance.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Review material requirements, monitor supplier performance, and resolve material requirements planning (MRP) exceptions.
- Create and maintain accurate, timely purchase orders, including pricing and delivery updates in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- Resolve supplier delivery, quality, and pricing issues promptly.
- Partner with suppliers to improve quality, lead times, delivery, and costs; recommend cost-saving opportunities.
- Support production needs and provide timely updates to Customer Service on spare parts and backorders.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve drawing, material, supplier, engineering change, and assembly issues.
- Maintain purchasing reports and supplier scorecards; coordinate regular business reviews with suppliers and internal partners.
- Build strong supplier relationships and develop new sources when existing suppliers cannot meet business needs.
- Develop supplier solutions, including stocking programs and on-site vendor-managed inventory (VMI), to support cost savings and growth.
- Coordinate purchasing with Manufacturing, Service, and Engineering to maintain planned inventory levels.
- Monitor assigned subcontracts for cost, schedule, scope, quality, and value, as needed.
- Meet or exceed targets for lead time reduction, supplier on-time delivery, cost and quality management, and scheduling agreement/VMI additions.
Other duties may be assigned as required.
Education and Experience Requirements
- 2–4 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, logistics, or related field preferred.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across organizational levels.
- Demonstrated negotiation, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Lean manufacturing knowledge or experience preferred.
- Ability to interpret and communicate basic engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and initiative; ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to improve processes, influence change, secure resources, and deliver results.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
- Supply chain experience using Microsoft Dynamics AX or another ERP system.
- Ability to implement project plans and schedules.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- Employee may be required to remain stationary, stand, sit and/or bend frequently or for extended periods of time.
- Employee will frequently be required to actively listen and exchange verbal and written information.
- Employee may be required to observe and assess information received via computer.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
LI-TT1
Interested?
If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, please apply online with your CV.
About Nordson Polymer Processing Systems
Nordson Polymer Processing Systems designs, develops and manufactures systems to melt, homogenize, filter, meter, and give shape to plastic materials. We craft world-class machines to optimize every part of the polymer processing journey. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson Polymer Processing Systems is a global team that works to create intelligent solutions that help our customers improve their manufacturing process, produce better products and become even more competitive. Our polymer processing technologies and plastic extrusion equipment are used in applications across a wide range of industries, from food packaging to EV batteries. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson Polymer Processing Systems. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.
INTRODUCTION
Nordson PPS, a global leader in Polymer Processing Systems, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.
Summary of the role
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.
As Senior Purchasing Specialist, you will source materials, components, equipment, and services to support manufacturing and customer needs. You will evaluate supplier performance and capabilities, resolve purchasing issues, and partner across teams to improve quality, delivery, cost, and inventory performance.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Review material requirements, monitor supplier performance, and resolve material requirements planning (MRP) exceptions.
- Create and maintain accurate, timely purchase orders, including pricing and delivery updates in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- Resolve supplier delivery, quality, and pricing issues promptly.
- Partner with suppliers to improve quality, lead times, delivery, and costs; recommend cost-saving opportunities.
- Support production needs and provide timely updates to Customer Service on spare parts and backorders.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve drawing, material, supplier, engineering change, and assembly issues.
- Maintain purchasing reports and supplier scorecards; coordinate regular business reviews with suppliers and internal partners.
- Build strong supplier relationships and develop new sources when existing suppliers cannot meet business needs.
- Develop supplier solutions, including stocking programs and on-site vendor-managed inventory (VMI), to support cost savings and growth.
- Coordinate purchasing with Manufacturing, Service, and Engineering to maintain planned inventory levels.
- Monitor assigned subcontracts for cost, schedule, scope, quality, and value, as needed.
- Meet or exceed targets for lead time reduction, supplier on-time delivery, cost and quality management, and scheduling agreement/VMI additions.
Other duties may be assigned as required.
Education and Experience Requirements
- 2–4 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, logistics, or related field preferred.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across organizational levels.
- Demonstrated negotiation, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Lean manufacturing knowledge or experience preferred.
- Ability to interpret and communicate basic engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and initiative; ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to improve processes, influence change, secure resources, and deliver results.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
- Supply chain experience using Microsoft Dynamics AX or another ERP system.
- Ability to implement project plans and schedules.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- Employee may be required to remain stationary, stand, sit and/or bend frequently or for extended periods of time.
- Employee will frequently be required to actively listen and exchange verbal and written information.
- Employee may be required to observe and assess information received via computer.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
LI-TT1
Interested?
If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, please apply online with your CV.
About Nordson Polymer Processing Systems
Nordson Polymer Processing Systems designs, develops and manufactures systems to melt, homogenize, filter, meter, and give shape to plastic materials. We craft world-class machines to optimize every part of the polymer processing journey. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson Polymer Processing Systems is a global team that works to create intelligent solutions that help our customers improve their manufacturing process, produce better products and become even more competitive. Our polymer processing technologies and plastic extrusion equipment are used in applications across a wide range of industries, from food packaging to EV batteries. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson Polymer Processing Systems. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.
See all 363+ OPT Purchasing Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Purchasing Assistant
Emphasize your supply chain coursework
Hiring managers want to see that your academic background connects directly to purchasing work. List relevant courses like procurement, operations management, or logistics on your resume to strengthen the degree-to-role connection required for OPT authorization.
Target employers with procurement teams
Large manufacturers, retailers, and distributors typically have dedicated procurement departments and established processes for hiring OPT students. Smaller companies may be unfamiliar with work authorization requirements, so prioritizing structured organizations reduces friction in the hiring process.
Address OPT early and clearly
When recruiters ask about work authorization, state your OPT status, your current end date, and whether your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension. Giving a clear, confident answer upfront removes uncertainty and prevents your application from stalling later.
Highlight ERP and procurement software experience
Familiarity with tools like SAP, Oracle, or Coupa signals you can contribute immediately. Employers in purchasing value technical fluency because onboarding is faster, and it demonstrates the specialized skills that support a strong OPT sponsorship case.
Position internship experience as direct evidence
If you completed a CPT or OPT internship in supply chain or operations, lead with it. Real purchasing tasks like vendor communication, purchase order processing, or inventory tracking show employers you understand the role beyond classroom theory.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations
Purchasing Assistant roles require standard employment reporting through your DSO. Confirm your employer's name, address, and start date are updated in SEVIS within 10 days of starting. Gaps in reporting can jeopardize your status even if your EAD is valid.
Purchasing Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Purchasing Assistant on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree field relates to the role. A Purchasing Assistant position typically qualifies under supply chain management, business administration, or operations-related majors. Your DSO must authorize the employment, and the work must directly relate to your degree program. Roles that involve procurement analysis, vendor management, or inventory coordination generally satisfy that connection.
Does a Purchasing Assistant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a STEM-designated major such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, or management information systems, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension. Check your program's CIP code on the official DHS STEM designation list to confirm eligibility before applying.
How do I find Purchasing Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through postings that don't address OPT status. When you do reach out to employers, focus on companies with procurement departments large enough to have experience navigating work authorization for international hires.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Purchasing Assistant job?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period. If you're on the standard 12-month OPT, 90 days total across all gaps is the maximum. On the STEM extension, you get an additional 60 days, for 150 days total. Exceeding the limit ends your authorized stay, so start your job search immediately and report employment changes to your DSO without delay.
Do Purchasing Assistant employers typically understand OPT work authorization?
Experience varies significantly by company size and industry. Larger organizations in manufacturing, retail, or logistics often have HR teams familiar with OPT and EAD cards. Smaller or regional suppliers may not. When reaching out, a brief, factual explanation of OPT, your EAD validity, and any STEM extension eligibility helps reduce hesitation and keeps the conversation moving forward.