Supply Planner Jobs for OPT Students
Supply Planner roles fit F-1 OPT well because demand planning, inventory optimization, and vendor coordination are core business functions that qualify as specialty occupations under OPT. Your STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree is in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or operations research, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
See All Supply Planner JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 597+ Supply Planner 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 597+ Supply Planner jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Supply Planner roles.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
The Supply Planner is a key role responsible for developing, leading, and executing advanced supply planning strategies to optimize inventory, ensure exceptional customer service levels, and drive significant cost efficiencies across the supply chain. This position provides strategic guidance to cross-functional teams, including purchasing, demand planning, product management, and operations, while mentoring junior planners to align supply plans with organizational goals. The ideal candidate is a proactive, data-driven leader with exceptional analytical skills, a passion for process innovation, expertise in safety stock analysis and optimization, and a commitment to fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.
How You Will Help
- Develop and oversee optimal inventory levels for finished goods, balancing demand forecasts, lead times, storage constraints, and carrying costs. Lead pre-build strategies to mitigate capacity constraints or extended supplier lead times.
- Lead safety stock analysis and optimization initiatives, utilizing advanced statistical modeling (e.g., demand variability assessments, and supply risk evaluations) to dynamically adjust levels, minimize stockouts, and achieve targeted inventory turns and service levels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate data-driven insights, continuously refine models based on real-time variability, and drive enterprise-wide improvements in supply reliability.
- Lead excess inventory management efforts to enhance overall inventory health by improving turns, reducing days-on-hand, and minimizing excess stock. Identify and implement opportunities for improvement, partnering with demand planning, product management, purchasing, and operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead the at-risk inventory process for assigned product categories, performing root cause analysis and collaborating with suppliers and operations to implement corrective actions.
- Maintain and update master planning data attributes in the planning system (e.g., Blue Yonder) and ERP to ensure accurate and effective supply planning.
- Collaborate with the supply chain team to determine and implement optimal supply planning methodologies (e.g., Reorder Point, Min-Max, Make-to-Stock, Make-to-Order).
- Finalize and approve supply plans based on analysis and cross-functional input, ensuring seamless handover to purchasing teams for execution.
- Drive improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs), including inventory days-on-hand, On-Time In-Full (OTIF), and master data accuracy, aligning with organizational objectives.
- Partner with Customer Service to ensure order entry in line with fulfillment and network strategy. Develop and execute exception management processes to maintain a healthy backlog.
- Support the SIOP process – with a focus on SIOP Supply— by working closely with internal stakeholders to align supply plans with demand forecasts, production and distribution capacity, and procurement strategies to minimize costs and maximize service levels.
- Support new product development (NPD) and introduction (NPI) by guiding inventory and network strategies and ensuring accurate MRP item setup. Partner with teams to align supply plans with new customer onboarding timelines and support merger and acquisition (M&A) integrations by harmonizing acquired inventory and supply processes with existing operations.
What You Will Bring
- Minimum of 3-5 years of supply chain experience, preferably in manufacturing, distribution, or consumer goods industries, with a focus on supply planning or inventory management.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or relevant certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP) preferred.
- Proficiency in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder), with prior experience in Blue Yonder preferred.
- Experience with Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes, including SIOP Supply Review focused on production and distribution capacity planning.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and management of large datasets; familiarity with Power BI or other data visualization tools preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate data insights into actionable supply chain strategies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong team player with a collaborative mindset and a commitment to fostering cross-functional partnerships.
- Self-motivated with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities and drive results under pressure.
Compensation
- The base salary range for this position is $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 USD annually*.
The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this role. ASC Engineered Solutions’ philosophy on compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual’s education, training, work experience, job-related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations.
About ASC Engineered Solutions
Following the 2019 merger of Anvil International and Smith-Cooper International, the unified company relaunched in March 2021 as ASC Engineered Solutions. Under a single name and logo, ASC Engineered Solutions continues our focus on improving the customer experience every day and striving to deliver service excellence.
The evolved ASC Engineered Solutions brand reinforces a focus on what matters most to customers: quality. As a solutions provider, this quality is reflected in our precision-engineered products, support and knowledge. Our organization is a dependable strategic partner focused on its customers’ success.
Description
The Supply Planner is a key role responsible for developing, leading, and executing advanced supply planning strategies to optimize inventory, ensure exceptional customer service levels, and drive significant cost efficiencies across the supply chain. This position provides strategic guidance to cross-functional teams, including purchasing, demand planning, product management, and operations, while mentoring junior planners to align supply plans with organizational goals. The ideal candidate is a proactive, data-driven leader with exceptional analytical skills, a passion for process innovation, expertise in safety stock analysis and optimization, and a commitment to fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.
How You Will Help
- Develop and oversee optimal inventory levels for finished goods, balancing demand forecasts, lead times, storage constraints, and carrying costs. Lead pre-build strategies to mitigate capacity constraints or extended supplier lead times.
- Lead safety stock analysis and optimization initiatives, utilizing advanced statistical modeling (e.g., demand variability assessments, and supply risk evaluations) to dynamically adjust levels, minimize stockouts, and achieve targeted inventory turns and service levels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate data-driven insights, continuously refine models based on real-time variability, and drive enterprise-wide improvements in supply reliability.
- Lead excess inventory management efforts to enhance overall inventory health by improving turns, reducing days-on-hand, and minimizing excess stock. Identify and implement opportunities for improvement, partnering with demand planning, product management, purchasing, and operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead the at-risk inventory process for assigned product categories, performing root cause analysis and collaborating with suppliers and operations to implement corrective actions.
- Maintain and update master planning data attributes in the planning system (e.g., Blue Yonder) and ERP to ensure accurate and effective supply planning.
- Collaborate with the supply chain team to determine and implement optimal supply planning methodologies (e.g., Reorder Point, Min-Max, Make-to-Stock, Make-to-Order).
- Finalize and approve supply plans based on analysis and cross-functional input, ensuring seamless handover to purchasing teams for execution.
- Drive improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs), including inventory days-on-hand, On-Time In-Full (OTIF), and master data accuracy, aligning with organizational objectives.
- Partner with Customer Service to ensure order entry in line with fulfillment and network strategy. Develop and execute exception management processes to maintain a healthy backlog.
- Support the SIOP process – with a focus on SIOP Supply— by working closely with internal stakeholders to align supply plans with demand forecasts, production and distribution capacity, and procurement strategies to minimize costs and maximize service levels.
- Support new product development (NPD) and introduction (NPI) by guiding inventory and network strategies and ensuring accurate MRP item setup. Partner with teams to align supply plans with new customer onboarding timelines and support merger and acquisition (M&A) integrations by harmonizing acquired inventory and supply processes with existing operations.
What You Will Bring
- Minimum of 3-5 years of supply chain experience, preferably in manufacturing, distribution, or consumer goods industries, with a focus on supply planning or inventory management.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or relevant certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP) preferred.
- Proficiency in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder), with prior experience in Blue Yonder preferred.
- Experience with Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes, including SIOP Supply Review focused on production and distribution capacity planning.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and management of large datasets; familiarity with Power BI or other data visualization tools preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate data insights into actionable supply chain strategies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong team player with a collaborative mindset and a commitment to fostering cross-functional partnerships.
- Self-motivated with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities and drive results under pressure.
Compensation
- The base salary range for this position is $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 USD annually*.
The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this role. ASC Engineered Solutions’ philosophy on compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual’s education, training, work experience, job-related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations.
About ASC Engineered Solutions
Following the 2019 merger of Anvil International and Smith-Cooper International, the unified company relaunched in March 2021 as ASC Engineered Solutions. Under a single name and logo, ASC Engineered Solutions continues our focus on improving the customer experience every day and striving to deliver service excellence.
The evolved ASC Engineered Solutions brand reinforces a focus on what matters most to customers: quality. As a solutions provider, this quality is reflected in our precision-engineered products, support and knowledge. Our organization is a dependable strategic partner focused on its customers’ success.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Supply Planner
Lead with your ERP experience
Supply chain teams run on SAP, Oracle, and similar platforms. Employers sponsoring OPT students want candidates who reduce onboarding time. Highlight specific systems you've used, including any coursework or internship exposure, before listing soft skills.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
Supply chain management, industrial engineering, and operations research degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since employers weigh authorization length heavily when evaluating OPT candidates.
Target companies with established OPT hiring
Large manufacturers, retailers, and logistics firms have HR teams familiar with OPT authorization. Mid-sized companies without dedicated immigration support are more likely to pass on sponsoring candidates, even for strong applicants with relevant supply chain credentials.
Quantify your planning outcomes
Supply Planners are hired to reduce stockouts and excess inventory. Frame your resume around measurable results: forecast accuracy rates, inventory turnover improvements, or on-time delivery percentages. Concrete numbers make your value clear and reduce perceived sponsorship risk.
Address OPT proactively with recruiters
Don't wait for employers to ask about your work authorization. State your OPT status and end date in early conversations, then explain the STEM extension option if applicable. Proactive disclosure signals professionalism and helps hiring managers plan the onboarding timeline.
Align your application timing with OPT start date
Supply chain hiring cycles often run three to six months before a role starts. Submit applications so your OPT authorization is active by your expected start date. Gaps between graduation and OPT approval can complicate offer timelines if not planned carefully.
Supply Planner jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Supply Planner JobsSee all 597+ Supply Planner jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Supply Planner roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Supply Planner jobs typically support OPT work authorization?
Yes. Supply Planner roles generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require applied knowledge in supply chain management, operations research, or industrial engineering. Most large employers in manufacturing, retail, and logistics have experience hiring on OPT. Browse Supply Planner roles from OPT-friendly employers on Migrate Mate to find companies already familiar with the process.
Does a Supply Planner role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. Supply chain management, industrial engineering, operations research, and related quantitative fields are commonly listed on the STEM-designated degree program list and typically support the 24-month extension. A degree in business administration or general management may not qualify. Verify your specific CIP code with your Designated School Official before applying to roles that rely on the extension.
What degree backgrounds are most accepted for Supply Planner OPT positions?
Employers most commonly hire Supply Planners with degrees in supply chain management, industrial engineering, operations research, business analytics, or logistics. Quantitative coursework in forecasting, statistics, and inventory modeling strengthens your candidacy. A general business degree can work if you have strong internship experience, but STEM-designated degrees give you a longer authorization window that many employers prefer.
How far in advance should I apply for Supply Planner jobs on OPT?
Start applying three to four months before your OPT start date. Large companies with structured hiring cycles often extend offers months ahead of the actual start date, and your application needs to clear multiple interview rounds before an offer is made. Applying too late risks missing hiring windows or receiving an offer you can't legally accept until your OPT is active.
What skills make OPT candidates more competitive for Supply Planner roles?
Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, experience with demand planning software, and familiarity with statistical forecasting methods set OPT candidates apart. Employers also value knowledge of inventory optimization techniques and supplier management. Candidates who can demonstrate these skills through internships or academic projects reduce the perceived risk employers associate with OPT sponsorship timelines.
See which Supply Planner employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Supply Planner Jobs