OPT Vendor Manager Jobs
Vendor Manager jobs on OPT are available across retail, tech, and supply chain companies that regularly sponsor F-1 students. Most roles require a business, supply chain, or operations degree, and your 12-month OPT window is enough to prove value before H-1B visa sponsorship becomes a conversation.
Find OPT Vendor Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 285+ Vendor Manager jobs
See all 285+ Vendor Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Vendor Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Description:
Base pay is influenced by several factors including a candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and anticipated contributions to meet the needs of the business, along with internal pay equity and external market-driven rates. The salary range displayed has not been adjusted for geographical location. This range has been created in good faith based on information known to Capital Blue Cross at the time of posting and may be modified in the future. Capital Blue Cross offers a comprehensive benefits packaging including Medical, Dental & Vision coverage, a Retirement Plan, generous time off including Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Volunteer time off, an Incentive Plan, Tuition Reimbursement, and more.
At Capital Blue Cross, we promise to go the extra mile for our team and our community. This promise is at the heart of our culture, and it’s why our employees consistently vote us one of the “Best Places to Work in PA.”
The Vendor Alliances Consultant (VAC) is part of the Vendor Alliances (VA) Consulting team, which is accountable for high-value strategic vendor management activities. The VAC is responsible for executing strategic vendor management activities across a defined portfolio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors (those deemed moderate to high in criticality, risk, and spend), in alignment with the (VA) Consulting and Operations model. This role focuses on vendor strategy, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and value realization, while ensuring vendor governance, risk management, and cost optimization objectives are achieved. The VAC partners with business stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes and leverages insights, benchmarking, and analytics to inform vendor decisions. The VAC works with Privacy, Security, Legal and Compliance to ensure the Vendor Lifecycle is operating in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Further, this position will represent VA at a variety of internal work groups and Department/Division strategy meetings. As a representative of VA, the individual will ensure adherence to Capital's policies on vendor contracts and advise such groups as to business processes or strategies that align with contract terms and conditions, and those that do not. As a VAC, this individual manages a portfolio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors throughout the Vendor Lifecycle. The VAC assists in the ongoing development and modification of Capital's vendor strategy, including sourcing, negotiation, oversight, and disengagement. The VAC serves as an internal consultant to business areas on specific vendor strategy and engagement.
Responsibilities and Qualifications:
- Leads through all components of the vendor lifecycle for Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors, including: Vendor strategy and prioritization, Negotiation strategy development and execution, Cross-functional business engagement, Vendor oversight and performance management, Value realization tracking (cost, performance, and risk outcomes)
- Participates as a strategic contributor in sourcing events (RFP, RFI, RFQ), including defining requirements, evaluating vendor responses, and supporting negotiation strategy and final vendor selection decisions.
- Focuses on improving strategic vendor management practices, including vendor prioritization, negotiation effectiveness, benchmarking utilization, and stakeholder engagement.
- Executes on the vendor contracting process including drafting, negotiating, and ensuring proper approval and execution of contracts; monitors vendors’ performance to contract, including performance guarantees and service levels, and regularly communicates with internal business stakeholders regarding vendor performance; participates in decision to disengage or renew vendors and assists with the disengagement or renewal.
- Identifies and implements process improvements to increase overall effectiveness of the vendor lifecycle and performs other duties as requested to support the Vendor Alliances department.
Skills:
- Ability to manage a portfolio of high impact, high-risk, high-value vendors
- Ability to apply vendor tiering and prioritization frameworks
- Ability to translate benchmarking and analytics into actionable negotiation strategies
- Ability to influence and drive strong stakeholder engagement
- Consistently applies sound business judgment in making decisions that affect the company.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and SharePoint.
- Proficient in Contract Lifecycle Management software.
- Works independently as well as part of a high-performance team under tight time constraints with multiple priorities, adaptable to change, and able to multi-task, as necessary.
- Cultivates and maintains solid, positive relationships with internal business stakeholders and vendors in support of the business.
- Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, collaboration skills, and ability to influence others to reach common goals.
- Effectively handles ambiguity and thinks conceptually.
- Maintains strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to craft messages appropriate for both the level of and in the preferred style/format of the target audience.
- Self-starter who demonstrates the drive, determination, and perseverance to get things done with a “can-do” attitude.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and decision-making skills.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively reprioritize workload to manage ad-hoc requests and competing priorities.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of vendor tiering frameworks and portfolio segmentation
- Knowledge of benchmarking tools and cost optimization practices
- Knowledge of vendor oversight best practices
- Skilled in contract drafting and negotiation.
- Proficient in vendor management practices.
- Knowledge of vendor acquisition practices preferred.
- Knowledge of healthcare or insurance industry preferred.
- Knowledge of Medicare, PPACA, FEP, CHIP and other regulatory requirements that impact vendor contracting preferred.
Experience:
3 years' experience in a Vendor Management, Vendor Contracting, and/or Vendor Procurement environment.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a health-related field is preferred.
Work Environment:
Office environment with extensive cross-functional interaction.
Travel:
Potential travel to external meetings, conferences, vendors, etc. (less than 10%).
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands and fingers, talk, hear, and see. The employee must be able to work over 40 hours per week. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds.
About Us: We recognize that work is a part of life, not separate from it, and foster a flexible environment where your health and wellbeing are prioritized. At Capital you will work alongside a caring team of supportive colleagues and be encouraged to volunteer in your community. We value your professional and personal growth by investing heavily in training and continuing education, so you have the tools to do your best as you develop your career. And by doing your best, you’ll help us live our mission of improving the health and well-being of our members and the communities in which they live.
Position Description:
Base pay is influenced by several factors including a candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and anticipated contributions to meet the needs of the business, along with internal pay equity and external market-driven rates. The salary range displayed has not been adjusted for geographical location. This range has been created in good faith based on information known to Capital Blue Cross at the time of posting and may be modified in the future. Capital Blue Cross offers a comprehensive benefits packaging including Medical, Dental & Vision coverage, a Retirement Plan, generous time off including Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Volunteer time off, an Incentive Plan, Tuition Reimbursement, and more.
At Capital Blue Cross, we promise to go the extra mile for our team and our community. This promise is at the heart of our culture, and it’s why our employees consistently vote us one of the “Best Places to Work in PA.”
The Vendor Alliances Consultant (VAC) is part of the Vendor Alliances (VA) Consulting team, which is accountable for high-value strategic vendor management activities. The VAC is responsible for executing strategic vendor management activities across a defined portfolio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors (those deemed moderate to high in criticality, risk, and spend), in alignment with the (VA) Consulting and Operations model. This role focuses on vendor strategy, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and value realization, while ensuring vendor governance, risk management, and cost optimization objectives are achieved. The VAC partners with business stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes and leverages insights, benchmarking, and analytics to inform vendor decisions. The VAC works with Privacy, Security, Legal and Compliance to ensure the Vendor Lifecycle is operating in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Further, this position will represent VA at a variety of internal work groups and Department/Division strategy meetings. As a representative of VA, the individual will ensure adherence to Capital's policies on vendor contracts and advise such groups as to business processes or strategies that align with contract terms and conditions, and those that do not. As a VAC, this individual manages a portfolio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors throughout the Vendor Lifecycle. The VAC assists in the ongoing development and modification of Capital's vendor strategy, including sourcing, negotiation, oversight, and disengagement. The VAC serves as an internal consultant to business areas on specific vendor strategy and engagement.
Responsibilities and Qualifications:
- Leads through all components of the vendor lifecycle for Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors, including: Vendor strategy and prioritization, Negotiation strategy development and execution, Cross-functional business engagement, Vendor oversight and performance management, Value realization tracking (cost, performance, and risk outcomes)
- Participates as a strategic contributor in sourcing events (RFP, RFI, RFQ), including defining requirements, evaluating vendor responses, and supporting negotiation strategy and final vendor selection decisions.
- Focuses on improving strategic vendor management practices, including vendor prioritization, negotiation effectiveness, benchmarking utilization, and stakeholder engagement.
- Executes on the vendor contracting process including drafting, negotiating, and ensuring proper approval and execution of contracts; monitors vendors’ performance to contract, including performance guarantees and service levels, and regularly communicates with internal business stakeholders regarding vendor performance; participates in decision to disengage or renew vendors and assists with the disengagement or renewal.
- Identifies and implements process improvements to increase overall effectiveness of the vendor lifecycle and performs other duties as requested to support the Vendor Alliances department.
Skills:
- Ability to manage a portfolio of high impact, high-risk, high-value vendors
- Ability to apply vendor tiering and prioritization frameworks
- Ability to translate benchmarking and analytics into actionable negotiation strategies
- Ability to influence and drive strong stakeholder engagement
- Consistently applies sound business judgment in making decisions that affect the company.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and SharePoint.
- Proficient in Contract Lifecycle Management software.
- Works independently as well as part of a high-performance team under tight time constraints with multiple priorities, adaptable to change, and able to multi-task, as necessary.
- Cultivates and maintains solid, positive relationships with internal business stakeholders and vendors in support of the business.
- Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, collaboration skills, and ability to influence others to reach common goals.
- Effectively handles ambiguity and thinks conceptually.
- Maintains strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to craft messages appropriate for both the level of and in the preferred style/format of the target audience.
- Self-starter who demonstrates the drive, determination, and perseverance to get things done with a “can-do” attitude.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and decision-making skills.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively reprioritize workload to manage ad-hoc requests and competing priorities.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of vendor tiering frameworks and portfolio segmentation
- Knowledge of benchmarking tools and cost optimization practices
- Knowledge of vendor oversight best practices
- Skilled in contract drafting and negotiation.
- Proficient in vendor management practices.
- Knowledge of vendor acquisition practices preferred.
- Knowledge of healthcare or insurance industry preferred.
- Knowledge of Medicare, PPACA, FEP, CHIP and other regulatory requirements that impact vendor contracting preferred.
Experience:
3 years' experience in a Vendor Management, Vendor Contracting, and/or Vendor Procurement environment.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a health-related field is preferred.
Work Environment:
Office environment with extensive cross-functional interaction.
Travel:
Potential travel to external meetings, conferences, vendors, etc. (less than 10%).
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands and fingers, talk, hear, and see. The employee must be able to work over 40 hours per week. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds.
About Us: We recognize that work is a part of life, not separate from it, and foster a flexible environment where your health and wellbeing are prioritized. At Capital you will work alongside a caring team of supportive colleagues and be encouraged to volunteer in your community. We value your professional and personal growth by investing heavily in training and continuing education, so you have the tools to do your best as you develop your career. And by doing your best, you’ll help us live our mission of improving the health and well-being of our members and the communities in which they live.
See all 285+ OPT Vendor Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Vendor Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Vendor Manager
Target companies with procurement teams over 10 people
Larger procurement and supply chain organizations have dedicated HR infrastructure for visa sponsorship. Smaller vendors often lack the internal resources to navigate H-1B visa filings, making sponsorship unlikely regardless of your performance.
Lead with cost savings and supplier KPIs in your resume
Vendor Manager hiring decisions hinge on measurable outcomes. Quantify supplier performance improvements, contract savings, or lead time reductions you drove. Concrete numbers make sponsorship conversations easier by demonstrating clear business value from day one.
Ask about sponsorship history, not just willingness
During interviews, ask how many employees the company has sponsored in the last three years. A company with a track record is far more reliable than one that says they are open to it but has never done it.
Apply to companies with active H-1B LCA filings in procurement
Public Department of Labor disclosure data shows which companies have filed Labor Condition Applications for procurement and supply chain roles. This is the most reliable signal that a company actively sponsors Vendor Managers and similar positions.
Use your STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Degrees in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or information systems often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you 36 months total, covering three H-1B lottery cycles and significantly improving your sponsorship odds.
Frame contract negotiation experience in terms employers recognize
Vendor Manager roles live and die on negotiation outcomes. Highlight specific contract terms you secured, vendor SLAs you established, or dispute resolutions you managed. Employers sponsoring OPT students want certainty that you can perform independently from day one.
Vendor Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vendor Manager roles commonly lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, particularly at large retailers, technology companies, and manufacturing firms with established procurement functions. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Cisco regularly sponsor Vendor Managers because the role is classified as a specialty occupation requiring a business or supply chain degree. Smaller companies are less consistent, so prioritizing employers with documented sponsorship history improves your odds significantly.
Does a Vendor Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
In most cases, yes. USCIS evaluates whether the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Vendor Manager roles tied to supply chain management, business administration, or operations management generally meet this standard, especially when the job description requires degree-specific analytical or procurement expertise rather than general business skills.
Can I work as a Vendor Manager on OPT without STEM extension eligibility?
Yes. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, which is enough to establish yourself in a Vendor Manager role and initiate H-1B sponsorship discussions with your employer. If your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension, you gain an additional 24 months, but standard OPT alone is sufficient to start and build the sponsorship case.
Where can I find Vendor Manager jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters Vendor Manager roles by sponsorship likelihood and OPT compatibility. General job boards surface thousands of results with no way to filter for visa-friendly employers, which wastes time during a period when your OPT clock is running. Migrate Mate narrows the list to companies with real sponsorship track records.
What degree fields best support a Vendor Manager OPT application?
Supply chain management, business administration, operations management, and industrial engineering are the strongest degree matches. Information systems degrees also qualify when the Vendor Manager role involves technology procurement or software vendor oversight. The closer your degree field aligns with the specific job description, the stronger your specialty occupation case becomes if the employer pursues H-1B sponsorship.