Chemicals & Materials OPT Jobs in Georgia
Chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Georgia are concentrated around major industrial employers like Eastman Chemical, Novelis, and Arkema, with hiring activity centered in Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah. Georgia's port infrastructure and manufacturing base support a steady pipeline of OPT-eligible roles in process engineering, materials science, polymer chemistry, and quality assurance.
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Sr. Strategic Buyer
Permanent
About Heraeus
Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our customers to always being one step ahead.
About Heraeus Covantics
We are one of the leading materials specialists in the production and processing of high-purity quartz glass and other high-quality materials such as ceramics and innovative composites. With a global team of over 2,000 employees and locations in Europe, the USA, and Asia, we specialize in manufacturing semi-finished products, complex system components, and customized solutions for the information and telecommunications industry, the production of specialty fibers for industrial and medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and optics.
In our company, you can expect an innovation-driven work environment, global teamwork, and the opportunity to take an active role in social and environmental responsibility. Become part of our team and shape the future with us!
Heraeus Quartz North America LLC, has an immediate opening for a Sr. Strategic Buyer to join our team in Buford, GA. The Sr. Strategic Buyer is responsible for the strategic procurement of materials and services that support Heraeus facilities and operations. This role develops and executes category strategies, leads supplier negotiations, drives total-cost improvements, and partners with business stakeholders to strengthen supply, quality, cash, and procurement performance.
The position works across the organization and with international colleagues in a matrix environment. It also supports project procurement, procurement efficiency initiatives, data quality, and continuous improvement across HQNA procurement activities.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute category strategies for assigned categories, including market analysis, supplier portfolios, sourcing priorities and strategic procurement of BOM and non-BOM materials, Capex, building and construction, and related services.
- Drive continuous cost reduction, cost avoidance and cash improvements on category level through total-cost-of-ownership analysis and value-creation initiatives.
- Lead comprehensive sourcing and contracting activities, including RFI/RFQ processes, negotiations of frame agreements, commercial evaluations and contract follow-up.
- Lead strategic supplier negotiations in alignment with direct superiors and the Regional Head of Procurement, ensuring robust commercial outcomes and sustainable supplier relationships.
- Provide leadership and governance for project procurement initiatives, including capital expenditure procurement and cross-functional sourcing projects.
- Partner with business stakeholders to challenge specifications, identify cross-business collaboration opportunities and evaluate make-or-buy decisions.
- Align with key stakeholders across business lines, Innovation, Heads of Procurement, Regional Procurement Management, the procurement community and other central and shared functions.
- Manage suppliers across the lifecycle, including supplier qualification, onboarding, master-data additions, relationship management, supplier performance and supplier risk management.
- Manage contracts and procurement data, including contract-data entry in SAP and a Heraeus owned contract tool, uploads, data quality management and data-cleansing initiatives.
- Create purchase orders and follow up on the end-to-end PO and contract process, including delivery, timing, quality and service performance.
- Support escalation management in case of timing, quality or service issues in accordance with the applicable escalation scheme.
- Support procurement efficiency, community and continuous-improvement initiatives across HQNA procurement functions.
- Promote a safety-first mindset and comply with Heraeus safety, environmental, security, and Code of Conduct requirements.
What Is Required for the Role:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, procurement, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- Three to five years of experience in strategic procurement, sourcing, or category management.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing category strategies for materials and/or services.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, critical-thinking, and business judgment skills.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including the ability to evaluate total cost and procurement opportunities.
- Experience working with ERP and procurement systems, such as SAP, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Ability to analyze markets, suppliers, contracts, specifications, and business data and translate findings into sound recommendations.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work independently, meet deadlines, and take ownership of results.
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees and leaders at all levels.
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, initiative, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to teamwork.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 20%.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with capital expenditure procurement.
- Experience working with international colleagues or customers in a matrix organization.
- Experience with standardized procurement tools, such as supplier relationship management, category management, benefits tracking, and procurement analytics platforms.
- Experience mentoring colleagues or leading cross-functional teams or projects.
Curious? Apply now!
Heraeus is proud to be an employer that provides equal access to opportunities for all its employees. We provide fair and equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other legally protected characteristic. A diverse and inclusive culture is at the heart of our Vision, Mission, and Values. We are dedicated to cultivating a workforce that reflects a broad spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility after hire. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov
Any further questions?
If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact hrdirect-americas@heraeus.com or visit our website at jobs.heraeus.com.
OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Georgia
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in GeorgiaChemicals & Materials OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals and materials companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Georgia?
Companies with a documented history of hiring F-1 OPT candidates in Georgia's chemicals and materials sector include Novelis (aluminum rolling and recycling, headquartered in Atlanta), Eastman Chemical (regional operations), Arkema, and INEOS. Larger multinationals with Georgia facilities tend to have established international hiring infrastructure, which generally makes OPT sponsorship more straightforward than at smaller regional manufacturers.
Which cities in Georgia have the most chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Atlanta has the highest concentration of chemicals and materials OPT roles, particularly in corporate engineering and R&D functions. Augusta supports process and manufacturing engineering positions tied to specialty chemicals operations. Savannah's proximity to the Port of Georgia makes it a hub for materials supply chain and quality roles. Brunswick and Columbus also have industrial facilities that periodically hire OPT candidates in production and technical positions.
What types of chemicals and materials roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that most commonly qualify for F-1 OPT in this sector require a degree directly related to the position. Chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, process engineering, analytical chemistry, and environmental health and safety roles are frequent matches. Quality control, R&D, and process improvement positions at manufacturers also regularly align with OPT requirements. Roles in general operations or logistics without a science or engineering degree requirement are less likely to qualify.
How do I find chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Georgia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry, so you can browse chemicals and materials roles in Georgia without sorting through positions that don't offer sponsorship. Using Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers who have actively indicated OPT eligibility, which is particularly useful in a specialized sector like chemicals and materials where sponsorship varies significantly by company and role.
Are there any Georgia-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in chemicals and materials?
Georgia's chemicals and materials sector includes a mix of large multinationals and mid-size manufacturers. Larger employers typically have HR teams experienced with OPT authorization and STEM OPT extension paperwork, while smaller facilities may not. Many roles in this industry touch export-controlled technologies, which can introduce additional compliance review for international candidates under Export Administration Regulations. Students should confirm their program qualifies as STEM-designated for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, as this is relevant for longer manufacturing and R&D engagements.