J-1 Visa Director Of Research Operations Jobs
Director of Research Operations roles in the U.S. typically fall under the J-1 Research Scholar or Specialist category, both administered by a State Department-designated sponsor organization that issues your DS-2019. Finding a host institution willing to coordinate J-1 sponsorship is the first step toward securing your placement.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Chervon is one of the world’s largest power tool and outdoor power equipment manufacturers with a rich history of innovation. Chervon’s commitment to build a better world by building better tools is evident in the products we manufacture and our green approach to manufacturing. We focus on hand-held portable power tools, stationary bench tools, laser and electronic equipment and outdoor power equipment. With world-class R&D, design, manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, sales, and service teams throughout the world, we do it all.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Sales – Hardware / Co‑Op Channel has full leadership responsibility for Chervon’s U.S. Hardware Co‑Op business, including key accounts such as Ace Hardware, Orgill, Do‑it Best, and other strategic partners. This role owns overall channel strategy, revenue growth, and profitability, and provides executive leadership to the Territory Sales Manager team and Key Account Managers selling EGO Outdoor Power Equipment and SKIL Power Tools. As a senior leader within the Hardware Channel, the Director is responsible for developing and executing strategic and operating plans, driving accurate channel forecasting, and ensuring alignment between sales execution and corporate objectives. The role partners closely with global back-end teams in Nanjing, China, as well as cross-functional North American teams including Brand, Product Management, Service, Channel Management, Marketing, Finance, and Senior Leadership.
LEADERSHIP & PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Territory Sales Management Leadership
The Director provides strategic direction, coaching, and performance management for a team of Territory Sales Managers across assigned regions. This role is accountable for ensuring the team delivers sustainable, profitable growth through disciplined execution, effective retailer partnerships, and consistent sales processes.
Key leadership responsibilities include:
- Hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing Territory Sales Managers
- Setting clear performance expectations and sales objectives aligned to channel strategy
- Driving achievement of monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and profit targets
- Overseeing regional execution with retailers, buying groups, and multi-store hardware customers
- Ensuring consistent sales processes related to prospecting, conversions, training, merchandising, and service
- Providing coaching, field support, and performance feedback to maximize productivity and effectiveness
- Promoting efficient territory management, travel planning, and cost control
- Representing the organization at national, regional, and channel trade shows and key industry events
Key Account Leadership
The Director works in close partnership with the Key Account Managers to develop and execute long-term growth strategies for national and cooperative hardware accounts. This role ensures account strategies are aligned across Residential, Commercial and E‑Commerce channels, with a strong focus on long-term revenue, margin, and brand sustainability.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing comprehensive account strategies in collaboration with the VP of Sales
- Leading product line reviews, new product launches, and assortment optimization initiatives
- Building and maintaining senior-level relationships with key account decision makers
- Negotiating programs, promotions, and initiatives with major co-op partners (e.g., Ace, Orgill, Do‑it Best)
- Driving alignment across merchandising, branding, marketing, supply chain, operations, product development, and finance
- Ensuring flawless execution of store support, merchandising, and field-level programs
Strategic, Financial & Cross-Functional Accountability
The Director of Sales is accountable for channel-level performance and serves as a key contributor to enterprise planning and decision-making.
Core responsibilities include:
- Ownership of Hardware Channel P&L in coordination with supporting functions
- Development of annual strategic plans and long-range growth initiatives for key accounts
- Creating, managing, and forecasting channel and brand budgets
- Providing accurate sales forecasts and regular analysis of sell-in, wholesale, POS, inventory, and event performance
- Analyzing metrics and insights to refine strategy, investments, and execution plans
- Leading and participating in internal sales meetings, reviews, and planning sessions
- Delivering clear, data-driven reporting aligned to key performance indicators
- Driving profitable growth while ensuring alignment with corporate goals and brand strategy
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of forecasting experience
- Minimum of 10 years’ proven work experience in the industry
- Strong sales and people management/engagement skills
- Analytic problem solving
- Experience in hiring and growing sales in an assigned territory
- Strategic intuition and thought process expertise
- Collaborative work style
- Experienced in retail, consumer, or brand
- Strong Microsoft Suite skills, SharePoint
- Experience with CRM/Salesforce
- Excellent verbal and written presentation skills
COMPENSATION:
- The salary range for this position is $155k to $180k base salary. Offers are generally made between this range depending on skills, experience and internal equity. In some cases, highly qualified candidates may receive an offer outside of the posted range.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong People Management Skills
- Thought leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Project planning
- Business acumen
- Personal effectiveness/credibility
- Communication proficiency
- Presentation skills
- Knowledge of the tool and outdoor power equipment industries
TRAVEL:
This position requires up to 30% travel; some weekend events; some international.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position operates from either a remote home location or from the Naperville, IL corporate office (preferred). It also requires communication via email and video conference with international teams on a weekly basis. Chervon North America operates in a casual and fun environment. We offer a very competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, short/long-term disability, life insurance, parental leave, a generous 401(k) match, an open PTO program and a hybrid work environment.
We think Chervon is a great place to work! Be part of our new future!
Better Tools. Better World.
Chervon North America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, age, religion, color, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender, pregnancy, military status, order of protection status, transgender status, genetic information, or any other category protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
Chervon is one of the world’s largest power tool and outdoor power equipment manufacturers with a rich history of innovation. Chervon’s commitment to build a better world by building better tools is evident in the products we manufacture and our green approach to manufacturing. We focus on hand-held portable power tools, stationary bench tools, laser and electronic equipment and outdoor power equipment. With world-class R&D, design, manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, sales, and service teams throughout the world, we do it all.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Sales – Hardware / Co‑Op Channel has full leadership responsibility for Chervon’s U.S. Hardware Co‑Op business, including key accounts such as Ace Hardware, Orgill, Do‑it Best, and other strategic partners. This role owns overall channel strategy, revenue growth, and profitability, and provides executive leadership to the Territory Sales Manager team and Key Account Managers selling EGO Outdoor Power Equipment and SKIL Power Tools. As a senior leader within the Hardware Channel, the Director is responsible for developing and executing strategic and operating plans, driving accurate channel forecasting, and ensuring alignment between sales execution and corporate objectives. The role partners closely with global back-end teams in Nanjing, China, as well as cross-functional North American teams including Brand, Product Management, Service, Channel Management, Marketing, Finance, and Senior Leadership.
LEADERSHIP & PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Territory Sales Management Leadership
The Director provides strategic direction, coaching, and performance management for a team of Territory Sales Managers across assigned regions. This role is accountable for ensuring the team delivers sustainable, profitable growth through disciplined execution, effective retailer partnerships, and consistent sales processes.
Key leadership responsibilities include:
- Hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing Territory Sales Managers
- Setting clear performance expectations and sales objectives aligned to channel strategy
- Driving achievement of monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and profit targets
- Overseeing regional execution with retailers, buying groups, and multi-store hardware customers
- Ensuring consistent sales processes related to prospecting, conversions, training, merchandising, and service
- Providing coaching, field support, and performance feedback to maximize productivity and effectiveness
- Promoting efficient territory management, travel planning, and cost control
- Representing the organization at national, regional, and channel trade shows and key industry events
Key Account Leadership
The Director works in close partnership with the Key Account Managers to develop and execute long-term growth strategies for national and cooperative hardware accounts. This role ensures account strategies are aligned across Residential, Commercial and E‑Commerce channels, with a strong focus on long-term revenue, margin, and brand sustainability.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing comprehensive account strategies in collaboration with the VP of Sales
- Leading product line reviews, new product launches, and assortment optimization initiatives
- Building and maintaining senior-level relationships with key account decision makers
- Negotiating programs, promotions, and initiatives with major co-op partners (e.g., Ace, Orgill, Do‑it Best)
- Driving alignment across merchandising, branding, marketing, supply chain, operations, product development, and finance
- Ensuring flawless execution of store support, merchandising, and field-level programs
Strategic, Financial & Cross-Functional Accountability
The Director of Sales is accountable for channel-level performance and serves as a key contributor to enterprise planning and decision-making.
Core responsibilities include:
- Ownership of Hardware Channel P&L in coordination with supporting functions
- Development of annual strategic plans and long-range growth initiatives for key accounts
- Creating, managing, and forecasting channel and brand budgets
- Providing accurate sales forecasts and regular analysis of sell-in, wholesale, POS, inventory, and event performance
- Analyzing metrics and insights to refine strategy, investments, and execution plans
- Leading and participating in internal sales meetings, reviews, and planning sessions
- Delivering clear, data-driven reporting aligned to key performance indicators
- Driving profitable growth while ensuring alignment with corporate goals and brand strategy
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of forecasting experience
- Minimum of 10 years’ proven work experience in the industry
- Strong sales and people management/engagement skills
- Analytic problem solving
- Experience in hiring and growing sales in an assigned territory
- Strategic intuition and thought process expertise
- Collaborative work style
- Experienced in retail, consumer, or brand
- Strong Microsoft Suite skills, SharePoint
- Experience with CRM/Salesforce
- Excellent verbal and written presentation skills
COMPENSATION:
- The salary range for this position is $155k to $180k base salary. Offers are generally made between this range depending on skills, experience and internal equity. In some cases, highly qualified candidates may receive an offer outside of the posted range.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong People Management Skills
- Thought leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Project planning
- Business acumen
- Personal effectiveness/credibility
- Communication proficiency
- Presentation skills
- Knowledge of the tool and outdoor power equipment industries
TRAVEL:
This position requires up to 30% travel; some weekend events; some international.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position operates from either a remote home location or from the Naperville, IL corporate office (preferred). It also requires communication via email and video conference with international teams on a weekly basis. Chervon North America operates in a casual and fun environment. We offer a very competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, short/long-term disability, life insurance, parental leave, a generous 401(k) match, an open PTO program and a hybrid work environment.
We think Chervon is a great place to work! Be part of our new future!
Better Tools. Better World.
Chervon North America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, age, religion, color, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender, pregnancy, military status, order of protection status, transgender status, genetic information, or any other category protected by law.
See all 10+ Director Of Research Operations jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Director Of Research Operations
Document your research leadership credentials early
Designated sponsors like IIE evaluate Research Scholar applicants on publications, institutional affiliations, and demonstrated leadership in research administration. Assemble peer-reviewed work, org charts showing your oversight scope, and letters from department heads before approaching any host institution.
Identify host institutions by research infrastructure
Target universities, federal labs, and research institutes that already hold active DS-2019 issuance agreements with a designated sponsor. Hosts without an existing sponsor relationship face months of setup time, which can derail your offer timeline entirely.
Search J-1-friendly Director roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Director of Research Operations openings at institutions with documented J-1 hosting history, so you spend your outreach on employers already set up to coordinate sponsorship rather than educating them from scratch.
Clarify home residency requirement exposure upfront
Research Scholar J-1 holders are frequently subject to the two-year home residency requirement if your home country government funded your exchange or if your skills appear on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Confirm your status before accepting an offer, since this affects future H-1B or green card eligibility.
Align your training plan with DOL-recognized research management duties
Your DS-2019 training plan must map your day-to-day responsibilities to recognized research operations functions. Cross-reference your proposed duties against the O*NET occupation profile for research administrators to ensure the host and sponsor can justify the placement to DOL standards.
Negotiate sponsor coordination timelines into your offer letter
DS-2019 issuance requires the host to submit financial guarantees and program documentation to the designated sponsor before you can schedule a visa interview. Ask your prospective employer to specify a sponsor submission deadline in writing so the process doesn't stall after you've accepted.
Director Of Research Operations jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Director Of Research Operations JobsDirector Of Research Operations J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Director of Research Operations role?
Most Director of Research Operations placements fall under the Research Scholar or Specialist category. Research Scholar applies when your role involves conducting or directing original research at a university or research institution. Specialist applies when the position centers on observing, consulting on, or demonstrating specialized research management expertise without a primary research component. Your designated sponsor determines the correct category based on your proposed activities.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a research operations role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as IIE or Cultural Vistas, not your hiring institution. The university or research institute where you work is the host organization. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors program compliance, and serves as your legal point of contact with the State Department throughout your exchange period.
How do I find employers already set up for J-1 Research Scholar hosting?
Migrate Mate lets you search Director of Research Operations openings filtered by institutions with J-1 hosting experience, saving you from spending outreach on employers who have never coordinated with a designated sponsor. Hosts without an existing sponsor agreement can take several months to establish one, which adds significant risk to your placement timeline.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to this role?
It can. Research Scholar J-1 holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement if their home country government funded the exchange, if their skills appear on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, or if the U.S. government funded the program. You should review your DS-2019 and consult your designated sponsor before accepting an offer, since waiving this requirement later is a separate, time-consuming process.
What does a J-1 training plan need to cover for a research operations director?
The training plan must describe specific research administration activities you will perform, the knowledge or skills you will gain, supervision arrangements, and evaluation methods. Vague plans that simply list job duties are frequently returned by designated sponsors for revision. Grounding your plan in recognized research management functions, such as those outlined in the O*NET occupation profile for research administrators, strengthens the sponsor's ability to approve and defend the placement.
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