Business Unit Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Business Unit Manager roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in business administration, operations, or management. Your 12-month OPT window (up to 36 months with a STEM extension) gives you time to prove leadership impact, but you'll need employers willing to sponsor H-1B down the line.
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Location: This position will be located in Bellefontaine Ohio
Position Summary:
Responsible for the operation of assigned Business Unit including workplace safety, machinery and equipment, quality, cost, productivity, delivery, and the culture of continuous improvement.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Works under the direction of the Plant Manager
- Manages directly and indirectly all Business Unit Team Members. The Business Unit Manager evaluates, trains, disciplines and determines remuneration of his staff
- Responsible for safety performance and improvement within business unit
- Develops Business Unit goals and specific plant objectives
- Responsible for equipment/process/tooling capacity planning for business unit
- Responsible for establishing business unit manpower requirements and adjusting manpower based on sales forecasting, turnover, productivity improvements, etc.
- Lead, support or participate in standard lean events and continuous improvement activities
- Lead, support or participate in formal root cause analysis/problem‐solving efforts related to safety, quality and delivery incidents
- Develop and implements business unit specific procedures and work instructions
- Lead or assist in efforts to meet/exceed safe launch requirements
- Ensure 6S initiatives are implemented and the 6S process is maintained within business unit
- Review and approve production schedules to meet the demand of the customers without expedited deliveries
- Responsible for meeting or exceeding annual budget requirements including direct and indirect labor, scrap, cost of quality, and overtime
- Encourages Team Member engagement activities
- Complies with policies and procedures pertaining to the location, corporate, and customer standards such as TS16949 and ISO14001
- May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description
Education and Qualifications:
- Four year degree in Industrial Management or related field
- Five years’ experience in manufacturing supervision, automotive experience preferred
- Problem solving and strong analytical skills, strong self‐motivation, and decision making skills
- Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary
Work Environment/Work Conditions:
- Professional Office Environment
- Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor
- Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
- Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury
Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers.
Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Cooper Standard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note that Cooper Standard maintains a list of preferred recruiting agencies and only members of our Talent Acquisition Department have the authority to engage and authorize recruiting services. We also do not seek or accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Cooper Standard will be considered unencumbered and free from any charge whatsoever.

Location: This position will be located in Bellefontaine Ohio
Position Summary:
Responsible for the operation of assigned Business Unit including workplace safety, machinery and equipment, quality, cost, productivity, delivery, and the culture of continuous improvement.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Works under the direction of the Plant Manager
- Manages directly and indirectly all Business Unit Team Members. The Business Unit Manager evaluates, trains, disciplines and determines remuneration of his staff
- Responsible for safety performance and improvement within business unit
- Develops Business Unit goals and specific plant objectives
- Responsible for equipment/process/tooling capacity planning for business unit
- Responsible for establishing business unit manpower requirements and adjusting manpower based on sales forecasting, turnover, productivity improvements, etc.
- Lead, support or participate in standard lean events and continuous improvement activities
- Lead, support or participate in formal root cause analysis/problem‐solving efforts related to safety, quality and delivery incidents
- Develop and implements business unit specific procedures and work instructions
- Lead or assist in efforts to meet/exceed safe launch requirements
- Ensure 6S initiatives are implemented and the 6S process is maintained within business unit
- Review and approve production schedules to meet the demand of the customers without expedited deliveries
- Responsible for meeting or exceeding annual budget requirements including direct and indirect labor, scrap, cost of quality, and overtime
- Encourages Team Member engagement activities
- Complies with policies and procedures pertaining to the location, corporate, and customer standards such as TS16949 and ISO14001
- May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description
Education and Qualifications:
- Four year degree in Industrial Management or related field
- Five years’ experience in manufacturing supervision, automotive experience preferred
- Problem solving and strong analytical skills, strong self‐motivation, and decision making skills
- Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary
Work Environment/Work Conditions:
- Professional Office Environment
- Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor
- Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
- Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury
Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers.
Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Cooper Standard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note that Cooper Standard maintains a list of preferred recruiting agencies and only members of our Talent Acquisition Department have the authority to engage and authorize recruiting services. We also do not seek or accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Cooper Standard will be considered unencumbered and free from any charge whatsoever.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Business Unit Manager
Lead with business impact, not just management experience
Hiring managers for this role want measurable outcomes: revenue growth, cost reduction, team expansion. Quantify what your unit delivered under your leadership. Numbers convert faster than responsibilities listed on a resume.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with recruiters
Business Unit Manager searches often run three to six months. If your OPT cap-out date falls within that window, say so early. Recruiters need time to align hiring timelines with your work authorization expiration date.
Emphasize cross-functional coordination skills
This role sits at the intersection of finance, operations, and people management. Highlighting experience coordinating across departments signals the organizational maturity employers expect at the business unit level, regardless of your immigration status.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Migrate Mate surfaces Business Unit Manager roles from employers with active sponsorship histories. Searching there saves hours of manually vetting companies that won't support your work authorization past your OPT expiration.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Business Unit Manager on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Business Unit Manager roles qualify under F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Most students with degrees in business administration, management, finance, or operations can demonstrate that connection. You'll work on your Employment Authorization Document for up to 12 months, or 36 months if you qualify for a STEM OPT extension.
Does a Business Unit Manager role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems or an MBA with a STEM designation, and the Business Unit Manager role aligns with that field, you can apply for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
Will employers sponsor H-1B visas for Business Unit Manager roles?
Many do, particularly established companies in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and technology where business unit leadership is a recognized specialty. The key is finding employers who have sponsored H-1B petitions previously. Migrate Mate filters for employers with active sponsorship histories, which makes identifying these companies significantly faster than reviewing job postings one by one.
How should I explain my OPT status when applying for senior roles like this?
Be direct and matter-of-fact. State your work authorization status and end date early in recruiter conversations so there are no surprises late in the process. Frame it as a timeline to plan around, not a disqualifier. Most employers evaluating candidates for Business Unit Manager roles are focused on leadership track record. Authorization status is a logistics question, not a reflection of your qualifications.
What industries hire Business Unit Managers on OPT most often?
Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare operations, financial services, and enterprise technology are the most consistent sources of Business Unit Manager roles that accommodate OPT candidates. These industries tend to have formal organizational structures where the role is well-defined, making it easier to establish the direct connection between your degree and your position that OPT requires.
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