OPT Chief Operating Officer Jobs
Chief Operating Officer roles on OPT are rare but not impossible. Most COO positions require extensive leadership experience, so F-1 students pursuing this path typically hold STEM OPT extensions and target high-growth startups where operational leadership opens earlier. Your 12 to 36 months of work authorization needs to convert to long-term sponsorship fast.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Sodexo Seniors is seeking a Director of Facilities Operations to support facilities maintenance operations for multiple accounts in the Northeast. Travel will be at 40% and candidate will need to be based in Harrisburg or Lancaster, PA area.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in facilities management, preferably in a healthcare/senior living or regulated environment. Will ensure safe, efficient & well-maintained facilities, delivering exceptional service to client & residents.
ABOUT THE JOB
In this senior leadership role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facilities operations, from skilled trades and maintenance programs to staffing, safety, and compliance, across complex, high-impact environments. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure optimal building performance, and partner with internal stakeholders to drive strategic improvements and operational excellence.
Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.
PAY RANGE: $115940 per year - $180070 per year
INCENTIVE ELIGIBILITY: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Lead large-scale facilities operations where your decisions directly impact safety, efficiency, and business continuity.
- Influence strategy and drive innovation by overseeing key infrastructure systems and service delivery.
- Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and technical excellence.
- Play a pivotal role in construction planning, system upgrades, and long-term asset preservation.
- Gain visibility and collaboration opportunities with senior stakeholders across a broad operational landscape.
- Manage operational budgets and resources while aligning facilities strategy with organizational goals.
- Thrive in a purpose-driven environment that rewards leadership, problem-solving, and operational precision.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
3+ years of facilities, engineering, or maintenance management experience, preferably in healthcare, senior living, or a related industry. Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building systems maintenance.
- Proven experience leading complex facilities operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems.
- Leadership skills with the skillset to manage, mentor, and inspire both frontline teams and management staff.
- Expertise in overseeing construction projects, capital improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, contracts, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to drive alignment and operational success across diverse teams.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 5 years
- Related Experience: 5 years
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
WHO WE ARE
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
INTRODUCTION
Sodexo Seniors is seeking a Director of Facilities Operations to support facilities maintenance operations for multiple accounts in the Northeast. Travel will be at 40% and candidate will need to be based in Harrisburg or Lancaster, PA area.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in facilities management, preferably in a healthcare/senior living or regulated environment. Will ensure safe, efficient & well-maintained facilities, delivering exceptional service to client & residents.
ABOUT THE JOB
In this senior leadership role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facilities operations, from skilled trades and maintenance programs to staffing, safety, and compliance, across complex, high-impact environments. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure optimal building performance, and partner with internal stakeholders to drive strategic improvements and operational excellence.
Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.
PAY RANGE: $115940 per year - $180070 per year
INCENTIVE ELIGIBILITY: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Lead large-scale facilities operations where your decisions directly impact safety, efficiency, and business continuity.
- Influence strategy and drive innovation by overseeing key infrastructure systems and service delivery.
- Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and technical excellence.
- Play a pivotal role in construction planning, system upgrades, and long-term asset preservation.
- Gain visibility and collaboration opportunities with senior stakeholders across a broad operational landscape.
- Manage operational budgets and resources while aligning facilities strategy with organizational goals.
- Thrive in a purpose-driven environment that rewards leadership, problem-solving, and operational precision.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
3+ years of facilities, engineering, or maintenance management experience, preferably in healthcare, senior living, or a related industry. Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building systems maintenance.
- Proven experience leading complex facilities operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems.
- Leadership skills with the skillset to manage, mentor, and inspire both frontline teams and management staff.
- Expertise in overseeing construction projects, capital improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, contracts, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to drive alignment and operational success across diverse teams.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 5 years
- Related Experience: 5 years
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
WHO WE ARE
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
See all 997+ OPT Chief Operating Officer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Chief Operating Officer
Target startups over established corporations
Early-stage companies promote operational leaders faster and sponsor visas more flexibly than large enterprises. A Series A or B startup actively scaling needs operational talent and is more willing to invest in sponsorship for the right person.
Build your case around measurable operational impact
COO hiring decisions hinge on outcomes, not credentials. Document specific metrics: revenue growth you drove, costs reduced, headcount scaled. Concrete numbers replace the experience gap that OPT students often face at this seniority level.
Get your employer started on H-1B sponsorship early
The H-1B lottery registration opens in March for October starts. If your OPT expires mid-year, timing matters enormously. Raise sponsorship in the offer negotiation stage, not after you have started working, to avoid authorization gaps.
Position yourself as a specialist, not a generalist
COO roles at the OPT stage are usually functional, not company-wide. Titles like Head of Operations or VP of Operations lead there. Specializing in supply chain, product ops, or growth ops makes you a stronger visa sponsorship candidate.
Engage immigration-friendly industries strategically
Technology, healthcare operations, and logistics companies file the most H-1B petitions for operational leadership roles. Prioritizing these sectors improves your odds of finding an employer already comfortable with visa sponsorship processes.
Use your OPT period to demonstrate leadership, not just execution
Sponsors back people who show they can run things independently. Take on cross-functional projects, manage budgets, and lead teams during OPT. That track record is what converts a current employer into a long-term visa sponsor.
Chief Operating Officer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as a Chief Operating Officer in the United States?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in any role directly related to your field of study, including executive positions like Chief Operating Officer. The key requirement is that your COO duties connect to your degree field. Business, management, engineering, and computer science graduates can reasonably make this connection, particularly in operationally complex industries.
Which visa is most commonly used to sponsor Chief Operating Officer roles after OPT?
The H-1B is the most common long-term path for COO roles, provided the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Some COO candidates also pursue the O-1A visa, which requires demonstrating extraordinary ability through awards, media coverage, high compensation relative to peers, or significant contributions to their industry.
How can I find Chief Operating Officer jobs that offer OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the recommended starting point. It surfaces employer-sponsored roles specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, filtering out listings where sponsorship is unlikely. COO-level roles on OPT are uncommon, so searching for operational leadership titles like Head of Operations, Director of Operations, or VP of Operations and building toward the COO level is often more practical.
Does a COO role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program and your COO responsibilities apply STEM knowledge directly, such as overseeing engineering operations, technical product delivery, or data-driven growth functions, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Your DSO and the employer's HR team should confirm eligibility before filing.
What makes it harder to get OPT sponsorship for senior executive roles like COO?
Employers sponsoring executive roles face the same visa costs and timelines as any hire, but the stakes are higher. COO positions require demonstrated leadership experience that most recent graduates cannot show. Additionally, the H-1B lottery introduces uncertainty that can disqualify a candidate from the role. Companies willing to sponsor tend to be startups where the candidate has already proven themselves internally during the OPT period.