Distribution Center Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Distribution Center Manager roles in logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing regularly appear on OPT job listings, and many large employers sponsor H-1B visas for operations management talent. Your OPT period gives you up to 12 months of authorized work, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsWho We Are
We’re Dealer Tire, a family-owned, international distributor of tires and parts established in 1918 in Cleveland, OH. We’re laser focused on helping the world’s largest and most trusted auto manufacturers grow their tire business—in fact, we’ve sold more than 60 million tires to date. We’re a thriving company, and we’re looking for driven individuals to join our team. That’s where you come in!
Base Pay Range:
$85,000-$92,000
Leadership Development Program - Distribution Center Manager-in-Training
Are you ready to lead, grow, and make an impact? We’re seeking a driven and experienced operations professional to join our Leadership Development Program as Distribution Center Manager-in-training. This role is designed for individuals with a passion for team development, operational excellence, and long-term career growth.
As a Distribution Center Manager-in-Training, you’ll play a critical role in daily warehouse operations while developing the leadership skills and business acumen needed to manage a distribution center. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, participate in strategic initiatives, and receive hands-on training across safety, inventory control, staffing, and performance management.
This is a developmental role with a clear path to advancement. Within 18–24 months, successful candidates may be relocated to lead a distribution center in another market, based on business needs and individual readiness.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and supervise warehouse teams to ensure safety, productivity, and engagement.
- Support operational planning, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery.
- Collaborate on staffing strategies, performance evaluations, and employee development.
- Participate in structured training, mentoring, and leadership projects.
- Prepare for future relocation and promotion into a Distribution Center Manager role.
Who You Are:
- A hands-on leader with 5+ years of operations experience, including 2+ years in a supervisory role.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and warehouse systems (WMS, TMS, ERP).
- A strong communicator with a passion for developing people and driving change.
- Open to travel as needed for training and project work (Estimated 30%).
- Relocation as part of your career journey.
This is more than a job—it’s a launchpad for your future in leadership. If you’re ready to grow with us, apply today.
As an Distribution Center Manager-in-Training, your essential job functions will include the following:
Leadership and Supervision
- Ensure a safe work environment by leading safety programs, ensuring associates receive safety training and certifications, enforcing safety procedures, and addressing safety issues.
- Utilize effective coaching, teaching and training to develop successful team members.
- Collaborate with leadership on employee initiatives to create and promote an environment where team members are involved, empowered, and committed to the success of the Company, thereby negating the need for third party representation.
- Assist in the development and execution of strategies for recognition, engagement and teambuilding.
- Collaborate with manager on the design of staffing strategies to ensure work force is flexible and can respond to variations in work flow. Monitor labor hours and consult with manager on budgetary and operational impact.
- Provide input into performance assessments of each team member and recommend appropriate action such as promotions, counseling and termination. Assist Distribution Center Manager with performance conversations.
- Assist with coaching, counseling and discipline to hold associates accountable for performance.
- Assist with scheduling staffing to meet the changing daily business needs.
- Supervise and provide direction for associates.
- Assist with interviewing and making hiring recommendations.
- Assist with ensuring all records and reports are prepared on a timely basis and effectively maintained.
Operations
- Execute on daily operations including monitoring of productivity and quality, process troubleshooting, and all other activities required to ensure safety, inventory accuracy, on-time deliveries and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and monitoring the receiving, storage, assembly (if applicable) and distribution of all items received from vendors.
- Aid in inventory control training and execution of cycle counts and physical inventory counts to ensure that inventory is accurate and organized.
- Troubleshoot and resolve inventory control discrepancies.
- Perform relocation, replenishment and consolidation of product as required.
- Monitor the daily production and performance of the distribution center. Reallocate resources (staffing, equipment) as needed.
- Assist with allocation and maintenance of equipment to ensure equipment is utilized in the most efficient manner and appropriately maintained.
Professional Development
- Work with Distribution Center Managers (DCM) and perform delegated responsibilities and duties with the goal of eventually becoming a Distribution Center Manager.
- Adhere to Distribution Center Manager-in-Training guidelines for program experiences and training.
- Observe experienced associates and leaders to acquire knowledge of methods, procedures, and standards required for performance of duties.
- Learn techniques to direct daily operations including workflow scheduling, monitoring of productivity and quality, process troubleshooting, and all other activities required to ensure safety, inventory accuracy, on-time deliveries and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Tour the warehouse regularly to evaluate operations and assist with solving problems.
- Assist in maintaining location cleanliness and supply levels.
- Follow all company operations policies.
- Successfully complete the Distribution Center Trainer certification and deliver safety and operational training programs.
- Make recommendations on programs to improve overall distribution center operations.
- Participate in a learning project assignment and deliver results aligned to the project objectives.
Other Duties as Assigned
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Experience can be substituted for degree requirements.
- Minimum 5 years operations experience with minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products.
- Strong organizational skills along with excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience with WMS, TMS and ERP systems.
- Meet the requirements of Dealer Tire’s Motor Vehicle Record Policy and Company Vehicle Fleet Policy.
- Always operating the company vehicle in a safe, professional manner and wearing the company vehicle’s safety belt.
- Wearing safety equipment when required.
- For those with a Missouri Driver’s License, you must have a valid Class E license.
- For those working in a Michigan Distribution Center, you must have a valid Chauffeur’s License.
- Must be able to speak/read English well enough to converse with the public, understand road signs, respond to official questions, and make legible entries on records and reports.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- After hire, be able to pass a driver’s road skills test and DOT physical.
Competencies Required
- Setting Direction
- Vendor and Supplier Management
- Developing People
- Managerial Courage
- Empathy
- Executive Presence
- Driving Change
- Business Acumen
Physical Job Requirements
- Open to travel as needed for training and project work (Estimated 30%).
- Lifting at least 70 pounds.
- Continuous lifting, bending, twisting, and crouching.
Drug Policy
- Dealer Tire is a drug-free environment. All applicants being considered for employment must pass a pre-employment drug screening before beginning work.
Why Dealer Tire:
An amazing opportunity to join a growing organization, built on the efforts of hard working, innovative, and team-oriented people. The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The total compensation package may also include commission, bonus or profit sharing. We offer a competitive & comprehensive benefit package including: paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and 401k match (50% on the dollar up to 7% of employee contribution). For more information on our benefit offerings, please visit our Dealer Tire Family of Companies Benefits Highlights Booklet.
EOE Statement:
Dealer Tire is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities.
*ADA Disclosure: Any candidate who feels that they may need an accommodation to complete this application, or any portions of same, based on the impact of a disability should contact Dealer Tire’s Human Resources Department to discuss your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-933-2537 x6550.
Who We Are
We’re Dealer Tire, a family-owned, international distributor of tires and parts established in 1918 in Cleveland, OH. We’re laser focused on helping the world’s largest and most trusted auto manufacturers grow their tire business—in fact, we’ve sold more than 60 million tires to date. We’re a thriving company, and we’re looking for driven individuals to join our team. That’s where you come in!
Base Pay Range:
$85,000-$92,000
Leadership Development Program - Distribution Center Manager-in-Training
Are you ready to lead, grow, and make an impact? We’re seeking a driven and experienced operations professional to join our Leadership Development Program as Distribution Center Manager-in-training. This role is designed for individuals with a passion for team development, operational excellence, and long-term career growth.
As a Distribution Center Manager-in-Training, you’ll play a critical role in daily warehouse operations while developing the leadership skills and business acumen needed to manage a distribution center. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, participate in strategic initiatives, and receive hands-on training across safety, inventory control, staffing, and performance management.
This is a developmental role with a clear path to advancement. Within 18–24 months, successful candidates may be relocated to lead a distribution center in another market, based on business needs and individual readiness.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and supervise warehouse teams to ensure safety, productivity, and engagement.
- Support operational planning, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery.
- Collaborate on staffing strategies, performance evaluations, and employee development.
- Participate in structured training, mentoring, and leadership projects.
- Prepare for future relocation and promotion into a Distribution Center Manager role.
Who You Are:
- A hands-on leader with 5+ years of operations experience, including 2+ years in a supervisory role.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and warehouse systems (WMS, TMS, ERP).
- A strong communicator with a passion for developing people and driving change.
- Open to travel as needed for training and project work (Estimated 30%).
- Relocation as part of your career journey.
This is more than a job—it’s a launchpad for your future in leadership. If you’re ready to grow with us, apply today.
As an Distribution Center Manager-in-Training, your essential job functions will include the following:
Leadership and Supervision
- Ensure a safe work environment by leading safety programs, ensuring associates receive safety training and certifications, enforcing safety procedures, and addressing safety issues.
- Utilize effective coaching, teaching and training to develop successful team members.
- Collaborate with leadership on employee initiatives to create and promote an environment where team members are involved, empowered, and committed to the success of the Company, thereby negating the need for third party representation.
- Assist in the development and execution of strategies for recognition, engagement and teambuilding.
- Collaborate with manager on the design of staffing strategies to ensure work force is flexible and can respond to variations in work flow. Monitor labor hours and consult with manager on budgetary and operational impact.
- Provide input into performance assessments of each team member and recommend appropriate action such as promotions, counseling and termination. Assist Distribution Center Manager with performance conversations.
- Assist with coaching, counseling and discipline to hold associates accountable for performance.
- Assist with scheduling staffing to meet the changing daily business needs.
- Supervise and provide direction for associates.
- Assist with interviewing and making hiring recommendations.
- Assist with ensuring all records and reports are prepared on a timely basis and effectively maintained.
Operations
- Execute on daily operations including monitoring of productivity and quality, process troubleshooting, and all other activities required to ensure safety, inventory accuracy, on-time deliveries and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and monitoring the receiving, storage, assembly (if applicable) and distribution of all items received from vendors.
- Aid in inventory control training and execution of cycle counts and physical inventory counts to ensure that inventory is accurate and organized.
- Troubleshoot and resolve inventory control discrepancies.
- Perform relocation, replenishment and consolidation of product as required.
- Monitor the daily production and performance of the distribution center. Reallocate resources (staffing, equipment) as needed.
- Assist with allocation and maintenance of equipment to ensure equipment is utilized in the most efficient manner and appropriately maintained.
Professional Development
- Work with Distribution Center Managers (DCM) and perform delegated responsibilities and duties with the goal of eventually becoming a Distribution Center Manager.
- Adhere to Distribution Center Manager-in-Training guidelines for program experiences and training.
- Observe experienced associates and leaders to acquire knowledge of methods, procedures, and standards required for performance of duties.
- Learn techniques to direct daily operations including workflow scheduling, monitoring of productivity and quality, process troubleshooting, and all other activities required to ensure safety, inventory accuracy, on-time deliveries and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Tour the warehouse regularly to evaluate operations and assist with solving problems.
- Assist in maintaining location cleanliness and supply levels.
- Follow all company operations policies.
- Successfully complete the Distribution Center Trainer certification and deliver safety and operational training programs.
- Make recommendations on programs to improve overall distribution center operations.
- Participate in a learning project assignment and deliver results aligned to the project objectives.
Other Duties as Assigned
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Experience can be substituted for degree requirements.
- Minimum 5 years operations experience with minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products.
- Strong organizational skills along with excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience with WMS, TMS and ERP systems.
- Meet the requirements of Dealer Tire’s Motor Vehicle Record Policy and Company Vehicle Fleet Policy.
- Always operating the company vehicle in a safe, professional manner and wearing the company vehicle’s safety belt.
- Wearing safety equipment when required.
- For those with a Missouri Driver’s License, you must have a valid Class E license.
- For those working in a Michigan Distribution Center, you must have a valid Chauffeur’s License.
- Must be able to speak/read English well enough to converse with the public, understand road signs, respond to official questions, and make legible entries on records and reports.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- After hire, be able to pass a driver’s road skills test and DOT physical.
Competencies Required
- Setting Direction
- Vendor and Supplier Management
- Developing People
- Managerial Courage
- Empathy
- Executive Presence
- Driving Change
- Business Acumen
Physical Job Requirements
- Open to travel as needed for training and project work (Estimated 30%).
- Lifting at least 70 pounds.
- Continuous lifting, bending, twisting, and crouching.
Drug Policy
- Dealer Tire is a drug-free environment. All applicants being considered for employment must pass a pre-employment drug screening before beginning work.
Why Dealer Tire:
An amazing opportunity to join a growing organization, built on the efforts of hard working, innovative, and team-oriented people. The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The total compensation package may also include commission, bonus or profit sharing. We offer a competitive & comprehensive benefit package including: paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and 401k match (50% on the dollar up to 7% of employee contribution). For more information on our benefit offerings, please visit our Dealer Tire Family of Companies Benefits Highlights Booklet.
EOE Statement:
Dealer Tire is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities.
*ADA Disclosure: Any candidate who feels that they may need an accommodation to complete this application, or any portions of same, based on the impact of a disability should contact Dealer Tire’s Human Resources Department to discuss your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-933-2537 x6550.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Distribution Center Manager
Target employers with established H-1B sponsorship history
Large retailers, third-party logistics providers, and e-commerce fulfillment companies file H-1B petitions for operations roles regularly. Focus your search on employers with a track record of sponsoring distribution and supply chain management positions.
Leverage your STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Industrial engineering, supply chain management, and operations research degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That extension gives employers a longer runway to sponsor you, which meaningfully reduces their urgency around the H-1B timeline.
Frame your degree as directly tied to the operational role
Distribution Center Manager is a specialty occupation requiring a degree in a relevant field. Be prepared to show how your engineering, business, or supply chain degree connects specifically to warehouse operations, inventory systems, or logistics management functions.
Start the sponsorship conversation before your OPT expires
H-1B cap filings open in March for an October start date. If your OPT expires before October, ask your employer about cap-exempt options or whether they can support a status bridge. Starting this conversation 12 months out avoids avoidable gaps.
Highlight metrics-driven results in your application materials
Distribution Center Managers are evaluated on throughput, error rates, and labor efficiency. Quantifying your impact with specific performance improvements signals to sponsors that you bring measurable operational value worth the sponsorship investment.
Understand what the specialty occupation requirement means for your role
USCIS requires that the role normally requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Generic management experience alone may not be enough. Make sure the job description specifies a degree requirement, not just a preference, before pursuing sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Distribution Center Managers?
Yes. Distribution Center Manager is a professional role that qualifies for OPT authorization when your degree is related to the position. Degrees in supply chain management, industrial engineering, operations management, or business administration are the most common qualifying fields. Your employer does not need to take any special steps to hire you during your OPT period.
Do Distribution Center Manager jobs typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at large employers in e-commerce, retail, and third-party logistics. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation when the employer requires a specific bachelor's degree, which supports the H-1B petition. Sponsorship likelihood varies by employer size and hiring volume. You can browse Distribution Center Manager roles from sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
Does a supply chain or industrial engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension in this role?
Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Operations Research degrees are on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, so graduates in those fields are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Business Administration and Management degrees are generally not STEM-designated. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before applying.
What counts as a qualifying degree for a Distribution Center Manager H-1B petition?
USCIS requires that the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. For distribution and fulfillment operations roles, industrial engineering, supply chain management, logistics, or operations management degrees are the strongest fits. A general business degree may be accepted depending on the employer's job description, but the connection to the specific role must be clearly documented in the petition.
How much time do I realistically have to secure H-1B sponsorship on OPT?
Standard OPT gives you 12 months. If you have a STEM-eligible degree, the 24-month extension brings your total to 36 months. H-1B cap petitions are filed in March for an October 1 start date, so your timing depends on when your OPT began. Students who start OPT in the fall often have one H-1B cycle window; those who start in January or February may have two.
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