OPT Retail Jobs
Retail jobs on OPT are available across merchandising, buying, store operations, and e-commerce roles at major chains and specialty brands. Most qualifying positions require a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Your OPT period gives you up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension possible for data-driven or supply chain roles.
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Get Access To All JobsRIV Level: 6
Address: 3275 E Winslow Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Rivian is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Retail and Delivery Manager to help us scale with purpose and precision. As a leader in our field organization, you will drive performance, lead a high-impact team, and ensure that every customer interaction reflects our brand values and commitment to excellence. In this role, you'll own the full customer journey—from initial customer engagement through to vehicle delivery—overseeing all sales and delivery operations within your location, including sales execution, logistics, and last-mile delivery. The Manager will oversee field sales activities and daily operations across their assigned location(s), drive accountability for team productivity, and ensure performance goals are met across daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly metrics.
The Retail and Delivery Manager will be accountable for creating a highly productive environment in which customers have a meaningful and memorable experience, employees are motivated and engaged, and the business performs and thrives. The ideal candidate will take a customer-first approach, demonstrate a strong drive for competitive sales, thrive in ambiguous and unexpected environments, and tackle challenges with a flexible and solution-oriented mindset. In addition to driving day-to-day execution, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally to bring local activations to life, expand our community presence, and continuously refine processes through data-driven insights. With a deep passion for people, you’ll lead by example—motivating teams, cultivating culture, and driving measurable results that align with Rivian’s mission and values.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure that the customer experience is best-in-class across your region: authentic, engaging, educational and aligned with Rivian’s core values and culture
- Drive sales performance and execute strategic initiatives across your location(s) to achieve revenue targets and market share growth
- Own, track, and deliver on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring the team is invested in the related company-wide strategic objectives while driving individual location and employee performance
- Responsible for ensuring flawless execution across all stages of the vehicle delivery process—including vehicle preparation, customer paperwork, logistics coordination, and final vehicle handoff
- Partner with Service, Vehicle Operations and other departments to analyze operations and processes to recommend changes that will drive efficiency and lower operating expenses
- Optimize the staffing model to align resources with customer demand, designing efficient schedules and shift patterns that maximize efficiency and deliver a best-in-class customer experience
- Collaborate cross-functionally to plan and execute activations, events, and strategies that drive brand awareness, traffic, product education, lead generation, demand generation, retention, and conversion
- Manage operations in alignment with the financial plan, including revenue plan, payroll budget, and overall store P&L
- Enforce high fidelity in document execution to prevent errors and safeguard revenue
- Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations as well as Rivian company policy and procedures
- Take on additional projects, duties and assignments as required and/or by request from the leadership
Basic Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in field sales; 2+ field leadership, preferably multi-unit management
- Retail, sales, hospitality or similar fields highly preferred; experience in a direct-to-consumer business model and/or commission-based sales organization a plus
- Strong understanding of the electric vehicle industry, including market dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory considerations
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant working experience
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays; ability and willingness to travel up to 75% based on business needs
- Extensive experience with P&L, POS and CRM software
- Expertise in human resources, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, payroll, and performance management
- Comfortable operating large, high performance vehicles and conducting demo drives with customers
- Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle (or state that you are commuting daily to/from) and possess an exceptional driving record; If driver’s license isn’t in the appropriate state, you must be eligible to obtain one within the first 60 days of employment
- No drug or alcohol related driving incidents in the last 3 years; No more than 1 serious moving violation in the last 3 years; No driving related suspensions or revocation of Driver License within a 3-5 year period. Will be subject to continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring
- Ability to obtain and maintain local sales licenses if applicable in your state
Physical Requirements:
- Willingness to work in various working conditions including being in a full service retail location or service center, including working outdoors and operating vehicles in unpredictable weather conditions
- Physical exertion may be required to perform occupational tasks (sitting up to 2 or more hours at a time, standing for up to 8 or more hours a day, walking, bending, kneeling, laying, twisting, carrying, reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs)
- Frequent use of hands for purposes of grasping and using tools correctly, entering data, writing communications, or calling customers or internal partners
- Ability to see, read and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions or schematics
Competencies:
- Excellent written and verbal language skills in English, additional languages a plus
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in utilizing sales data and metrics
- Results-driven with a focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets
- An obsessive approach to elevating the customer experience and commitment to taking every opportunity to over-deliver when it comes to delighting and interacting with our community
- Possess an entrepreneurial mindset and apply a scrappy and resourceful approach to everything you do. Solve problems and overcome challenges with creativity and ingenuity
- Ability to build and maintain relationships, solicit cooperation, and achieve results through collaboration while managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Outstanding verbal and written communication required
- Skilled use of project management tools and well versed in memo and presentation building; Confluence, Smartsheet, and MS Office/Google suite
RIV Level: 6
Address: 3275 E Winslow Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Rivian is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Retail and Delivery Manager to help us scale with purpose and precision. As a leader in our field organization, you will drive performance, lead a high-impact team, and ensure that every customer interaction reflects our brand values and commitment to excellence. In this role, you'll own the full customer journey—from initial customer engagement through to vehicle delivery—overseeing all sales and delivery operations within your location, including sales execution, logistics, and last-mile delivery. The Manager will oversee field sales activities and daily operations across their assigned location(s), drive accountability for team productivity, and ensure performance goals are met across daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly metrics.
The Retail and Delivery Manager will be accountable for creating a highly productive environment in which customers have a meaningful and memorable experience, employees are motivated and engaged, and the business performs and thrives. The ideal candidate will take a customer-first approach, demonstrate a strong drive for competitive sales, thrive in ambiguous and unexpected environments, and tackle challenges with a flexible and solution-oriented mindset. In addition to driving day-to-day execution, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally to bring local activations to life, expand our community presence, and continuously refine processes through data-driven insights. With a deep passion for people, you’ll lead by example—motivating teams, cultivating culture, and driving measurable results that align with Rivian’s mission and values.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure that the customer experience is best-in-class across your region: authentic, engaging, educational and aligned with Rivian’s core values and culture
- Drive sales performance and execute strategic initiatives across your location(s) to achieve revenue targets and market share growth
- Own, track, and deliver on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring the team is invested in the related company-wide strategic objectives while driving individual location and employee performance
- Responsible for ensuring flawless execution across all stages of the vehicle delivery process—including vehicle preparation, customer paperwork, logistics coordination, and final vehicle handoff
- Partner with Service, Vehicle Operations and other departments to analyze operations and processes to recommend changes that will drive efficiency and lower operating expenses
- Optimize the staffing model to align resources with customer demand, designing efficient schedules and shift patterns that maximize efficiency and deliver a best-in-class customer experience
- Collaborate cross-functionally to plan and execute activations, events, and strategies that drive brand awareness, traffic, product education, lead generation, demand generation, retention, and conversion
- Manage operations in alignment with the financial plan, including revenue plan, payroll budget, and overall store P&L
- Enforce high fidelity in document execution to prevent errors and safeguard revenue
- Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations as well as Rivian company policy and procedures
- Take on additional projects, duties and assignments as required and/or by request from the leadership
Basic Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in field sales; 2+ field leadership, preferably multi-unit management
- Retail, sales, hospitality or similar fields highly preferred; experience in a direct-to-consumer business model and/or commission-based sales organization a plus
- Strong understanding of the electric vehicle industry, including market dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory considerations
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant working experience
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays; ability and willingness to travel up to 75% based on business needs
- Extensive experience with P&L, POS and CRM software
- Expertise in human resources, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, payroll, and performance management
- Comfortable operating large, high performance vehicles and conducting demo drives with customers
- Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle (or state that you are commuting daily to/from) and possess an exceptional driving record; If driver’s license isn’t in the appropriate state, you must be eligible to obtain one within the first 60 days of employment
- No drug or alcohol related driving incidents in the last 3 years; No more than 1 serious moving violation in the last 3 years; No driving related suspensions or revocation of Driver License within a 3-5 year period. Will be subject to continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring
- Ability to obtain and maintain local sales licenses if applicable in your state
Physical Requirements:
- Willingness to work in various working conditions including being in a full service retail location or service center, including working outdoors and operating vehicles in unpredictable weather conditions
- Physical exertion may be required to perform occupational tasks (sitting up to 2 or more hours at a time, standing for up to 8 or more hours a day, walking, bending, kneeling, laying, twisting, carrying, reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs)
- Frequent use of hands for purposes of grasping and using tools correctly, entering data, writing communications, or calling customers or internal partners
- Ability to see, read and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions or schematics
Competencies:
- Excellent written and verbal language skills in English, additional languages a plus
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in utilizing sales data and metrics
- Results-driven with a focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets
- An obsessive approach to elevating the customer experience and commitment to taking every opportunity to over-deliver when it comes to delighting and interacting with our community
- Possess an entrepreneurial mindset and apply a scrappy and resourceful approach to everything you do. Solve problems and overcome challenges with creativity and ingenuity
- Ability to build and maintain relationships, solicit cooperation, and achieve results through collaboration while managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Outstanding verbal and written communication required
- Skilled use of project management tools and well versed in memo and presentation building; Confluence, Smartsheet, and MS Office/Google suite
See all 292+ OPT Retail Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Retail Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Retail
Target corporate retail roles over hourly store positions
OPT requires employer-authorized work, not just any retail job. Corporate roles in buying, merchandising, planning, or e-commerce operations are far more likely to qualify under your degree field and support future H-1B visa sponsorship than hourly floor positions.
Connect your degree field to the job description
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. A business or marketing degree supports merchandising and brand management roles. A supply chain or data analytics degree supports inventory planning and logistics positions at retail companies.
Prioritize retailers with established HR infrastructure
Large retailers like Target, Nordstrom, Gap Inc., and Walmart have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with visa sponsorship. Smaller boutique retailers often lack the infrastructure to file H-1B petitions, making them higher-risk for long-term authorization.
Document all OPT employment for your records
Keep offer letters, pay stubs, and employer verification letters on file throughout your OPT period. If you apply for a STEM OPT extension or H-1B, USCIS may request proof that your retail role genuinely related to your degree field.
Report your employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting
F-1 regulations require you to report any new employer to your Designated School Official within 10 days of starting work. Failing to update your SEVIS record can jeopardize your OPT authorization, even if your EAD card is valid.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly retail employers
Many retail job postings don't specify visa sponsorship willingness upfront. Migrate Mate surfaces retail roles from employers with a history of sponsoring F-1 workers, saving you time and reducing the risk of applying to companies that won't support your status.
Retail OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do retail jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Corporate retail roles in merchandising, buying, e-commerce, supply chain, and retail analytics typically qualify for OPT, as long as the position directly relates to your degree field. Hourly sales associate or cashier positions generally do not qualify because they don't require or use a bachelor's-level education. Your DSO can help confirm whether a specific offer meets the relatedness requirement.
Can I do my OPT at a small or independent retailer?
Yes, but it carries more risk. Small retailers often don't have experience with OPT reporting requirements or H-1B sponsorship. Before accepting an offer, confirm the employer understands E-Verify obligations, is willing to sign any employer verification letters your DSO requires, and has the legal capacity to sponsor an H-1B if you plan to stay in the U.S. long-term.
Which retail roles are most likely to lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Roles in merchandise planning, retail data analytics, supply chain management, digital marketing, and e-commerce product management are the strongest candidates for H-1B sponsorship because they meet the specialty occupation requirement. General store management and sales roles are harder to qualify. Migrate Mate lets you browse retail openings filtered by employers with demonstrated sponsorship activity so you can focus your applications strategically.
Does working in retail during OPT count toward a STEM extension?
Only if your degree is STEM-designated and your retail role directly uses STEM skills. Roles in retail analytics, demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, or e-commerce technology at a STEM-designated employer can qualify. Traditional merchandising or buyer roles with a business degree typically don't qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Check the DHS STEM OPT hub list to confirm your employer's eligibility.
How many hours per week can I work in a retail OPT role?
During post-completion OPT, you must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid F-1 status. Full-time retail corporate roles of 40 hours per week are ideal. Part-time work below 20 hours counts as unemployment and accumulates against your 90-day unemployment limit. Seasonal or temporary retail contracts are fine as long as they stay above 20 hours weekly for the duration of engagement.