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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Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 100 countries.
With four vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the Liberty Campus in Hinesville, and the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment that encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned specialized accreditation from numerous professional and academic associations that set standards in their respective fields.
Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive, student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally recognized for the caliber of its academic programs and student experience. Georgia Southern University has also been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.
Location
Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA
Department Information
Eagle Dining Services - The Gus Mart
Job Summary
The General Manager (Retail and Convenience) at Eagle Dining oversees and manages the daily operations of a dining unit, providing leadership across key functions. This role is responsible for ensuring an exceptional level of customer service and product quality, demonstrating leadership and good judgment, and administering sound personnel and financial management practices to ensure profitability. Additionally, the General Manager ensures efficient work systems, procedures, and policies while training, guiding, and supervising employees. They develop and implement strategies to enhance work quality and overall performance while fostering a positive and productive working environment.
Responsibilities
- Oversee Daily Operations & Leadership - Manage the dining unit's day-to-day functions, ensuring high-quality service, food production, and adherence to university policies and regulations
- Financial & Inventory Management - Oversee budgets, safeguard payments and inventory, and ensure financial profitability through strategic planning and cost control
- Customer Service & Front-of-House Presence - Engage with guests and staff during peak hours, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and operational efficiency
- Compliance & Safety Oversight - Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and regulatory standards, including OSHA and Health Department guidelines
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
- Associate's Degree
Other Required Qualifications
- Ability to obtain Manager Serve Safe Certification within 30 days of employment
Required Experience
- Two (2) years of management experience, preferably in retail, restaurant or campus dining environments
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Manager Serve Safe Certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
- Understanding of food production and/or menu management at a large dining, resort, hotel, and/or cruise industry scale
Preferred Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Experience
- Experience in a university or large-scale institutional dining environment, managing both front- and back-of-house operations
- Experience managing budgets, inventory, purchasing, and financial planning to ensure operational profitability
- Strong background in front-of-house operations, guest relations, and maintaining high customer service standards
Proposed Salary
$50,173 - $63,955
This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.
Required Documents to Attach
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Two (2) Professional References
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
- Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
- Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
- Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
KNOWLEDGE
- Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
SKILLS
- Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
Apply Before Date
September 18, 2026
Application review may begin as early as August 14, 2026.
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu.
For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251-2644, or email support@usg.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.
Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.
Proof of valid Driver's License upon hire and throughout employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.
Other Information
- Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work generally performed in an office environment.
- Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours.
- Travel may be required.
Background Check
Position of Trust + Education
About us
Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 100 countries.
With four vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the Liberty Campus in Hinesville, and the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment that encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned specialized accreditation from numerous professional and academic associations that set standards in their respective fields.
Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive, student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally recognized for the caliber of its academic programs and student experience. Georgia Southern University has also been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.
Location
Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA
Department Information
Eagle Dining Services - The Gus Mart
Job Summary
The General Manager (Retail and Convenience) at Eagle Dining oversees and manages the daily operations of a dining unit, providing leadership across key functions. This role is responsible for ensuring an exceptional level of customer service and product quality, demonstrating leadership and good judgment, and administering sound personnel and financial management practices to ensure profitability. Additionally, the General Manager ensures efficient work systems, procedures, and policies while training, guiding, and supervising employees. They develop and implement strategies to enhance work quality and overall performance while fostering a positive and productive working environment.
Responsibilities
- Oversee Daily Operations & Leadership - Manage the dining unit's day-to-day functions, ensuring high-quality service, food production, and adherence to university policies and regulations
- Financial & Inventory Management - Oversee budgets, safeguard payments and inventory, and ensure financial profitability through strategic planning and cost control
- Customer Service & Front-of-House Presence - Engage with guests and staff during peak hours, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and operational efficiency
- Compliance & Safety Oversight - Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and regulatory standards, including OSHA and Health Department guidelines
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
- Associate's Degree
Other Required Qualifications
- Ability to obtain Manager Serve Safe Certification within 30 days of employment
Required Experience
- Two (2) years of management experience, preferably in retail, restaurant or campus dining environments
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Manager Serve Safe Certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
- Understanding of food production and/or menu management at a large dining, resort, hotel, and/or cruise industry scale
Preferred Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Experience
- Experience in a university or large-scale institutional dining environment, managing both front- and back-of-house operations
- Experience managing budgets, inventory, purchasing, and financial planning to ensure operational profitability
- Strong background in front-of-house operations, guest relations, and maintaining high customer service standards
Proposed Salary
$50,173 - $63,955
This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.
Required Documents to Attach
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Two (2) Professional References
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
- Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
- Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
- Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
KNOWLEDGE
- Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
SKILLS
- Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
Apply Before Date
September 18, 2026
Application review may begin as early as August 14, 2026.
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu.
For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251-2644, or email support@usg.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.
Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.
Proof of valid Driver's License upon hire and throughout employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.
Other Information
- Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work generally performed in an office environment.
- Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours.
- Travel may be required.
Background Check
Position of Trust + Education
See all 400+ 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.