OPT Sales Lead Jobs
Sales Lead roles on OPT require employers who can support your work authorization timeline. Most positions fall under standard OPT or STEM OPT extension, depending on your field of study. Cap-gap protection matters here if your H-1B visa is pending, since Sales Lead roles at tech and SaaS companies commonly file for sponsorship.
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Location:
Louisville, KY, US, 40229
Req ID: 13262
Work Location Type: In The Field
Date: Sep 22, 2026
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) is a family-owned business with roots extending before Prohibition that has evolved into one of the nation’s largest wine and spirits wholesalers. Our success is grounded in our core values of Family, Service, Accountability, Honesty, and Professionalism. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture and workplace experience for individuals who want a career that makes them feel accomplished and engaged. RNDC values the health and well-being of our associates, inside and outside the office, offering dynamic health and wellness benefits that supply exceptional care and value. RNDC is geared toward growing our footprint and our people. Join our team of energetic professionals who believe in many happy hours and are experts in our craft.
Summary
As a Sales Lead, your primary responsibility is to proactively advance and secure sales within your designated territory. You will excel in this role by diligently servicing the needs of existing sales accounts while strategically driving incremental business growth through informed and consultative selling techniques.
In this role, you will
- Represents the voice of the customer
- Performs functions to service the needs of existing customers within assigned territory
- Educates the customer on the right products for them
- Uses informed selling to introduce new products and close gaps in existing distribution
- Visits accounts frequently to provide service and maximize revenue potential
- Establishes individual sales plan that considers customer needs and geographies to create effective and efficient customer outreach
- Sets the overall selling plan for each customer; Works closely with customers to understand and support their business strategies, goals, and objectives
- Follows-up with customer to ensure their orders are delivered accurately and promptly
- If no Support rep partner, Sales lead is responsible for merchandising activities (e.g., stocking shelves, building displays, etc.)
- Develops sales skills and knowledge of the organization's products, services, and customers
- Job duties may include working nights and weekends on promotional activities and other account activities
What you bring to RNDC
- One year certificate from college or technical school
- Four year college degree, preferred
- 3-6 months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Requires a current, valid state drivers license, ability to meet vehicle insurance requirements as defined by the company
- Strong client skills and experience understanding customer needs
What's in it for you
- 401(k) with company matching
- Medical, dental and vision benefits*
- Generous paid time off program – work your way up to 5 weeks of PTO a year with the ability to carryover unused PTO
- Paid volunteer time
- Paid parental leave
- Paid caregivers leave
- Fertility benefits
- Paid training
- Company paid life insurance, short-term disability, and company-paid holidays
- Associate resource groups, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs available for all associates
- Participation in these programs is subject to applicable wait periods and all plan and program terms and eligibility
COVID-19 considerations:
We follow CDC Guidelines and have a fun and safe environment for our teams.
Bonus if you bring
- Previous experience in the Wine and Spirits industry
- Industry certifications to include: CSW, CSS, WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, Sake Specialist
This posting provides a good faith compensation estimate for the position. The salary range typically begins at and may extend to, depending on an applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience, and internal equity considerations. This role may also include monthly earned commissions, where applicable.
This compensation range applies specifically to positions located in Ohio and may differ for similar roles in other locations.
RNDC does not ask for or rely on prior wage or salary history in making employment decisions, in accordance with local law.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Republic National Distributing Company and National Distributing Company are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to compliance with all Illinois-specific employment laws, including the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act, which promote fair and equitable treatment in the workplace.
We comply fully with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act, and related legislation to provide a fair and inclusive hiring process.
Accessibility and ADA Accommodations
RNDC is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all applicants, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Illinois Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation to complete any part of the application process or to participate in the interview process, please let us know.
Email us at: applicantaccommodation@rndc-usa.com
We are happy to support reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity and access.
Privacy Notice for Applicants
Your application information is handled in accordance with all applicable privacy laws. RNDC does not sell applicant data and limits use of personal information to support your candidacy and comply with legal requirements.
Nearest Major Market: Louisville
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Sales Lead
Target STEM OPT-eligible industries
Sales Lead roles at technology, software, and engineering companies often qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM field. These employers file H-1B visa petitions regularly, making them stronger long-term sponsorship prospects than traditional retail or non-tech sectors.
Clarify your OPT end date early
Bring up your OPT authorization timeline before the offer stage, not after. Employers need time to evaluate sponsorship feasibility. Knowing your exact expiration date lets hiring managers plan around cap-gap protection or a future H-1B petition without being caught off guard.
Emphasize revenue impact in your application
Sales Lead roles are hired on outcomes. Quantify pipeline generated, team quota attainment, or accounts closed in your resume. Employers weighing sponsorship costs against candidate value respond to concrete numbers, not general descriptions of leadership or relationship management responsibilities.
Confirm the role qualifies under your OPT category
Your OPT must be directly related to your degree field. A Sales Lead role at a tech company may qualify under a business or marketing degree, but verify with your DSO before accepting. Misalignment between the role and your field of study can jeopardize your status.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history, not just willingness
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before understand the process and costs. Ask whether they have sponsored similar roles previously. Past sponsorship behavior is a stronger signal than a recruiter saying they are open to it in principle.
Time applications around H-1B filing windows
H-1B registration opens in March each year. If your OPT expires in late 2025 or 2026, you need an offer in place well before March to give your employer enough time to prepare the petition and file before the lottery deadline.
Sales Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Sales Lead on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A Sales Lead position at a technology or SaaS company typically qualifies under business, marketing, or management degrees. Confirm the fit with your DSO before accepting an offer, since your employment must align with your field of study to remain in valid OPT status.
Do Sales Lead employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
It depends heavily on the industry. Sales Lead roles at technology, software, and enterprise SaaS companies sponsor H-1B petitions far more frequently than those in retail, hospitality, or traditional sales environments. Searching on Migrate Mate filters for OPT-friendly and sponsorship-open employers, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking later.
Does a Sales Lead role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
The role itself does not determine STEM OPT eligibility. Your degree does. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field and the Sales Lead position is at a company enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO and verify your employer's E-Verify enrollment before applying for the extension.
What happens to my Sales Lead job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before April 1 of the relevant cap year and your OPT expires on or after April 1, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working as a Sales Lead without interruption during that window, provided your employer filed before the deadline and your F-1 status was otherwise maintained.
How do I find Sales Lead jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Most general job postings do not specify OPT eligibility, which makes filtering difficult. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Sales Lead roles at employers who are open to work authorization sponsorship. Filtering by OPT status upfront avoids the frustration of advancing through interviews only to learn the company does not sponsor.