OPT Trade Compliance Manager Jobs
Trade Compliance Manager roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT, typically requiring a degree in international trade, supply chain, or law. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives you time to prove your value and secure H-1B visa sponsorship from an employer.
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INTRODUCTION
At GXO, we’re constantly looking for talented individuals at all levels who can deliver the caliber of service our company requires. You know that a positive work environment creates happy employees, which boosts productivity and dedication. On our team, you’ll have the support to excel at work and the resources to build a career you can be proud of.
At GXO Logistics, we’re constantly looking for talented individuals at all levels, who can deliver the caliber of service our company requires. As the Senior Analyst, Trade Compliance, you will support Trade Compliance Counsel with implementing and enhancing the corporate-level export/import compliance standards, guidelines and compliance monitoring procedures for the company’s North American operations. On our team, you’ll have the support to excel at work, and the resources to build a career you can be proud of.
PAY, BENEFITS AND MORE
We are eager to attract the best, so we offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package, including full health insurance (medical, dental and vision), 401(k), life insurance, disability and the opportunity to participate in a company incentive plan.
WHAT YOU’LL DO ON A TYPICAL DAY:
- Identify and report any potential violations of trade compliance regulations to Trade Compliance Counsel and implement process improvements to mitigate risks
- Support internal, external and government-directed trade compliance audits and assessments, and execute corrective action and internal training
- Assist in compliance-related training initiatives including training material development and delivering presentations to various departments and business units
- Assist business units with customs-related issues and questions
- Assist with trade compliance-related matters relevant to the North American offices
- Work on special projects as required
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED AT GXO:
At a minimum, you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work or military experience
- 2 years related experience in a Customs regulatory environment in a multi-national, consulting, or brokerage environment
- Working knowledge about United States economic sanctions regulations, with particular emphasis on the Office of Foreign Assets (OFAC) sanctions and general knowledge about U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry Security (BIS) and U.S. State Department, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) export control regulations
- Experience with Microsoft Office and other business applications; demonstrated ability to create complex formulas in Excel and create queries in company software applications
It’d be great if you also have:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering Law or related field
- Familiarity with various TMS (Transport Management System), WMS (Warehouse Management System) and ERP systems
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
WE ENGINEER FASTER, SMARTER, LEANER SUPPLY CHAINS
GXO is a leading provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. We help our customers manage their goods most efficiently using our technology and services. Our greatest strength is our global team – energetic, innovative people of all experience levels and talents who make GXO a great place to work.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer including Disabled/Veterans.
GXO adheres to CDC, OSHA and state and local requirements regarding COVID safety. All employees and visitors are expected to comply with GXO policies which are in place to safeguard our employees and customers.
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Review GXO's candidate privacy statement here.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Trade Compliance Manager
Target employers with active import/export operations
Companies with global supply chains, customs filings, and export control programs hire trade compliance managers regularly. These employers already understand sponsorship and are more likely to support your OPT and future H-1B visa petition without needing to be convinced.
Highlight your jurisdiction-specific credentials
Certifications like Licensed Customs Broker or Certified Export Specialist signal you've invested in the field. Employers sponsoring OPT students want proof of specialization, and credentials reduce the perceived risk of hiring someone who still needs long-term immigration support.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Trade compliance hiring cycles can take 60 to 90 days. Starting your job search three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives you realistic runway to receive an offer and have your employer file required EAD documentation in time.
Frame your international background as a compliance asset
Deep familiarity with a specific country's trade regulations is genuinely valuable in this field. If you understand customs procedures in India, China, or the EU from lived experience, position that knowledge as a direct qualifier for roles covering those regions.
Focus on large manufacturers and logistics firms first
Companies in aerospace, automotive, semiconductors, and third-party logistics regularly hire trade compliance staff and have established immigration processes. Smaller firms may lack HR infrastructure to handle OPT paperwork, making the sponsorship conversation harder to start.
Understand your STEM extension eligibility before interviewing
If your degree is in supply chain, data analytics, or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for 24 additional months of OPT. Knowing this upfront lets you communicate a longer authorized work window, which directly improves your sponsorship conversation with employers.
Trade Compliance Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Trade Compliance Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes. Trade Compliance Manager positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in international trade, supply chain management, business, or law, which meets the specialty occupation standard. USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for this role category when the job description clearly ties the duties to a specific degree field. Make sure your offer letter reflects those requirements explicitly.
Can I work as a Trade Compliance Manager on OPT without my employer filing any visa petition?
Yes, during your OPT period you're authorized to work using your EAD card, and your employer doesn't need to file a petition on your behalf. However, if you want to stay beyond your OPT window, your employer will need to sponsor an H-1B or another qualifying visa. Starting that conversation early, ideally within your first six months, gives both parties time to plan.
Which degree fields make F-1 students eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in trade compliance?
Supply chain management, operations research, logistics, and data analytics are common STEM-designated fields that can qualify. International business and trade law degrees are generally not STEM-eligible. Check the Department of Homeland Security's CIP code list to confirm your specific degree program qualifies before counting on the extension in your job search timeline.
How do I find Trade Compliance Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point. It's built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship willingness, so you're not sifting through listings from employers who won't consider work authorization candidates. Trade compliance roles with active customs, export control, or sanctions compliance functions are the ones most likely to support OPT and eventual H-1B sponsorship.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm between jobs as a Trade Compliance Manager?
F-1 OPT rules allow up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during your standard OPT period. STEM OPT extension holders are limited to 150 days total across both periods combined. If you lose a job or a contract ends, the unemployment clock starts immediately. Staying proactive about your next role rather than waiting until you have an offer is critical to protecting your status.