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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The Trade Compliance Analyst II collaborates with key stakeholders across the organization, including Operations, Human Resources, Pricing, Marketing, Sales, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, to execute on key compliance components and increase trade compliance awareness. The position offers a high degree of responsibility and exposure to government authorities. The Trade Compliance Analyst is responsible for providing superior analytical and interpersonal skills while focusing on growth opportunities for in-bond revenue and business across all modes of our business. In addition, the Trade Compliance Analyst II is responsible for facilitating international trade through the ACE and ACI customs portals, managing projects, maintaining customs certifications and bonded warehouse licenses, facilitating bond authorizations, and executing on regulatory reporting requirements.
Responsibilities
- Grow ArcBest wallet share within the teams managed regions while leveraging cross-sell techniques, tactical oversight, and strategic problem solving.
- Build relationships and directly communicate with customers to identify requirements and instill confidence in the company's ability to meet agreed upon requirements.
- Create and architect solutions to become the preferred point of contact for regional compliance.
- Design and implement customized solutions to meet the ever-changing requirements for high-output and high-potential customers.
- Administer 3rd party systems, such as Descartes ViaTrade, Veroot, IACMS, CTPAT and Trusted Trader Portal to effectively oversee international trade.
- Administer multiple business accounts in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) Advance Commercial Information (ACI) portals.
- Administer the In-bond Admin System (IAS) to ensure regulatory reporting compliance in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
- Assist with contract reviews as it pertains to area of responsibility.
- Build and leverage working relationships with key stakeholders across multiple business units to provide guidance and facilitate corrective action, as well as appropriate licensing.
- Collect and analyze feedback and data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Create knowledge base articles and standard operation procedures that drive compliance.
- Define, measure, analyze, improve, and control Key Performance Indicators (KPI's).
- Facilitate weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Have a strong competency in digital customer engagement while utilizing all channels of digital communication.
- Possess intimate knowledge of Trade Compliance, including system applications and tools, regulatory reporting requirements, process flows, business goals and KPIs.
- Present information to make recommendations, drive projects forward and/or share results.
- Review, authorize, and file entries for in-bond movements.
- Travel intermittently to support the department's goals and objectives, to include public speaking engagements.
- Maintain a positive attitude in a highly intense environment while providing industry leading customer solutions and service.
- Provide weekend and after-hours coverage, as required.
- Work in a team setting to accomplish department goals.
- Other duties and projects, as assigned.
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree, preferred
- Experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience:
- 2-5 years' experience in Trade Compliance or similar procurement role.
Computer Skills:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, preferred
- Working knowledge of DB2 and Structured Query Language (SQL), preferred
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge of Trade Compliance, regulations pertaining to international freight movements.
- Knowledge of international supply chain security programs, regulations, and laws as well as operating companies and products and services they provide.
- Knowledge of various departments, and service center policies, procedures, and systems.
Competencies:
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail
- Auditing
- Customer Focus
- Effective Communications
- International Trade
- Managing Multiple Priorities
- Problem Solving
- Service Excellence
Other Details
Work Hours:
- Work hours vary based on scheduling to provide market coverage during normal business hours, generally Monday-Friday, 6am-7pm. May include occasional irregular and weekend hours depending on workload.
Travel Requirements:
- Minimal (0%-25%)
Compensation:
- This is an hourly position paid biweekly.
About us
ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with 14,000 employees across 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a logistics powerhouse, using its technology, expertise and scale to connect shippers with the solutions they need — from ground, air and ocean transportation to fully managed supply chains. ArcBest has a long history of innovation that is enriched by deep customer relationships. With a commitment to helping customers navigate supply chain challenges now and in the future, the company continues to invest in purpose-built technology such as ArcBest View™, its digital logistics platform that brings quoting, booking, shipment visibility and reporting into one connected experience.
Job Description
The Trade Compliance Analyst II collaborates with key stakeholders across the organization, including Operations, Human Resources, Pricing, Marketing, Sales, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, to execute on key compliance components and increase trade compliance awareness. The position offers a high degree of responsibility and exposure to government authorities. The Trade Compliance Analyst is responsible for providing superior analytical and interpersonal skills while focusing on growth opportunities for in-bond revenue and business across all modes of our business. In addition, the Trade Compliance Analyst II is responsible for facilitating international trade through the ACE and ACI customs portals, managing projects, maintaining customs certifications and bonded warehouse licenses, facilitating bond authorizations, and executing on regulatory reporting requirements.
Responsibilities
- Grow ArcBest wallet share within the teams managed regions while leveraging cross-sell techniques, tactical oversight, and strategic problem solving.
- Build relationships and directly communicate with customers to identify requirements and instill confidence in the company's ability to meet agreed upon requirements.
- Create and architect solutions to become the preferred point of contact for regional compliance.
- Design and implement customized solutions to meet the ever-changing requirements for high-output and high-potential customers.
- Administer 3rd party systems, such as Descartes ViaTrade, Veroot, IACMS, CTPAT and Trusted Trader Portal to effectively oversee international trade.
- Administer multiple business accounts in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) Advance Commercial Information (ACI) portals.
- Administer the In-bond Admin System (IAS) to ensure regulatory reporting compliance in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
- Assist with contract reviews as it pertains to area of responsibility.
- Build and leverage working relationships with key stakeholders across multiple business units to provide guidance and facilitate corrective action, as well as appropriate licensing.
- Collect and analyze feedback and data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Create knowledge base articles and standard operation procedures that drive compliance.
- Define, measure, analyze, improve, and control Key Performance Indicators (KPI's).
- Facilitate weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Have a strong competency in digital customer engagement while utilizing all channels of digital communication.
- Possess intimate knowledge of Trade Compliance, including system applications and tools, regulatory reporting requirements, process flows, business goals and KPIs.
- Present information to make recommendations, drive projects forward and/or share results.
- Review, authorize, and file entries for in-bond movements.
- Travel intermittently to support the department's goals and objectives, to include public speaking engagements.
- Maintain a positive attitude in a highly intense environment while providing industry leading customer solutions and service.
- Provide weekend and after-hours coverage, as required.
- Work in a team setting to accomplish department goals.
- Other duties and projects, as assigned.
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree, preferred
- Experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience:
- 2-5 years' experience in Trade Compliance or similar procurement role.
Computer Skills:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, preferred
- Working knowledge of DB2 and Structured Query Language (SQL), preferred
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge of Trade Compliance, regulations pertaining to international freight movements.
- Knowledge of international supply chain security programs, regulations, and laws as well as operating companies and products and services they provide.
- Knowledge of various departments, and service center policies, procedures, and systems.
Competencies:
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail
- Auditing
- Customer Focus
- Effective Communications
- International Trade
- Managing Multiple Priorities
- Problem Solving
- Service Excellence
Other Details
Work Hours:
- Work hours vary based on scheduling to provide market coverage during normal business hours, generally Monday-Friday, 6am-7pm. May include occasional irregular and weekend hours depending on workload.
Travel Requirements:
- Minimal (0%-25%)
Compensation:
- This is an hourly position paid biweekly.
About us
ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with 14,000 employees across 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a logistics powerhouse, using its technology, expertise and scale to connect shippers with the solutions they need — from ground, air and ocean transportation to fully managed supply chains. ArcBest has a long history of innovation that is enriched by deep customer relationships. With a commitment to helping customers navigate supply chain challenges now and in the future, the company continues to invest in purpose-built technology such as ArcBest View™, its digital logistics platform that brings quoting, booking, shipment visibility and reporting into one connected experience.
See all OPT Trade Compliance Manager Jobs
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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.