OPT Wine Steward Jobs
Wine Steward jobs on OPT are available at fine dining restaurants, hotels, wine bars, and specialty retailers. Your 12-month OPT window starts the moment you begin working, so timing your job search around your program end date matters. STEM extension does not apply to this role.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description:
Oxford Street Merchants is the Fine Wine and Spirits Division of Johnson Brothers, the largest wine and spirits distributor in Nebraska. Johnson Brothers is a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, delivering exceptional service since 1953. We proudly represent the world’s top beverage brands and are committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Johnson Brothers offers exciting opportunities in a variety of areas. Join our passionate team and help shape the future of the beverage industry!
General responsibilities include the proper management of an established sales territory including selling, servicing, account management, administration and accounts receivable. This position will be focused on concierge-level, consultative selling to luxury-designated accounts (fine wine retail, country clubs, fine-dining restaurants, etc) in the Omaha metro area. Candidate must be located and familiar in the Omaha, NE area.
Job Duties:
- Coordinate and manage special events, programs and initiatives set forth by supplier(s).
- Pro-actively drive business objectives and goals.
- Track results on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis to include: distribution, menus, drink features (permanent and temporary), promotions (facilitated and unfacilitated), visibility and bar and wait staff persuasion and training.
- Assist with Point-of-sale tools to drive distribution, menu placement, and features for supplier brands.
- Track national account programs to ensure compliance to all programs set forth.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Keep abreast of competitive information and activity.
- Properly use and care for all company property.
- Maintain a clean, safe and presentable working area and vehicle condition.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
- Communication – Ability to communicate effectively with others
- Independence – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Negotiation – Ability to influence
- Organization – Ability to organize and plan work to meet established deadlines
- Problem Solving – Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
- Professionalism – Ability to be courteous and respectful
- Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Education: BS degree or equivalent work experience
- Experience: Prior selling experience preferred
- Certifications: Wine and/or spirits certifications (CMS, WSET, SWE) preferred
- Computer Skills: Computer proficiency with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) and Internet applications
- Prior experience working with Branches, Easy Bev and/or Quota Tracker a plus
- Math Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide
Johnson Brothers is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair treatment and hiring based on qualifications. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
Worker Sub-Type: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Job Description:
Oxford Street Merchants is the Fine Wine and Spirits Division of Johnson Brothers, the largest wine and spirits distributor in Nebraska. Johnson Brothers is a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, delivering exceptional service since 1953. We proudly represent the world’s top beverage brands and are committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Johnson Brothers offers exciting opportunities in a variety of areas. Join our passionate team and help shape the future of the beverage industry!
General responsibilities include the proper management of an established sales territory including selling, servicing, account management, administration and accounts receivable. This position will be focused on concierge-level, consultative selling to luxury-designated accounts (fine wine retail, country clubs, fine-dining restaurants, etc) in the Omaha metro area. Candidate must be located and familiar in the Omaha, NE area.
Job Duties:
- Coordinate and manage special events, programs and initiatives set forth by supplier(s).
- Pro-actively drive business objectives and goals.
- Track results on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis to include: distribution, menus, drink features (permanent and temporary), promotions (facilitated and unfacilitated), visibility and bar and wait staff persuasion and training.
- Assist with Point-of-sale tools to drive distribution, menu placement, and features for supplier brands.
- Track national account programs to ensure compliance to all programs set forth.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Keep abreast of competitive information and activity.
- Properly use and care for all company property.
- Maintain a clean, safe and presentable working area and vehicle condition.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
- Communication – Ability to communicate effectively with others
- Independence – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Negotiation – Ability to influence
- Organization – Ability to organize and plan work to meet established deadlines
- Problem Solving – Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
- Professionalism – Ability to be courteous and respectful
- Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Education: BS degree or equivalent work experience
- Experience: Prior selling experience preferred
- Certifications: Wine and/or spirits certifications (CMS, WSET, SWE) preferred
- Computer Skills: Computer proficiency with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) and Internet applications
- Prior experience working with Branches, Easy Bev and/or Quota Tracker a plus
- Math Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide
Johnson Brothers is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair treatment and hiring based on qualifications. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
Worker Sub-Type: Regular
Time Type: Full time
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Wine Steward
Target employers with international staff
Fine dining restaurants, luxury hotel groups, and wine importers regularly hire internationally. These employers are more familiar with OPT work authorization and less likely to be discouraged by the 12-month time limit or future sponsorship conversations.
Lead with your authorization status upfront
Wine Steward roles involve close-knit teams and long hiring cycles. Clarify your OPT status early so employers can plan around your authorization window. Avoiding this conversation until late wastes everyone's time and damages trust.
Highlight sommelier certifications and wine credentials
Court of Master Sommeliers certifications, WSET diplomas, or comparable credentials signal professional seriousness. Employers weighing OPT paperwork complexity are more likely to proceed when your qualifications are clearly documented and industry-recognized.
Research H-2B and H-1B sponsorship history
Hospitality groups that have previously sponsored work visas are your strongest prospects. Employers already familiar with petition filing processes face far less friction when considering sponsorship for a skilled, proven Wine Steward on OPT.
Apply before your OPT start date
You can interview and receive an offer before your OPT begins, but you cannot start working until your EAD is issued and your OPT period officially starts. Build this buffer into your timeline so your first day aligns correctly.
Frame the 12-month window as a trial period
Employers hesitant about long-term commitment respond well to framing OPT as a structured evaluation period. Position your 12 months as proof of performance before any sponsorship discussion, reducing perceived risk for the hiring manager.
Wine Steward OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Wine Steward on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Wine Steward roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Hospitality management, culinary arts, food science, and related programs all have clear connections to this role. Your EAD card must be in hand before your first day of work.
Does the Wine Steward role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
No. Wine Steward positions are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension does not apply. Your OPT authorization is limited to the standard 12 months. If you want to continue working after that period, your employer would need to sponsor an H-2B visa, H-1B visa, or other qualifying visa.
How do I find Wine Steward employers open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point. The platform surfaces Wine Steward listings from employers with a track record of hiring international candidates, which saves you from applying to roles where OPT is an automatic disqualifier. Filtering by visa-friendliness early makes your 12-month window count for more.
What happens to my OPT status if my Wine Steward contract ends early?
You have a 60-day grace period after losing employment during your OPT period. During those 60 days you can search for a new qualifying role. However, you cannot work during the grace period. If you exceed 90 days of total unemployment across your OPT period, USCIS considers your OPT violated and your status at risk.
Can a Wine Steward role lead to long-term visa sponsorship?
It depends on the employer. Wine Stewards at large hotel groups, fine dining chains, or wine importers with established HR infrastructure are more likely to have sponsored visas before. H-2B is common in seasonal hospitality; H-1B is less typical for this role unless it involves significant management or specialized expertise. Start the sponsorship conversation early.