Distribution & Wholesale Jobs in Illinois with F-1 OPT Sponsorship
Distribution and wholesale F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated around the Chicago metro, home to major logistics hubs and companies like Grainger, U.S. Foods, and Uline. Roles in supply chain analysis, procurement, and operations analytics align well with OPT eligibility. Illinois's central U.S. location makes it a key node in national distribution networks.
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Position Overview
The Operations Supervisor supports the Operations Manager overseeing and directing the various Operations Team Members who are responsible for sorting and separating raw materials. This individual’s main priority will be to initiate process improvement and leadership of his or her area of assigned responsibility. Reports directly to the Operations Manager and oversees his or her specific department of team members.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Operates the facility in full compliance with USM’s Safety Program, EPA Regulations, & OSHA Standards; coordinates any other facets of the program with outside safety consultants while helping to facilitate ongoing training with an in-house safety liaison
- Supports all Wire Processing and De-Ox related activity
- Develops the strategic thought process and intuition of the key team members who lead each department; this will encompass developing a thorough operator training program in the future
- Implements policy in reference to attendance, punctuality, and equipment damage and disciplines, when necessary, if expectations are not met
- Understands our feedstock by given customer segments: Manufacturing, Demo & Contractors, Facility, Scrap Recyclers, Recycling Center, Obsolete / Repair Service Centers and Utilities
- Coordinates cost effective preventative maintenance, and overall upkeep of operations; upholds pre-inspection system standards and other proactive measures
- Responds to Sales Team inquiries regarding the scope of our services and overall capabilities
- Possesses the vision to profitably expand volumes and help grow the business into the future
- Establishes low turnover due to a superior workforce
- Supports development of risk mitigation initiatives
- Coordinates efficient day to day operations, scheduling and staffing logistics of his or her area of responsibility
- Identifies challenges, increases efficiencies and oversees the entire operation
- Creates and manages performance management and improvement tracking systems
- Performs new team member orientation, training & development logistics and recordkeeping
- Assists with team member relations
- Participates in cross functional committee facilitation
- Supports companywide communication and strategic initiatives (ISO 14001 / RIOS)
- Ensures team member safety, welfare, wellness, health reporting and services
- Must demonstrate competency in all aspects of the job and company objectives
- Demonstrates understanding of company policies, rules and trainings
- Other duties as assigned
The Operations Supervisor contributes to the accomplishment of Operations practices and objectives that will create a team oriented and high performance culture. The following represent a more detailed description of the expectations for the individual in this role:
Scope and Responsibility of Position
Develops a cohesive team that facilitates delivering marketing commitments on a consistent basis; coordinates all maintenance activities related to machinery, plant equipment / building, and spare parts; develops a production schedule that helps maximize throughput while reducing cost per pound; strives to minimize downtime, with the exception of required maintenance related activity; participates in Night Shift “checks and balances”, ensuring coordinating activities and crossover.
Leadership Role
Leads by example; provides training, support, and positive reinforcement to all team members; provides cross training, nurturing, and feedback that enable individuals to rapidly develop; executes timely employee reviews of all personnel; exhibits professional communication at all levels within organization; possesses a sense of urgency related to completing all committed orders on a timely basis; provides critical feedback on material recoveries and processing limitations; execution needs to be cognizant of our SWOT’s (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats); builds a related network that can be leveraged for expertise, guidance, opportunity, and outsourcing knowledge is beneficial.
Meet or Exceed Department Goals
Efficient production and timely delivery of quality products; consistent low-cost production in a safe environment; activities aligned with Operations Manager in regards to capital projects and overall operations; works with Operations Manager to develop concise cost structures and production standards while establishing an incentive program that rewards operational excellence; consistently delivers production numbers in our current reporting format; executes prompt/accurate receiving reports and load recoveries; understands our material disposition and commodity markets.
Desired Characteristics
- Fluency in English; working knowledge / basic communication in Spanish
- College degree or equivalent related job experience preferred
- Experience in the metal industry/ manufacturing / heavy industrial environment preferred
- Possess a basic understanding of how a company operates financially
- Ability to be “hands on” while training and supporting direct reports
- Participates in personal ongoing development
- The Company desires a candidate who has shown a stable job history, dependable attendance practices and whose references can state is a trustworthy individual
- Ability to work in various environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, dusty, dirty and/or wet conditions
- Candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, background and credit check
- Able to fulfill flexible scheduling requirements as determined by the manager and / or business needs of the operation
Minimum Safety Training Requirements
- Basic on-the-job training that satisfies the Primary Objectives of the specific position (as noted above)
- US-SOP-01 United in Safety Manual
- US-F11 QEH&S Policy
- US-SOP-03 Team Member Handbook
We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at USM:
Trust
Commitment
Loyalty
Passion
Respect
Service
Performance
USM is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. USM will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. USM is a Zero Impairment Workplace. USM provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Talent Acquisition contact or another member of our People Experience Team at careers@unitedscrap.com. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Position Overview
The Operations Supervisor supports the Operations Manager overseeing and directing the various Operations Team Members who are responsible for sorting and separating raw materials. This individual’s main priority will be to initiate process improvement and leadership of his or her area of assigned responsibility. Reports directly to the Operations Manager and oversees his or her specific department of team members.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Operates the facility in full compliance with USM’s Safety Program, EPA Regulations, & OSHA Standards; coordinates any other facets of the program with outside safety consultants while helping to facilitate ongoing training with an in-house safety liaison
- Supports all Wire Processing and De-Ox related activity
- Develops the strategic thought process and intuition of the key team members who lead each department; this will encompass developing a thorough operator training program in the future
- Implements policy in reference to attendance, punctuality, and equipment damage and disciplines, when necessary, if expectations are not met
- Understands our feedstock by given customer segments: Manufacturing, Demo & Contractors, Facility, Scrap Recyclers, Recycling Center, Obsolete / Repair Service Centers and Utilities
- Coordinates cost effective preventative maintenance, and overall upkeep of operations; upholds pre-inspection system standards and other proactive measures
- Responds to Sales Team inquiries regarding the scope of our services and overall capabilities
- Possesses the vision to profitably expand volumes and help grow the business into the future
- Establishes low turnover due to a superior workforce
- Supports development of risk mitigation initiatives
- Coordinates efficient day to day operations, scheduling and staffing logistics of his or her area of responsibility
- Identifies challenges, increases efficiencies and oversees the entire operation
- Creates and manages performance management and improvement tracking systems
- Performs new team member orientation, training & development logistics and recordkeeping
- Assists with team member relations
- Participates in cross functional committee facilitation
- Supports companywide communication and strategic initiatives (ISO 14001 / RIOS)
- Ensures team member safety, welfare, wellness, health reporting and services
- Must demonstrate competency in all aspects of the job and company objectives
- Demonstrates understanding of company policies, rules and trainings
- Other duties as assigned
The Operations Supervisor contributes to the accomplishment of Operations practices and objectives that will create a team oriented and high performance culture. The following represent a more detailed description of the expectations for the individual in this role:
Scope and Responsibility of Position
Develops a cohesive team that facilitates delivering marketing commitments on a consistent basis; coordinates all maintenance activities related to machinery, plant equipment / building, and spare parts; develops a production schedule that helps maximize throughput while reducing cost per pound; strives to minimize downtime, with the exception of required maintenance related activity; participates in Night Shift “checks and balances”, ensuring coordinating activities and crossover.
Leadership Role
Leads by example; provides training, support, and positive reinforcement to all team members; provides cross training, nurturing, and feedback that enable individuals to rapidly develop; executes timely employee reviews of all personnel; exhibits professional communication at all levels within organization; possesses a sense of urgency related to completing all committed orders on a timely basis; provides critical feedback on material recoveries and processing limitations; execution needs to be cognizant of our SWOT’s (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats); builds a related network that can be leveraged for expertise, guidance, opportunity, and outsourcing knowledge is beneficial.
Meet or Exceed Department Goals
Efficient production and timely delivery of quality products; consistent low-cost production in a safe environment; activities aligned with Operations Manager in regards to capital projects and overall operations; works with Operations Manager to develop concise cost structures and production standards while establishing an incentive program that rewards operational excellence; consistently delivers production numbers in our current reporting format; executes prompt/accurate receiving reports and load recoveries; understands our material disposition and commodity markets.
Desired Characteristics
- Fluency in English; working knowledge / basic communication in Spanish
- College degree or equivalent related job experience preferred
- Experience in the metal industry/ manufacturing / heavy industrial environment preferred
- Possess a basic understanding of how a company operates financially
- Ability to be “hands on” while training and supporting direct reports
- Participates in personal ongoing development
- The Company desires a candidate who has shown a stable job history, dependable attendance practices and whose references can state is a trustworthy individual
- Ability to work in various environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, dusty, dirty and/or wet conditions
- Candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, background and credit check
- Able to fulfill flexible scheduling requirements as determined by the manager and / or business needs of the operation
Minimum Safety Training Requirements
- Basic on-the-job training that satisfies the Primary Objectives of the specific position (as noted above)
- US-SOP-01 United in Safety Manual
- US-F11 QEH&S Policy
- US-SOP-03 Team Member Handbook
We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at USM:
Trust
Commitment
Loyalty
Passion
Respect
Service
Performance
USM is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. USM will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. USM is a Zero Impairment Workplace. USM provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Talent Acquisition contact or another member of our People Experience Team at careers@unitedscrap.com. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Job Roles in Distribution & Wholesale in Illinois
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which distribution and wholesale companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Illinois?
Several large Illinois-based distributors and wholesalers have hired international students on OPT, including Grainger, U.S. Foods, and Uline, all headquartered in the Chicago metro. These companies operate large supply chain and analytics teams where OPT-eligible candidates with technical degrees frequently find placement. Sponsorship willingness varies by role, team, and year, so researching each employer's recent hiring patterns is worthwhile.
Which cities in Illinois have the most distribution and wholesale F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Chicago metro area, including suburbs like Rosemont, Lake Forest, and Lisle, concentrates the majority of Illinois distribution and wholesale hiring for international students. Chicago's O'Hare corridor is a particularly active zone given its proximity to freight infrastructure and corporate headquarters. Joliet and the I-55 corridor also host large distribution centers, though corporate and analytical roles requiring OPT sponsorship are primarily found in the northern suburbs and downtown Chicago.
What types of distribution and wholesale roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align with a qualifying STEM or business degree tend to attract OPT sponsorship in this industry. Supply chain analyst, demand planning analyst, logistics operations analyst, procurement specialist, and inventory management roles are common examples. Positions requiring data analysis, forecasting software, or ERP systems like SAP are strong fits because they directly map to technical degree fields. General warehouse or driver roles rarely align with OPT's degree-connection requirement.
How do I find distribution and wholesale F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students searching for visa-friendly roles, and you can filter directly by F-1 OPT, the distribution and wholesale industry, and Illinois to see active listings from employers open to sponsorship. This removes the guesswork of sorting through employers who won't support OPT. Pairing Migrate Mate searches with outreach to Illinois-based distributors' university recruiting programs can further improve your chances.
Are there any Illinois-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in distribution and wholesale?
Illinois does not impose state-level restrictions on OPT employment, so federal OPT rules govern your authorization. Within distribution and wholesale, STEM OPT extension eligibility is a key consideration: roles at companies with an E-Verify enrollment and a direct connection to a STEM degree can qualify for the 24-month extension beyond the initial 12 months. Many large Illinois distributors are already E-Verify participants, which is a prerequisite your employer must meet for STEM OPT.
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