Hospitality OPT Jobs in Virginia
Hospitality F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated around Northern Virginia's hotel corridor, the DC-adjacent conference and event market, and Richmond's growing food and beverage scene. Major employers including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt operate properties throughout the state, and Virginia's tourism infrastructure supports a steady demand for OPT-eligible hospitality professionals in operations, guest services, and food and beverage management.
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Get Access To All JobsDepartment: Operations
Job Title: Assistant Manager
Reporting to: General Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date Prepared: April 28th 2025
Job Summary:
The Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Restaurant General Manager by managing production targets within a Tasty Chick'n restaurant, aligning with the Brand Vision and Mission while exemplifying the Guiding Values of Tasty Chick'n. This position ensures compliance with company standards across all operational areas, including product preparation, food safety, facilities maintenance, and financial accountability. The Kitchen Manager achieves these objectives by training, coaching, and supporting A+ talent to drive key results in People, Customer, Sales, and Profit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
People:
- Exemplify Tasty Chick'n's Guiding Values while assisting the Restaurant General Manager in developing high-performing employees through effective training, coaching, and recognition of A+ talent utilizing Tasty Chick'n's tools and processes.
- Execute the Performance Management process consistently to ensure employees are set up for success and held accountable for their performance.
- Collaborate with the Restaurant General Manager to resolve employee relations issues and ensure legal compliance within the restaurant.
- Conduct regular training sessions to enhance team skills in food preparation, safety standards, and customer service.
Customer:
- Develop and manage a schedule that ensures all operational periods (opening, lunch, dinner, overnight, weekends) are adequately staffed and prepared.
- Foster a customer-focused culture by modeling exemplary behavior in addressing customer concerns and resolving serious issues effectively.
- Coach and support the food production team, driving excellence in operational procedures through the use of the OSM and Company systems.
- Assist the Restaurant General Manager in monitoring key performance metrics and managing inventory levels to ensure optimal product availability and quality.
- Ensure that food safety standards are met during shifts through direct observation and adherence to established protocols.
Sales:
- Partner with the Restaurant General Manager to implement restaurant projections and marketing initiatives, ensuring they are effectively executed and aligned with business goals.
- Analyze customer feedback and sales data to identify opportunities for improving service and product offerings.
Profit:
- Collaborate with the Restaurant General Manager to analyze inventory and controllables on an ongoing basis, taking corrective actions as needed to achieve margin and cost of goods targets.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations, implementing policies and procedures to mitigate risks and maintain operational integrity.
- Review financial reports and metrics to identify trends and implement strategies for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- College degree or equivalent relevant work experience. ServSafe Certification is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
- Minimum of three years' experience in restaurant operations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating capability.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications and restaurant management systems.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Willingness to travel to other locations for meetings, training, or support as required by business needs.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Customer Focused: Prioritizes customer satisfaction by recognizing the customer as the central focus of operations. Sets and maintains high standards for service, consistently exceeding customer expectations. Motivates the team by exemplifying effective service and food production behaviors, fostering a culture of excellence.
- Communication: Engages effectively with all team members, encouraging open and honest communication throughout the restaurant. Actively listens to feedback and concerns, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, which contributes to a positive work environment.
- Team Player: Promotes cooperation and collaboration to achieve team goals. Fosters a respectful and inclusive work environment, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging teamwork among all staff members.
- Problem-Solving: Demonstrates strong analytical and critical thinking skills to generate effective and rational solutions to challenges. Maintains decisiveness and a sense of urgency, ensuring timely resolution of issues that may arise.
- Adaptability: Exhibits flexibility in response to changing assignments and priorities. Adjusts behavior and work methods in response to new information, evolving conditions, or unexpected obstacles, approaching change positively and encouraging the team to embrace adaptability.
- Recognition: Actively role models the importance of recognition within the restaurant, acknowledging team members for their contributions and achievements. Coaches team members to participate in the culture of recognition, ensuring everyone feels valued for their efforts and dedication.
Skill Requirements:
- Typing/computer keyboard
- Verbal communication
- Utilize computer software (specified above)
- Written communication
- Retrieve and compile information
- Public speaking/group presentations
- Maintain records/logs
- Research, analyze and interpret information
- Verify data and information
- Investigate, evaluate, recommend action
- Organize and prioritize information/tasks
- Leadership and supervisory, managing people
- Operate office equipment
- Basic mathematical concepts (e.g. add, subtract)
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting for extended periods
- Lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds
- Standing for extended periods
- Lifting/carrying more than 20 pounds
- Extended periods viewing computer screen
- Repetitive motions
- Walking
- Pushing/Pulling
- Reading
- Bending/Stooping
- Speaking
- Reaching/Grasping
- Hearing
- Writing
Hazards:
- Normal office environment
- Electrical current
- Toxic or caustic chemicals
- Housekeeping and/or cleaning agents
- Flammable, explosive gases
- Proximity to moving mechanical parts
Department: Operations
Job Title: Assistant Manager
Reporting to: General Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date Prepared: April 28th 2025
Job Summary:
The Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Restaurant General Manager by managing production targets within a Tasty Chick'n restaurant, aligning with the Brand Vision and Mission while exemplifying the Guiding Values of Tasty Chick'n. This position ensures compliance with company standards across all operational areas, including product preparation, food safety, facilities maintenance, and financial accountability. The Kitchen Manager achieves these objectives by training, coaching, and supporting A+ talent to drive key results in People, Customer, Sales, and Profit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
People:
- Exemplify Tasty Chick'n's Guiding Values while assisting the Restaurant General Manager in developing high-performing employees through effective training, coaching, and recognition of A+ talent utilizing Tasty Chick'n's tools and processes.
- Execute the Performance Management process consistently to ensure employees are set up for success and held accountable for their performance.
- Collaborate with the Restaurant General Manager to resolve employee relations issues and ensure legal compliance within the restaurant.
- Conduct regular training sessions to enhance team skills in food preparation, safety standards, and customer service.
Customer:
- Develop and manage a schedule that ensures all operational periods (opening, lunch, dinner, overnight, weekends) are adequately staffed and prepared.
- Foster a customer-focused culture by modeling exemplary behavior in addressing customer concerns and resolving serious issues effectively.
- Coach and support the food production team, driving excellence in operational procedures through the use of the OSM and Company systems.
- Assist the Restaurant General Manager in monitoring key performance metrics and managing inventory levels to ensure optimal product availability and quality.
- Ensure that food safety standards are met during shifts through direct observation and adherence to established protocols.
Sales:
- Partner with the Restaurant General Manager to implement restaurant projections and marketing initiatives, ensuring they are effectively executed and aligned with business goals.
- Analyze customer feedback and sales data to identify opportunities for improving service and product offerings.
Profit:
- Collaborate with the Restaurant General Manager to analyze inventory and controllables on an ongoing basis, taking corrective actions as needed to achieve margin and cost of goods targets.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations, implementing policies and procedures to mitigate risks and maintain operational integrity.
- Review financial reports and metrics to identify trends and implement strategies for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- College degree or equivalent relevant work experience. ServSafe Certification is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
- Minimum of three years' experience in restaurant operations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating capability.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications and restaurant management systems.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Willingness to travel to other locations for meetings, training, or support as required by business needs.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Customer Focused: Prioritizes customer satisfaction by recognizing the customer as the central focus of operations. Sets and maintains high standards for service, consistently exceeding customer expectations. Motivates the team by exemplifying effective service and food production behaviors, fostering a culture of excellence.
- Communication: Engages effectively with all team members, encouraging open and honest communication throughout the restaurant. Actively listens to feedback and concerns, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, which contributes to a positive work environment.
- Team Player: Promotes cooperation and collaboration to achieve team goals. Fosters a respectful and inclusive work environment, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging teamwork among all staff members.
- Problem-Solving: Demonstrates strong analytical and critical thinking skills to generate effective and rational solutions to challenges. Maintains decisiveness and a sense of urgency, ensuring timely resolution of issues that may arise.
- Adaptability: Exhibits flexibility in response to changing assignments and priorities. Adjusts behavior and work methods in response to new information, evolving conditions, or unexpected obstacles, approaching change positively and encouraging the team to embrace adaptability.
- Recognition: Actively role models the importance of recognition within the restaurant, acknowledging team members for their contributions and achievements. Coaches team members to participate in the culture of recognition, ensuring everyone feels valued for their efforts and dedication.
Skill Requirements:
- Typing/computer keyboard
- Verbal communication
- Utilize computer software (specified above)
- Written communication
- Retrieve and compile information
- Public speaking/group presentations
- Maintain records/logs
- Research, analyze and interpret information
- Verify data and information
- Investigate, evaluate, recommend action
- Organize and prioritize information/tasks
- Leadership and supervisory, managing people
- Operate office equipment
- Basic mathematical concepts (e.g. add, subtract)
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting for extended periods
- Lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds
- Standing for extended periods
- Lifting/carrying more than 20 pounds
- Extended periods viewing computer screen
- Repetitive motions
- Walking
- Pushing/Pulling
- Reading
- Bending/Stooping
- Speaking
- Reaching/Grasping
- Hearing
- Writing
Hazards:
- Normal office environment
- Electrical current
- Toxic or caustic chemicals
- Housekeeping and/or cleaning agents
- Flammable, explosive gases
- Proximity to moving mechanical parts
OPT Hospitality Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Hospitality Jobs in VirginiaHospitality OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which hospitality companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Large hotel groups with significant Virginia footprints, including Marriott International (headquartered in Bethesda, near Northern Virginia), Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG, have established OPT hiring patterns. Resort and conference center operators in the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Beach areas also participate. Sponsorship is more common at corporate-managed full-service properties than at independently owned or franchised limited-service hotels, where HR infrastructure for visa compliance is typically less developed.
Which cities in Virginia have the most hospitality F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly Arlington, Tysons, and Alexandria, has the highest concentration of full-service hotels and conference venues that actively hire OPT candidates, driven by proximity to Washington, DC. Virginia Beach and Richmond are secondary markets with consistent hospitality hiring. Charlottesville sees seasonal demand tied to the University of Virginia and regional tourism, while smaller markets like Williamsburg attract hospitality talent for its significant resort and theme park operations.
What types of hospitality roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
F-1 OPT authorization covers practical training directly related to your field of study, so roles must align with your degree. Front office management, food and beverage operations, event coordination, revenue management, and hotel sales are common qualifying positions for hospitality or tourism degree holders. Roles in culinary arts or resort management may qualify depending on your program. Purely operational or hourly service positions without a management or professional component are less likely to satisfy the OPT practical training requirement.
How do I find hospitality F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters hospitality F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia by employer, role type, and location, saving you from manually vetting whether companies work with OPT candidates. Beyond Migrate Mate, target career fairs hosted by Virginia's hospitality programs at George Mason University, Virginia Tech, and James Madison University, where regional hotel groups actively recruit OPT-eligible students for management training tracks and seasonal operational roles.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the hospitality industry?
Virginia's hospitality market is heavily influenced by federal government activity in Northern Virginia, meaning conference centers and business hotels there follow more structured HR and compliance processes, which can make OPT onboarding more straightforward. STEM OPT extension is generally not available for standard hospitality degrees, so students should track their OPT end date carefully and engage employers about H-1B visa or other long-term sponsorship early. Virginia Beach and Williamsburg roles are often seasonal, which can affect the continuity of employment required to maintain valid OPT status.