Manager - Centralized Immigration
Thyssenkrupp · Troy
thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is a global supplier and engineering partner to the automotive industry. We provide high-tech components, systems, and automation solutions designed to meet customer needs with top-tier quality and performance.
Our portfolio includes chassis technologies like steering and damping systems, axle assembly, and powertrain components for both traditional and alternative engines. We also develop body-in-white assembly systems and produce lightweight car body parts.
We cover the full value chain, from development and manufacturing to mechanical processing and system integration. Mechatronic solutions with in-house electronics and software are becoming increasingly central.
With strong technical expertise and a global footprint, we’re a trusted partner delivering real value to our customers.
The Manager – Centralized Immigration is responsible for leading and governing all U.S. employment-based immigration matters across North America through a centralized, enterprise-wide model. This role ensures compliance, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and strategic workforce planning related to visa sponsorship and global mobility.
The position replaces a decentralized immigration coordination structure with a standardized, compliant, and scalable framework. The Manager will serve as the single point of accountability for immigration program administration and governance, partnering closely with Business Unit HR leaders, external immigration counsel, global HR teams, Legal, Finance, and executive leadership. This role provides program administration, coordination, and governance; it does not provide legal advice to employees or make legal eligibility determinations, which remain with qualified immigration counsel.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Immigration Governance & Strategy
- Develop and implement a centralized immigration management framework across all North America business units.
- Establish standardized policies, workflows, and documentation protocols.
- Ensure alignment with corporate governance and global mobility standards.
- Provide executive visibility into immigration population risk and sponsorship exposure.
U.S. Employment-Based Visa Management
- Coordinate with external counsel on all employment-based immigration processes (H-1B, L-1, TN, E-2, PERM, I-140, I-485, EAD/AP renewals).
- Support and monitor compliance with USCIS, Department of Labor, and Department of Homeland Security regulations, in coordination with counsel.
- Oversee I-9 compliance and audit readiness.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Own enterprise-wide immigration compliance tracking and renewal monitoring.
- Develop dashboards with risk indicators for leadership review.
- Determine appropriate use of premium processing consistent with company policy and case-specific timing requirements, avoiding any deferral that risks a status lapse.
- Coordinate internal compliance reviews and audits with Legal/counsel.
- Maintain immigration data in accordance with company access-control, data-minimization, and retention standards, and preserve attorney-client privilege on legal communications.
Vendor & Legal Counsel Management
- Serve as primary relationship owner for external immigration law firms.
- Negotiate consolidated billing rates and service standards.
- Monitor SLAs, response times, and filing accuracy.
- Manage legal spend optimization initiatives.
Workforce Planning & Business Partnership
- Advise HR leaders on workforce planning implications related to visa timelines.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to align recruiting strategy with immigration requirements.
- Support executive decision-making regarding sponsored workforce continuity.
- Ensure sponsorship and hiring recommendations are made without regard to citizenship status or national origin, consistent with 8 U.S.C. § 1324b and Title VII.
Cross-Border Coordination
- Coordinate with global HR teams on international assignments.
- Support inbound and outbound assignment planning.
- Ensure alignment with tax, payroll, and compliance considerations.
Reporting & Executive Communication
- Develop quarterly executive summaries outlining sponsored population metrics and risk exposure.
- Present updates to senior HR leadership and Legal partners.
- Maintain confidential employee case documentation.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This position supervises Tax & Trade activities.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required (HR, Business, Legal Studies, or related field).
- Master’s degree or HR certification preferred.
- 5–8+ years of progressive experience in employment-based immigration management.
- Experience within a multi-state, multi-entity corporate structure.
- Experience partnering with external immigration counsel.
- Manufacturing or automotive industry experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of U.S. immigration compliance regulations.
- Working knowledge of Form I-9 compliance requirements.
- Experience building tracking systems and dashboards.
- Vendor contract negotiation experience.
- High level of confidentiality and professional judgment.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinker with operational discipline.
- High attention to detail and compliance orientation.
- Executive communication capability.
- Cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Exercises discretion and independent judgment on business and operational matters of significance (e.g., vendor selection, budget management, process design, and case prioritization) supporting the administrative exemption.
Travel Requirements
Limited travel (10-20%) within North America as needed.
Work Environment
- Office and/or Home Office
Physical Demands (if applicable)
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.
The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer a robust suite of benefits designed to help you thrive—health insurance, paid leave, and more. You’ll also enjoy a culture that values balance, learning, and long-term career development.