Global Consular Lead (Global Business Travel Visas)

ABOUT MANIFEST Manifest Law is one of the first AI-native corporate immigration firms, and one of the fastest-growing — proof that immigration professionals want to work this way. We handle sophisticated, high-stakes matters for global companies, with technology that removes the busywork rather than replacing the people who do the work. Manifest was built to offer the best of both worlds: the scale of a larger firm with the quality client service of a boutique. Manifest OS — the technology that powers the firm — carries much of the operational load, so our consular team spends its time where expertise matters most. We think great business visa and consular work is a craft. Knowing how a particular post actually operates, when an emergency appointment is realistic, and where the line sits between a permissible business meeting and unauthorized work takes years to master, and the people who’ve mastered it deserve a practice built around that expertise. Here, you’ll shape how that knowledge gets captured in our platform, working directly with product and engineering to turn hard-won judgment into workflows that scale. This is a role for consular leaders who want to build, not just maintain: real ownership of a global practice, the mandate to develop the processes, work the cases, design a partner network, and a front-row seat in defining what modern consular/business travel services can look like. We’re here to raise the bar, and we’re looking for the leader who will raise it with us. ABOUT THE ROLE This role leads and scales Manifest's consular services for business travelers across our global immigration practice. You'll own business visa and travel authorization filings at embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide — and serve as the firm's authoritative voice on post-specific requirements and business visitor rules. As we grow country coverage, service capacity, and our partner network, you'll be the senior leader who makes that expansion happen. You'll also collaborate with our global immigration team on multi-country travel needs tied to market entry and acquisitions. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Manage end-to-end consular filings for business, visitor, and transit visas worldwide - Develop filing strategies by nationality, residence, and destination, including emergency processing - Advise clients on business visitor permissibility and permitted activities to reduce compliance risk - Serve as the escalation point for HR, mobility, and travel management clients on timelines and requirements - Hire, train, and manage consular specialists and coordinators; set quality and turnaround standards - Build and manage a global network of in-country counsel, visa agents, and couriers - Partner with product and engineering to automate consular workflows in Manifest's platform WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Must-haves: - 7+ years of consular or business visa experience at a global immigration firm, mobility provider, or in-house team - 3+ years leading people or a consular/visa function - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical work experience - Hands-on knowledge of business visa requirements across Europe/Schengen, UK, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa - Experience managing in-country counsel and vendor networks - Clear written communication skills for non-expert audiences Nice-to-haves: - Exposure to business travel compliance programs or market entry advisory - Experience scaling a global consular or visa services function - Background working at an embassy, consulate, or visa application center - Additional language proficiency THIS IS FOR YOU IF... You want to build and own a global consular practice, not just maintain one. You thrive managing high-volume, deadline-driven work across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. You're energized by combining deep visa expertise with operational and team-building responsibilities. THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF... You prefer a narrowly scoped role without cross-functional or advisory demands. High-volume, time-sensitive caseloads feel draining rather than motivating. You're not ready to hire, develop, and hold a team accountable to clear standards.