Hiring and Sponsoring Business sales executives (SOC Code 3552)

Business Sales Executives, classified under SOC Code 3552, are vital professionals in the commercial sector who drive sales and manage client relationships across various industries. Their role encompasses:

• Discussing customer requirements and providing expert advice on the capabilities and limitations of the goods or services being sold.
• Quoting prices, credit details, delivery dates, and payment arrangements to effectively communicate with clients and facilitate transactions.
• Arranging for delivery and installation of goods where appropriate to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Conducting follow-up visits to ensure customer satisfaction and foster long-term relationships, leading to additional orders.
• Staying updated on advancements in their product or field to suggest enhancements and improvements to the offerings.
• Maintaining records and accounts of sales made, while effectively handling customer complaints to uphold service standards.

In the UK’s competitive sales environment, the demand for skilled Business Sales Executives is on the rise, making it essential for companies to attract and retain top talent. This guide will assist HR professionals in the process of hiring and sponsoring Business Sales Executives under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Business sales executives?

SOC Code 3552 refers to business sales executives who engage with customers to facilitate the sale of products and services. Their responsibilities can include:

• Customer consultations: Discussing customer requirements and providing advice on the capabilities and limitations of goods or services.
• Quoting details: Offering quotes on prices, credit terms, delivery dates, and payment arrangements.
• Coordination: Arranging for the delivery and installation of goods when appropriate.
• Follow-up visits: Conducting follow-up visits to ensure customer satisfaction and secure additional orders.
• Market awareness: Staying informed about advances in the product field and suggesting potential improvements to products or services.
• Record maintenance: Maintaining records and accounts of sales made and addressing customer complaints.

Business sales executives play a pivotal role in driving sales growth, enhancing customer relationships, and ensuring service quality in the commercial sector.

Eligibility to Hire Business sales executives (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Business Sales Executives must demonstrate a combination of sales expertise, customer service skills, and product knowledge to effectively engage with clients and meet sales targets. The following qualifications and criteria are essential:

• Customer Interaction: Ability to discuss customer requirements and provide informed advice on the capabilities and limitations of goods or services.
• Quoting Skills: Proficiency in quoting prices, credit details, delivery dates, and payment arrangements accurately.
• Delivery Coordination: Experience in arranging delivery and installation of goods when necessary.
• Follow-Up: Commitment to making follow-up visits to ensure customer satisfaction and secure further orders.
• Industry Knowledge: Staying updated on advances in the product field and proactively suggesting possible improvements to products or services.
• Sales Records: Capability to maintain detailed records and accounts of sales made while adeptly handling customer complaints.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3552 and that the candidate's experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Business sales executives: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Business sales executives under SOC Code 3552.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Business sales executives, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Business sales executives under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Business sales executives. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Business sales executives applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Business sales executives’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Business sales executives can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Business sales executives

Before the Business sales executives begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Business sales executives’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Business sales executives holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Business sales executives’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Business sales executives’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Business sales executivess.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Business sales executives

Sponsoring Business sales executives under SOC Code 3552 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Business sales executives, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Business sales executives under SOC Code 3552 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.