Hiring and Sponsoring Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture (SOC Code 1211)

Managers and Proprietors in Agriculture and Horticulture, classified under SOC Code 1211, are vital professionals who oversee the agricultural and horticultural sectors, ensuring efficient operations and sustainable practices. Their roles encompass a variety of responsibilities, which include:

• Determining financial, staffing, and other short and long-term needs to optimize productivity.
• Producing and maintaining comprehensive records of production, finances, and breeding processes to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Deciding or advising on the types of crops or produce to be grown and the livestock to be raised, enhancing agricultural output and diversity.
• Planning the intensity and sequence of farm or horticultural operations, thereby improving workflow and resource allocation.
• Ordering necessary supplies such as seed, fertilizer, equipment, and other essentials to ensure smooth operational processes.
• Marketing and arranging for the sale of crops, livestock, and other farm or horticultural produce, maximizing profitability and market reach.

With a robust agricultural industry, the demand for experienced and knowledgeable managers and proprietors continues to rise. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in understanding the procedures for hiring and sponsoring these specialists under the UK's immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture?

SOC Code 1211 refers to managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture who oversee operations within farms and horticultural enterprises. Their responsibilities can include:

• Determining financial needs: Assessing short and long-term financial requirements to ensure sustainability and growth.
• Staffing and workforce management: Recruiting, training, and managing personnel to optimize productivity.
• Record-keeping: Producing and maintaining records of production, financial transactions, and breeding cycles to monitor progress and compliance.
• Crop and livestock decisions: Advising on or deciding the types of crops to cultivate or livestock to raise based on market trends and environmental factors.
• Planning operations: Organizing the intensity and sequence of agricultural activities to maximize efficiency and output.
• Ordering supplies: Sourcing and procuring seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other necessary supplies for operations.
• Marketing produce: Developing strategies to market and arrange for the sale of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products.

Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture play a vital role in ensuring the success of farming operations, contributing to food security, economic stability, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Eligibility to Hire Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture must possess a range of skills and qualifications to successfully oversee farming operations. These include:

• Financial Management Skills: Ability to determine financial needs, prepare budgets, and maintain accurate records of production and finances.
• Staffing Expertise: Experience in assessing staffing requirements and managing personnel to ensure efficient farm operations.
• Crop and Livestock Knowledge: In-depth understanding of agricultural practices, including knowledge of various crops and livestock, to make informed decisions about what to grow or raise.
• Planning and Organizational Skills: Proven ability to plan the intensity and sequence of operations, including ordering necessary supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
• Marketing Acumen: Strong skills in marketing and sales strategies to effectively arrange for the sale of agricultural products.
• Education: While formal qualifications may not always be mandatory, a degree in agricultural science, horticulture, or a related field is often beneficial.

Ensure that the job responsibilities align with SOC Code 1211 and that the manager's experience and operational strategies meet the required expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture: 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture under SOC Code 1211.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture’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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture

Before the Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture’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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticultures.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture

Sponsoring Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture under SOC Code 1211 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 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Managers and proprietors in agriculture and  horticulture under SOC Code 1211 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.