Hiring and Sponsoring Merchandisers (SOC Code 3553)

Merchandisers, classified under SOC Code 3553, are essential professionals in the retail and supply chain sectors who play a crucial role in managing and optimizing product availability in stores. Their responsibilities encompass a variety of key functions including:

• Monitoring stock levels and managing the movement of goods to maintain optimal inventory.
• Predicting future demand through market analyses to ensure that stores are adequately stocked.
• Negotiating supply and pricing to secure favorable terms with suppliers and maintain cost-effectiveness.
• Analyzing customer requirements alongside the specific needs of individual stores to tailor product offerings.
• Collaborating with suppliers to develop a diverse and appealing product range that aligns with market trends.
• Providing detailed information about products to both retailers and sales staff, enhancing product knowledge and selling strategies.
• Consulting with advertising and sales staff to optimize product display and execution of promotions in-store.
• Delivering feedback about sales performance to senior managers to inform strategic decision-making.

Given the dynamic nature of retail, the demand for skilled merchandisers is on the rise, prompting many companies to look for talent both domestically and internationally. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in understanding the process of hiring and sponsoring merchandisers within the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Merchandisers?

SOC Code 3553 refers to merchandisers who monitor stock levels and manage the movement of goods. Their responsibilities can include:

• Monitoring stock levels: Keeping track of inventory to ensure adequate supply in stores.
• Managing goods movement: Overseeing the logistics of incoming and outgoing products to optimize inventory flow.
• Predicting future demand: Analyzing trends and data to forecast customer needs and product demand.
• Negotiating supply and pricing: Working with suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing for goods.
• Developing product ranges: Collaborating with suppliers to curate a selection of products that meet customer needs.
• Providing product information: Supplying retailers and sales staff with essential details about products to facilitate sales.
• Consulting on displays and promotions: Advising retailers on optimal product placement and promotional strategies.
• Feedback to management: Sharing sales performance insights and inventory concerns with senior managers for strategic decisions.

Merchandisers play a critical role in the retail sector, ensuring that products are available and effectively marketed to meet consumer demand and drive sales.

Eligibility to Hire Merchandisers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Merchandisers seeking to excel in their role must have relevant experience and qualifications. These may include:

• Inventory Management Expertise: Demonstrated ability to monitor stock levels, manage the movement of goods, and predict future demand effectively.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven experience in negotiating supply agreements and pricing with suppliers to ensure optimal store stocking.
• Analytical Skills: Strong capability to analyze customer requirements, organizational needs, and store-specific demands to curate a suitable product range.
• Product Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the products being sold and the ability to supply detailed information to retailers and sales staff.
• Collaborative Experience: Strong communication skills to consult and collaborate effectively with advertising and sales teams, advising on product displays and promotions.
• Reporting Abilities: Experience in providing sales feedback to senior managers to inform strategic decisions.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3553 and that the merchandiser'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 Merchandisers: 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 Merchandisers under SOC Code 3553.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Merchandisers 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 Merchandisers’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 Merchandisers 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 Merchandisers

Before the Merchandisers 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 Merchandisers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Merchandisers 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 Merchandisers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Merchandisers’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 Merchandiserss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Merchandisers

Sponsoring Merchandisers under SOC Code 3553 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 Merchandisers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Merchandisers under SOC Code 3553 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.