Hiring and Sponsoring Production managers and directors in manufacturing (SOC Code 1121)

Production Managers and Directors in Manufacturing, classified under SOC Code 1121, are key professionals who ensure the efficient operation of manufacturing processes. Their responsibilities encompass a wide array of managerial tasks, including:

• Liaising with other managers to plan overall production activities and daily manufacturing schedules.
• Setting quality standards for production output and estimating timescales and costs for projects.
• Managing production to ensure that orders are completed on time, in line with customer requirements and specifications.
• Monitoring production processes and costs, while preparing necessary reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Overseeing the supervision of production lines and staff, ensuring that operational targets and objectives are consistently met.

With the steady growth of the manufacturing sector in the UK, the need for skilled production managers and directors is on the rise. This demand has led numerous companies to explore talent acquisition from international markets. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for production managers and directors under the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Production managers and directors in manufacturing?

SOC Code 1121 refers to production managers and directors in manufacturing who oversee and coordinate manufacturing operations. Their responsibilities can include:

• Liaising with other managers: Collaborating with departments to plan overall production activity and daily manufacturing tasks.
• Setting quality standards: Establishing benchmarks to ensure products meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Estimating timescales and costs: Analyzing project timelines and financial projections for effective resource allocation.
• Managing production: Ensuring that manufacturing orders are completed on schedule and conform to set standards.
• Monitoring production costs: Keeping track of expenditures and efficiency to optimize budgeting and cost management.
• Preparing reports and records: Undertaking or coordinating the documentation of production metrics and output.
• Overseeing production staff: Supervising the work of the production line team to meet operational targets and ensure productivity.

Production managers and directors play a pivotal role in the manufacturing industry, ensuring efficient processes, maintaining quality, and contributing to the organization’s overall success.

Eligibility to Hire Production managers and directors in manufacturing (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Production managers and directors in manufacturing must demonstrate leadership skills and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Experience in Manufacturing: Proven track record in production management or a related field.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to plan and coordinate overall production activities and daily manufacturing tasks effectively.
• Quality Assurance Knowledge: Familiarity with setting quality standards to ensure all products meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Cost Estimation Skills: Proficiency in estimating timescales and costs associated with production processes.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Experience in overseeing production metrics and preparing comprehensive reports and records for management analysis.
• Team Leadership: Strong leadership abilities to manage production line staff and ensure that operational targets are consistently met.
• Educational Background: A degree in industrial management, engineering, or a related field can be beneficial, although extensive on-the-job experience may suffice.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 1121 and that the candidate's experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Production managers and directors in manufacturing: 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 Production managers and directors in  manufacturing under SOC Code 1121.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Production managers and directors in manufacturing 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 Production managers and directors in manufacturing’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 Production managers and directors in  manufacturing 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 Production managers and directors in manufacturing

Before the Production managers and directors in  manufacturing 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 Production managers and directors in manufacturing’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Production managers and directors in manufacturing 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 Production managers and directors in manufacturing’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Production managers and directors in manufacturing’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 Production managers and directors in  manufacturings.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Production managers and directors in manufacturing

Sponsoring Production managers and directors in  manufacturing under SOC Code 1121 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 Production managers and directors in  manufacturing, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Production managers and directors in  manufacturing under SOC Code 1121 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.