Hiring and Sponsoring Purchasing managers and directors (SOC Code 1134)

Purchasing Managers and Directors, classified under SOC Code 1134, are essential leaders in the procurement sector who play a pivotal role in managing purchasing strategies for organizations. Their responsibilities encompass a range of critical tasks:

• Sourcing and Policy Development: Determines what goods, services, and equipment need to be sourced; devises robust purchasing policies to streamline procurement processes.
• Tender Management: Decides on whether orders should be put out to tender and evaluates suppliers’ bids to ensure competitiveness and quality.
• Negotiation and Contracts: Negotiates prices and contracts with suppliers; draws up comprehensive contract documents that protect the organization’s interests.
• Quality Assurance: Arranges for quality checks of incoming goods and ensures suppliers deliver on time, maintaining a high standard of operational efficiency.
• Supplier Engagement: Interviews suppliers’ representatives and visits trade fairs to foster relationships and remain informed about market trends.
• Research and Innovation: Researches and identifies new products and suppliers to enhance the purchasing portfolio and introduce innovative solutions.
• Legislation Compliance: Stays abreast of and ensures adherence to relevant legislation regarding tendering and procurement procedures, mitigating legal risks.

In today's competitive business environment, the demand for experienced purchasing managers and directors is on the rise, prompting many organizations to seek skilled professionals both domestically and internationally. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring purchasing managers and directors under the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Purchasing managers and directors?

SOC Code 1134 refers to purchasing managers and directors who oversee the procurement process within organizations. Their responsibilities can include:

• Determining sourcing needs: Assessing what goods, services, and equipment are necessary for the organization.
• Devising purchasing policies: Establishing guidelines and strategies for procurement activities.
• Tender management: Deciding whether orders should be put out to tender and evaluating suppliers’ bids.
• Negotiating contracts: Negotiating prices and contract terms with suppliers and preparing formal contract documents.
• Quality assurance: Arranging for quality checks of incoming goods to ensure they meet required standards.
• Meeting delivery timelines: Ensuring that suppliers deliver products on time and according to specifications.
• Supplier engagement: Interviewing suppliers’ representatives and visiting trade fairs to foster relationships and explore new opportunities.
• Market research: Researching and identifying new products and suppliers that can enhance the organization's offerings.
• Legislative compliance: Staying informed about and ensuring adherence to relevant legislation regarding tendering and procurement procedures.

Purchasing managers and directors are vital in optimizing supply chains and ensuring that organizations acquire the necessary resources efficiently and cost-effectively.

Eligibility to Hire Purchasing managers and directors (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Purchasing Managers and Directors seeking to excel in their role must demonstrate strong negotiation and analytical skills, alongside specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Experience in procurement: Proven track record in purchasing management, with several years of experience in sourcing goods and services.
• Negotiation skills: Exceptional ability to negotiate prices and contracts effectively with suppliers.
• Policy development: Experience in devising and implementing purchasing policies in alignment with organizational goals.
• Supplier evaluation: Capability to evaluate suppliers' bids and conduct quality checks on incoming goods to ensure compliance with standards.
• Industry knowledge: Familiarity with current market trends, trade fairs, and emerging products relevant to the industry.
• Legislative compliance: Understanding of procurement legislation, tendering processes, and adherence to relevant regulations.
• Education: While formal qualifications may not always be required, a degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field can be advantageous.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 1134 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 Purchasing managers and directors: 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 Purchasing managers and directors under SOC Code 1134.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Purchasing managers and directors 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 Purchasing managers and directors’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 Purchasing managers and directors 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 Purchasing managers and directors

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

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Purchasing managers and directors

Sponsoring Purchasing managers and directors under SOC Code 1134 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 Purchasing managers and directors, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Purchasing managers and directors under SOC Code 1134 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.