Hiring and Sponsoring Research and development (r&d) managers (SOC Code 2161)

Research and Development (R&D) Managers, classified under SOC Code 2161, are pivotal professionals in the innovation-driven industries, overseeing and directing the research and development processes within an organization. Their responsibilities include:

• Establishing product design and performance objectives in collaboration with various business functions to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Liaising with production departments to investigate and resolve manufacturing issues, ensuring product quality and efficiency.
• Developing research methodologies, implementing comprehensive research investigations, and reporting findings to stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Planning work schedules, assigning tasks, and delegating responsibilities effectively within the R&D team to optimize productivity and creativity.
• Monitoring the standards of scientific and technical research undertaken by the research team, ensuring compliance with industry benchmarks and best practices.

With the rapid advancement of technology and innovation, the demand for skilled R&D managers continues to rise. Many organizations seek talent from overseas to tap into global expertise. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for R&D managers under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Research and development (r&d) managers?

SOC Code 2161 refers to Research and Development (R&D) Managers who oversee the innovative processes within an organization to enhance product and service offerings. Their responsibilities can include:

• Establishing product design and performance objectives: Collaborating with various business functions to define goals for new products and enhancements.
• Liaising with production departments: Investigating and resolving manufacturing issues to ensure product viability and quality.
• Developing research methodology: Creating structured approaches to conduct in-depth research and analysis to support product development.
• Implementing and reporting upon research investigations: Overseeing the research process and providing comprehensive reports on findings and progress.
• Planning work schedules: Organizing tasks and timelines for the R&D team to ensure efficient workflow and project management.
• Assigning tasks and delegating responsibilities: Distributing work among team members based on skills and project needs.
• Monitoring standards of scientific and technical research: Ensuring that all research activities adhere to established scientific and technical protocols.

R&D Managers play a critical role in driving innovation and maintaining the competitive edge of organizations by fostering a culture of research and development.

Eligibility to Hire Research and development (r&d) managers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Research and Development (R&D) Managers must possess a strong combination of leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills to effectively oversee the development of new products and solutions. The following qualifications and experience criteria are essential:

• Educational Background: A degree in engineering, physical sciences, or a related field is required; advanced degrees are preferred.
• Industry Experience: Proven experience in research and development roles, with a track record of successful product development projects.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management tools.
• Leadership Abilities: Experience in managing teams, including assigning tasks, delegating responsibilities, and motivating team members.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to liaise with production departments to identify manufacturing challenges and propose tangible solutions.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively report findings and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2161 and that the applicant's experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Research and development (r&d) managers: 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 Research and development (r&d) managers under SOC Code 2161.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Research and development (r&d) managers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Research and development (r&d) managers 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 Research and development (r&d) managers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Research and development (r&d) managers 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 Research and development (r&d) managers’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 Research and development (r&d) managers 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 Research and development (r&d) managers

Before the Research and development (r&d) managers 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 Research and development (r&d) managers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Research and development (r&d) managers 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 Research and development (r&d) managers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Research and development (r&d) managers’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 Research and development (r&d) managerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Research and development (r&d) managers

Sponsoring Research and development (r&d) managers under SOC Code 2161 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 Research and development (r&d) managers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Research and development (r&d) managers under SOC Code 2161 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.